Ezekiel

Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching

by Joseph Blenkinsopp

This major work explores the message and meaning of Ezekiel, one of the longest and most difficult of the prophetic books. An introduction explains what is involved in reading a prophetic book, and how the book of Ezekiel was put together and structured. It looks at the form of speech used and discusses Ezekiel's author and those who transmitted, edited, and enlarged upon what he had to say. The destruction of Jerusalem is a primary concern, and attention is focused on the political and social situation of the time in order to provide a clear understanding of the political and religious crisis facing the prophet's contemporaries.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Religion

242 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1990

Reviews

[Russrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Interpretation series is among my favourites. As ever, this commentary within this series, offers a great mix of context, text, comment on the text. Ezekiel is one of those books where the right commentary can open the text to us and open us up to the text at the same time. Blenkonsopp more than delivers.

[Jerome · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blenkinsopp's recognition of the connecting links within the book is helpful, but his historical-critical presuppositions give a steady diet of uncertainty and speculation.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical-critical, heavy on the critical, commentary on Ezekiel.

While the Interpretation series generally does feature some contetxtual, often historical-critical commentary, it generally does so with a view to application, since it's designed for pastors.

Well, Blenkinsopp is the author here, and there's not a whole lot of application, but there is a whole lot of historical-critical comments.

There are strengths to this approach. Blenkinsopp brings in the ancient Near Eastern context very well, and helps the reader understand Ezekiel's world and the power of his message in that world.

But there's corresponding weaknesses. I thought Blenkinsopp spent a bit too much time in his Anchor Bible Isaiah commentaries attempting to pick apart different authors and editors, and I can see from this commentary that this is apparently his thing. Even though Ezekiel is pretty consistent throughout, if there could possibly be a question of a later addition, Blenkinsopp is there. Even when there's no real reason to question the authorship of a text, sadly, Blenkinsopp will be there doing so.

His denial of Ezekiel being mute save for words of YHWH from the narrative moment of Ezekiel 4 to Ezekiel 33 is baffling and not well argued. His handling of Gog, though, is very good.

There is value in this commentary as long as you can overlook the overly critical disposition of the author.