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Reformed Expository Commentary
Ezra & Nehemiah
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah tell a vital story of a community revived and restored by God's grace....
464 pages, Hardcover
Published October 31, 2016
17 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Derek W.H. Thomas
59 books65 followersOriginally from Wales, Dr. Derek Thomas is the John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi. After pastoring for 17 years in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Dr Thomas returned to the USA in 1996 where, in addition to his work at the seminary, he serves as the Minister of Teaching at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson.
In addition to serving in the pastorate, Derek has served as editor of the Evangelical Presbyterian, a monthly denominational magazine. A 1978 graduate of RTS, he gained a Ph.D. from the University of Wales, Lampeter, in Calvin’s preaching on the book of Job. He has written numerous books, including The Storm Breaks: Job Simply Explained, Wisdom: the Key to Living God’s Way, and God Strengthens: Ezekiel Simply Explained, Making the Most of Your Devotional Life based on the Ascent Psalms, and Praying the Savior’s Way, based on the Lord’s Prayer. Recently he published Let’s Study Revelation (Banner of Truth), Let’s Study Galatians (Banner of Truth), and Calvin’s Teaching on Job: Proclaiming the Incomprehensible God (Christian Focus). He also co-edited, Give Praise To God: A Vision for Reforming Worship (P & R).
His interests include the music of Anton Bruckner, Richard Wagner and Gustav Mahler as well as a passion for good coffee.
He has been married to his wife, Rosemary, for almost 30 years. They have two adult children, Ellen and Owen.
In addition to serving in the pastorate, Derek has served as editor of the Evangelical Presbyterian, a monthly denominational magazine. A 1978 graduate of RTS, he gained a Ph.D. from the University of Wales, Lampeter, in Calvin’s preaching on the book of Job. He has written numerous books, including The Storm Breaks: Job Simply Explained, Wisdom: the Key to Living God’s Way, and God Strengthens: Ezekiel Simply Explained, Making the Most of Your Devotional Life based on the Ascent Psalms, and Praying the Savior’s Way, based on the Lord’s Prayer. Recently he published Let’s Study Revelation (Banner of Truth), Let’s Study Galatians (Banner of Truth), and Calvin’s Teaching on Job: Proclaiming the Incomprehensible God (Christian Focus). He also co-edited, Give Praise To God: A Vision for Reforming Worship (P & R).
His interests include the music of Anton Bruckner, Richard Wagner and Gustav Mahler as well as a passion for good coffee.
He has been married to his wife, Rosemary, for almost 30 years. They have two adult children, Ellen and Owen.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 9, 2021
I am sure Derek Thomas is a faithful preacher and these are sermons given by him to his congregation. They address most aspects of these books, including occasional debates on chronology and interpretation.
Thomas works section by section and that's all well and good. Unfortunately he doesn't generally focus on the underlying reason the books are in the canon so that applications seem superficial and opportunities are not taken to explore interesting aspects in depth. Why did it matter to rebuild Jerusalem? How does Nehemiah stack up as a saviour? Why are certain Mosaic laws brought to the fore?
Overall, helpful as an introduction to these books but you will probably want to find something that digs deeper.
Thomas works section by section and that's all well and good. Unfortunately he doesn't generally focus on the underlying reason the books are in the canon so that applications seem superficial and opportunities are not taken to explore interesting aspects in depth. Why did it matter to rebuild Jerusalem? How does Nehemiah stack up as a saviour? Why are certain Mosaic laws brought to the fore?
Overall, helpful as an introduction to these books but you will probably want to find something that digs deeper.
May 1, 2024
Sometimes a bit lengthy and wordy, and sometimes feels rather speculative, but and easy read and still a great resource if wanting to study Ezra and Nehemiah further. Would recommend. (I didn't read every single chapter, but used it as a Bible Study resource).
November 20, 2021
Thomas does an excellent job of bringing applications for godly living to two historical books of the Bible that can otherwise easily overwhelm the reader with facts and minutiae.
January 16, 2022
Good solid work, but a bit lite. Left some things out and could have gone a bit deeper
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews