Deuteronomy

New International Biblical Commentary

by Christopher J.H. Wright

Section by section exposition with key terms and phrase highlighted and all Hebrew transliterated. A seperate section of notes at the close of each chapter provides additional textual and technical comments. Each commentary also includes a selected bibliography as well as Scripture and subject indexes. This set is for serious and general readers alike. Wright is Principal of All Nations Christian College in England. His Ph.D. is from Cambridge University. "This is a volume that moves the art of Old Testament commentary forward. His vigour of style and argument makes it more than mere commentary, but a work of theology itself. In Chris Wright, Deuteronomy has found an exponent who has shown its power and relevance to the modern world, and who even borrows some of its passion in his own writing."
—Gordon McConville, Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education

Genres: Biblical Studies, Theology, Reference, Religion, Christian, Old Testament

350 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1994

About the author

Christopher J.H. Wright, (born 1947) is a Anglican clergyman and an Old Testament scholar. He is currently the director of Langham Partnership International. He was the principal of All Nations Christian College. He is an honorary member of the All Souls Church, Langham Place in London, UK.

Reviews

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was superb. A genuinely excellent commentary, and a very readable one. Rare balance - though perhaps typical Wright - of exegesis and application. Good BT woven throughout. Additional notes often helpful and crucially not disrupting flow.

[Daniel Addo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This is a great commentary! Very accessible especially for a book like Deuteronomy. I love how much is given to highlighting the social inclusiveness of Yahweh worship and the gracious context in which Israel was called to obey! I will use this reference and recommend it any day anytime!

[Kevin Driskill · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing look at an amazing book. The story of a pivotal time in the history of Israel, and the world. The book of Deuteronomy represents the pinnacle of Jewish literature and shines in poetry beauty and significance. This perspective and analysis is awe-inspiring.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wright is really good when it comes to ethics. He is less good at getting deep in the weeds of the text, though part of that is the nature of this commentary series. All in all an excellent commentary. I consistently drew from it as I was teaching through Deuteronomy.

[Ian Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a stimulating read, taking me through Deuteronomy on a daily basis. Some real insights into the structure of the text and challenging application for mission and Christian life

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an EXCELLENT and accessible commentary to the book of Deuteronomy. Highly recommended!

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing resource. I learned so much.

[Kara Stepp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, helpful commentary

Wright continually emphasizes the previous grace of Yahweh and the call for the people to respond in obedience. Such a good commentary to work through.

[Zee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a good balance of the deep and practical with a penchant for application across the OT and NT. Highly accessible though not as deep as I had hoped given the high rating. Often handles paragraphs together in a way that frequently misses key verses and potential questions.

“The mission of Israel was to be a model to the nations. Mission was not a matter of going but of being…” (13)

“…it is Yahweh who defines what monotheism means, not a concept of monotheism that defines how Yahweh should be understood.” (97)

[John Hayward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful and challenging

[Tai-Wei Hu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful commentary...

This is among the best commentaries out there for Deuteronomy. Wright is a clear and concise writer, and he provided good references to both OT and NT verses to place the teachings of Deuteronomy adequately in the Bible.

[Jamie Thomson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christopher J. H. Wright presents an excellent big-picture commentary on Deuteronomy. In keeping with the format of the “Understanding the Bible Commentary Series”, Wright devotes a chapter to each section of Deuteronomy in order to develop the overarching themes and not get lost in the details of word studies and the like. The latter, along with any discussions of the documentary hypothesis are kept to the end notes of each chapter. In so doing, he is able to explain what ties the sections together, both internally and within the context of the whole book. This is particularly helpful when Deuteronomy takes one of its many seemingly random meanderings through various laws. Wright is able to show how these laws interact with each other and why they are placed where they are.

Wright’s greatest strength is his structural analysis. In his introduction he shows the various ways that Deuteronomy can be divided and presents compelling arguments for each, finally arriving at the conclusion that all are ?? and should be taken into consideration as the text is read through. This provides a framework for understanding the text as a whole and a context for each individual part.

Overall, Wright shows the literary beauty of Deuteronomy while emphasising its applicable nature as the inspired word of God.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I might have rated it lower, but I don't feel strongly about books like this. It's just not what's helpful. I realize there are dangers in books that go off in weird directions and the importance of reliable scholarship. That said, a commentary should tell you things you did not already know. It should make the text weird. He has occasional insights, particularly about the graciousness of the law and social justice, but he seems a bit mushy on predestination and (more important to my mind) leaves the impression that Deuteronomy is rambling. I don't know how I feel about Jordan's 10 Cs outline, but at least it's unexpected.

So, thank you, I'll read Deuteronomy next time.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent; prompted me to buy "OT Ethics for the People of God" by same author.
A review there says, "Some faithful readers struggle through its (OT's) pages and conclude that they must obey its moral laws but may disregard its ceremonial and civil laws. Others abandon its teaching altogether in favor of a strictly New Testament ethic. Neither option, argues Chris Wright, gives the Old Testament its due," but all that applies to his handling of Deuteronomy as well...very appreciated as a Messianic Believer pursuing a Torah lifestyle.

[Davin · Rating 5 out of 5]

a book worth having. Chris Wright skillfully combines theological reflection and scholarly acumen witheasy to understand English for the contemporary reader. A good intermediary commentary for pastors, teachers and students alike.

[Maer]

To-Read

[Christopher Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

solid

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding.

[wyclif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent devotional commentary.

[Brian Rhea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rich, theologically stimulating commentary that highlights Deuteronomy's compassionate care for the marginalized.