The JPS Torah Commentary: Exodus

by Nahum M. Sarna

The JPS Torah Commentary series guides readers through the words and ideas of the Torah. Each volume is the work of a scholar who stands at the pinnacle of his field. Every page contains the complete traditional Hebrew text, with cantillation notes, the JPS translation of the Holy Scriptures, aliyot breaks, Masoretic notes, and commentary by a distinguished Hebrew Bible scholar, integrating classical and modern sources. Each volume also contains supplementary essays that elaborate upon key words and themes, a glossary of commentators and sources, extensive bibliographic notes, and maps.

Genres: Judaism, Theology, Religion, Reference, Biblical Studies

310 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Nahum Mattathias Sarna (Hebrew: נחום סרנא; March 27, 1923 – June 23, 2005) was a modern biblical scholar who is best known for the study of Genesis and Exodus represented in his Understanding Genesis (1966) and in his contributions to the first two volumes of the JPS Torah Commentary (1989/91). He was also part of the translation team for the Kethuvim section of the Jewish Publication Society's translation of the Bible, known as New Jewish Publication Society of America Version.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nahum Sarna is a gentleman and a scholar. I loved this commentary.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent source of material for a class that I taught on Exodus. Historical background as well as theological context for the beginning of the state of Israel. Particularly enjoyed the in depth discussion of the Laws and Pact / Covenant. Considers the reasons for the descriptive exaggerations in the text. A good resource for those who wish to explore the Torah.

[Michael Lewyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Sarna's Genesis commentary, this book seeks to both discuss traditional Jewish scholarship and to place the Torah in historical and scientific perspective. For example, in discussing the story of the ten plagues of Egypt, Sarna discusses possible natural explanations for the plagues.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating!