The Ten Commandments: Interpretation: Resources for the Use of Scripture in the Church

by Patrick D. Miller

In this volume, Patrick D. Miller studies the Ten Commandments as ancient document and as contemporary guide. With careful attention to each commandment in its original context, this book shows the reader the modern relevance of these basic principles, as well as how the ideas of each commandment influenced the New Testament. More than an intellectual exercise, The Ten Commandments applies the call of the commandments to modern-day issues.

Westminster John Knox Press is proud to introduce an exciting new phase in the renowned Interpretation commentary series. Instead of focusing on individual books of the Bible, these new volumes will focus on the Bible's most enduring passages and most vital themes, bringing to these topics the insight and faithful wisdom that are longtime hallmarks of the Interpretation series. This expanded Interpretation series will be an excellent resource for all those who teach, preach, and study the Bible.

Genres: Biblical Studies

496 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2009

Reviews

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a thick and weighty book, offering substantial and wide-ranging insights into the Ten Commandments. Unfortunately, Patrick Miller peaks at the start. The opening section, framing how we ought to think of the Decalogue, is excellent. His treatment of the first few commandments is illuminating and transformative in the way it encourages the reader to think deeply about each one. However, the book is sadly marred by a liberal slant that becomes more pronounced as the book goes on, the most overt example being his attempt to allow at least the possibility of committed homosexual relationships within the confines of the seventh commandment. Additionally, the author himself seems to grow a bit weary of applying the exact same formula to each of the commandments.

This is not an easy or light read, and it has significant problems. Nonetheless, it has much to offer that is excellent and I would readily commend it to the serious reader. Miller's interaction with Scripture is fantastic (despite a regrettably low view of inspiration), and he does a great job of showing how the Ten Commandments permeate every part of Scripture. Even those who have memorized the WLC would benefit from reading this book and seeing how the Ten Commandments are not just found in Exodus and Deuteronomy but indeed in all of Scripture, Old and New Testaments.

[David Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

the introduction shows an author who has spent a lot of time me with the text. Miller shows interest in the text, it's development in the rest of Scripture and it's use in the history of interpretation.
For a book in this series I'd expect more exegetical detail. however the authors tracking of each commandments trajectory through Scripture was helpful.
The author is more attached to JEDP higher criticism than I'd like, but that is to be expected.
I like his citations of Luther and others in the Reformed tradition.