
JaySklar
Libraries


















Reviews
“Leviticus” in Genesis–Numbers. ESVEC. Crossway, 2025.
Palmer does today what Wenham did in 1979: provide us with a commentary on Leviticus that gives insight into the exegetical details while maintaining a strong focus on the big picture of biblical theology. It is clear, beautifully written, and connects the ancient text to the believer's life today, especially by showing how Leviticus connects to the person and work of Jesus.
*I edited this commentary for the ESVEC series.
1–2 Chronicles. SGBC. Zondervan, 2023.
Kaminski's commentary on Chronicles is superb. Clearly written, theologically deep, with a keen eye to how this ancient text applies to the modern reader. Even when handling the genealogies, Kaminski is able to help the reader see the most important points clearly and accessibly. This is such a helpful commentary!!
Philippians: Rejoicing and thanksgiving. FB. Christian Focus, 2012.
David Chapman is a world-class scholar. (His works on crucifixion are some of the best published today.) In this commentary, his skills as a scholar, and his ability to communicate in a non-scholarly way, are both on clear display. The result is a superb commentary with numerous strengths.
- It is written very clearly. There is a minimum of technical jargon, and the prose is lucid and easy to follow.
- It is well-researched and yet non-technical. It is very clear that Chapman has interacted deeply with the Greek text, yet he explains things in such a way that those who do not know Greek are able to follow along and understand. He also provides “Additional Notes” at times that go into further discussion on debated issues present in the secondary literature.
- It is concise. It does not get bogged down in discussion of the secondary literature. It is certainly aware of the discussion (see previous point), and those familiar with the debates will see Chapman providing support for where he lands on various issues, but he focuses on the text itself and how it should be understood.
- It is pastorally sensitive. The commentary series he is writing for does not intend for commentators to have in-depth discussion of matters of application, but Chapman provides guidance in such matters all along the way. The commentary does not go more than a page or two without pausing in some way to help the reader think of what the implications of the letter are for Christian living today.
In short, this is a well-researched commentary that will give you a clear explanation of the text in a pastorally sensitive way. It will provide guidance in terms of debates in the secondary literature without getting bogged down in the details. In terms of a concise and lucid explanation of Philippains, it will be hard to do better.
Exodus. SGBC. Zondervan, 2021.
This commentary is simply excellent. Exegetically sound, theologically and pastorally aware, and crystal clear, it explains the text well and has good discussion of application to today’s context. Outstanding!
[Full Review]