Focus on the Bible – serie

The Prophet in Exile: Understanding God's Justice and RestorationEzekiel: A Prophet in Exile by Scott Redd offers readers an accessible yet profound exploration of one of Scripture's most complex prophetic books. Written for both scholars and lay readers, this commentary illuminates Ezekiel's unique voice during Israel's darkest hour—the Babylonian exile.Redd masterfully guides readers through Ezekiel's stunning visions, from the divine chariot-throne to the valley of dry bones, revealing how these dramatic images communicate timeless truths about God's holiness, justice, and redemptive love. The book demonstrates how Ezekiel's message of judgment against Jerusalem's corruption simultaneously offers hope for restoration to the faithful remnant in exile.What sets this commentary apart is its clear connection between Ezekiel's ancient prophecies and their fulfillment in Christ. Redd shows how the prophet's vision of a restored temple, a good shepherd, and streams of living water find their ultimate meaning in Jesus and the church.The Focus on the Bible series commentaries are popular–level commentaries, especially helpful for pastors and small group leaders. They are useful for personal devotions and spiritual growth. Many of the authors of the commentaries are leading expositors of God’s Word on their speciality subjects. The series holds to the inerrancy of scripture and the uniqueness of Christ in salvation.Whether you're struggling to understand Ezekiel's bizarre symbolic actions or seeking encouragement during your own season of exile, this book provides both scholarly insight and pastoral wisdom. Redd proves that Ezekiel's message of hope emerging from judgment remains powerfully relevant for God's people today.

2 Kings provides a fast–paced narrative of insight into the history of Israel under its monarchy. This book is a continuation of the narrative begun in 1 Samuel, and continued through 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. Ralph finishes it off with a captivating and rewarding journey through 2 Kings.Written between 561 BC and 538 BC, 2nd Kings gives us a warning about the consequences of sin, especially the catastrophic repercussions of Israel’s love affair with idolatry.Through prophets such as Elisha and Elijah we see God’s compassion for his people and the opportunity for repentance. An opportunity spoilt by Judah, climaxing with the subjugation of the kingdom by the Babylonians.Illuminating, accessible and laced with his unique sense of humour, Davis’ practical devotional expository applies events to the contemporary reader providing parallels to alert us in the 21st century.

Is God worthy of worship only because He blesses us? How should we respond to God when suffering comes into our lives? At the heart of the book of Job is a question about the character of God - and about how we should respond to Him. In this most recent title of the extensive Focus on the Bible series, Richard Belcher expertly deals with the difficult themes of this practical book, showing how it is still acutely applicable to the lives of believers.

Exodus is the story of the first redemption of God’s people for Himself. Starting with a people enslaved and oppressed, seemingly forgotten by their God, it culminates with the Tabernacle. God had chosen His people, setting them apart from the other nations: His kingdom of priests. Exodus forms the sub–structure of the Old Testament – and points at every stage to the coming Messiah of the New Testament.

Ruth and Esther, the only two biblical books that centre on the lives of women, display the hand of a God who works in the lives of individuals to bring about his plan for the salvation of many. Ruth is an outsider who finds a home among the people of God and whose descendants include not only King David, but David’s greater son, Christ the King of Kings. While Ruth’s story focuses through the mundane dynamics of a peasant family, Esther’s story plays out in the palace precincts of a despotic king. While God’s name is famously never mentioned, we see his handiwork in each twist and turn of the narrative.He uses improbable means and improbable individuals to save His people, and we see that God is on His throne. Focus on the Bible commentaries are popular level commentaries especially useful for pastors and small group leaders. They are also useful for personal devotions and spiritual growth. The series holds to the inerrancy of scripture and the uniqueness of Christ in salvation.

Esteemed biblical scholar Dale Ralph Davis examines the treasure to be found in Luke’s gospel. His humor and love for his Saviour shine through in this addition to the Focus on the Bible series. Taking a few verses at a time, the exegesis draws the reader into the fascination that Luke has for this man Jesus. Volume one covers chapters 1–13 of Luke, while volume two covers chapters 14–24.

This layman’s commentary on the gospel of Luke will encourage you to take a fresh look at what can feel like a very familiar book. Let Dale Ralph Davis to guide you through Luke’s investigation into the man Jesus, who has come to seek and to save the lost. Following on from volume one, this book picks up at the beginning of chapter 14 and includes a number of Jesus’ parables, as well as his crucifixion and resurrection.

Matthew was a tax collector, a disgrace to his people.But Jesus, in his grace, called him to be a disciple and to write a book about him for his own people, the Jews. The central theme of Matthew is two–fold:Jesus is the fulfilment of the promises in the Hebrew Scriptures and Jesus is the Messiah. John D. Hannah’s valuable contribution to the Focus on the Bible series is a layman’s commentary to this crucial book. Moving through the book, he shows how Matthew records the claims of Jesus to be King,and the rejection of Jesus as King.

Former Principal of London Seminary, Philip Eveson, shows the unchanging relevance of the book of Chronicles for us today. In today’s world, when Old Testament books like Chronicles are denied as being historically inaccurate, Eveson constantly shows us that the opposite is true. Throughout the commentary, he not only argues that it is free from historical error, but God–breathed, and therefore able to make us wise for salvation. Far from being irrelevant to the modern reader, Eveson brings helpful, insightful application from the Biblical narrative. Eveson’s commentary is split over two volumes: Volume one containing 1 Chronicles and Volume two containing 2 Chronicles. However, he reminds us that 1 and 2 Chronicles are one undivided book and they should be read as such. The genealogical line that the chronicler wrote of all looked to the Messiah. In reading Chronicles, so should we. The commentary is appropriate for all Christians who desire to see their Lord in all the scriptures. Eveson helpfully includes an application section with each passage that shows how it points to Jesus. This book will be helpful to any readers who are seeking to find a deeper understanding of the books of Chronicles.

Former Principal of London Seminary, Philip Eveson, shows the unchanging relevance of the book of Chronicles for us today. In today’s world, when Old Testament books like Chronicles are denied as being historically inaccurate, Eveson constantly shows us that the opposite is true. Throughout the commentary, he not only argues that it is free from historical error, but God–breathed,and therefore able to make us wise for salvation. Far from being irrelevant to the modern reader, Eveson brings helpful, insightful application from the Biblical narrative. Eveson’s commentary is split over two volumes: Volume one containing 1 Chronicles and Volume two containing2 Chronicles. However, he reminds us that 1 and 2 Chronicles are one undivided book and they should be read as such.  The genealogical line that the chronicler wrote of all looked to the Messiah. In reading Chronicles,so should we. The commentary is appropriate for all Christians who desire to see their Lord in all the scriptures. Eveson helpfully includes an application section with each passage that shows how it points to Jesus.  This book will be helpful to any readers who are seeking to find a deeper understanding of the books of Chronicles.

Eric C.Redmond traces the servant ministry of Jesus in the gospel of Mark, revealing him as the authoritative Son of God in this Focus on the Bible layman’s commentary. ·      Part of the Focus on the Bible series of commentaries for laypeople·      Examines text passage by passage·      Reveals overall themes and key points·      Reflective questions with each chapter Although the shortest of the gospel accounts, the book of Mark is not lacking in rich content. Written to a largely non–Jewish audience, it arose from a need for a quickly written, simple account of the life of Christ that affirmed his deity. Eric C. Redmond, Professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, opens up this fast–moving book for us and highlights the key points about Jesus’ life which Mark emphasises.  Mark shows how the servant ministry of Jesus reveals him as the authoritative Son of God to those who have simple faith in him,granting them entrance into the kingdom of God, and calling them to like service in the way of God.  The Focus on the Bible series commentaries are popular–level commentaries, especially helpful for pastors and small group leaders. They are useful for personal devotions and spiritual growth. Many of the authors of the commentaries are leading expositors of God’s Word on their speciality subjects. The series holds to the inerrancy of scripture and the uniqueness of Christ in salvation. Whether you are preparing a Bible study or just seeking a deeper understanding of the gospel of Mark this book will be a great help to you.

Renowned Bible teacher Dale Ralph Davis brings the ancient texts of Ezra and Nehemiah to life with clarity and insight in this Focus on the Bible commentary Ezra & Nehemiah: The Quest for Restoration is perfect for anyone seeking to understand the profound messages within these often–overlooked books of the Old Testament.Davis masterfully navigates the historical and theological contexts of Ezra and Nehemiah, two pivotal figures who played crucial roles in the restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile. He steers us through these two books and shows how they reveal God’s unwavering faithfulness towards His people.Through the reconstruction of the Jerusalem temple, the renewal of the covenant, and the rebuilding of the city’s walls, Davis brings the nuances of the text to light.With his signature blend of scholarly depth, engaging prose and humor, Davis demystifies the complexities of these texts, offering practical applications for today’s world.Ezra & Nehemiah: The Quest for Restoration is an invaluable resource for individuals, study groups, and church communities alike. Whether you are new to Bible study or a seasoned reader, Dale Ralph Davis’s commentary will enrich your understanding and inspire a deeper appreciation for these powerful biblical narratives.The Focus on the Bible series consists of popular–level commentaries especially helpful for pastors and small group leaders. They are useful for personal devotions and spiritual growth. Many of the authors of the commentaries are leading expositors of God’s Word on their speciality subjects. The series holds to the inerrancy of scripture and the uniqueness of Christ in salvation.

In the message of Hosea we see the passion of God. We see the jealousy of God, the commitment of God, the heartbreak of God, the enthusiasm of God, the love of God. People often talk about what they feel about God. Hosea tells us what God feels about us. It is the author’s prayer that as we explore the message of Hosea the Spirit of God would reveal God’s passion so that He stirs our passion: our jealousy for God, our commitment to God, our heartbreak at sin, our enthusiasm to serve, our love for the lost.

Disaster and Deliverance, these two words sum up something of the message of both Joel and Obadiah. In Joel, the prophet begins by announcing a disaster in terms of a locust invasion, which has affected Judah. This, however, is but the pretext for warning of an even greater disaster on the horizon for Judah. Nevertheless, the prophet holds out the prospect of deliverance. In the case of Obadiah, the focus is on Edom. Edom's pride and longstanding hostility against the people of God has led her to be party to an attack upon them, and as a result, she is threatened with disaster. The people of God, meanwhile, are assured of better things at the hand of the LORD.These two prophets and their message of disaster and deliverance will both challenge and reassure all who have ears to hear.

This exposition is rooted first in a thorough analysis of the Hebrew text, employing helpful insights from archaeology and linguistics, and second in the major theological and literary themes discovered in each section. Finally the author brings the fragments together in an expository treatment ‘that is not ashamed to stoop to the level of application.’

Have we misjudged the book of Judges?The Church has a problem with Judges; it is so earthy,puzzling, primitive and violent so much so that the Church can barely stomach it. Removing it from its category of embarrassing scripture, trusted Bible teacher Dale Ralph Davis makes Judges digestible.  Providing a theocentric exposition, this sharp and succinct commentary analyses the major literary and theological themes discovered in each section.

1 Kings is a continuation of a narrative of the history of Israel which begins in 1 Samuel and continues through into 1 & 2 Kings.While we so often struggle with the events and issues of the book of 1st Kings, Ralph Davis helps us to see how it we can apply to the contemporary settings of the 21st century. As usual Ralph Davis uses pastoral application and laces it with his own sense of humour. He is noted for tackling scholarship head on.

Davis brings cultural and historical colour to the task of interpreting one of the most studied parts of the Bible. The lessons in 2 Samuel from the life of Israel, and David in particular, have obvious modern parallels. Davis writes with a pastor’s heart AND the incisive brain of a respected theologian specialising in the Old Testament texts.

It is ironical that a book called ‘the revelation’ remains probably the most obscure of all the books of the Bible. Many Christians have never ventured further than the first 3 chapters and others have studied its intricacies and the split churches that resulted wished that they hadn’t!For those who already love the book of Revelation this commentary will take you a little deeper and stimulate thinking about how the teaching should be applied to the modern church.Paul Gardner is also the author of Ephesians: Encouragement and Joy in Christ (ISBN 978–1–84550–264–5) and 1&2 Peter and Jude (ISBN 978–1–78191–129–7)in the Focus on the Bible commentary series.

These prophets were writing in the time period 7th to 8th Century BC. Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah were all writing towards the end of the 7th Century BC. Micah’s is the oldest prophecy here, he was a contemporary of Isaiah, Jonah came in between at the start of the 7th Century.The major prophetic themes of the destruction of Israel’s enemies, the judgement of God upon Israel when she turns from him, and the peace that would result from living in harmony with God, are all here. There is also Messianic and future prophetic themes – such as the eternal reign of a king from the line of David (Micah) and the destruction of Jerusalem (Zephaniah). This fascinating period of Bible history is full of drama, wisdom and insight.This book is an extended edition of his previous commentary ‘God’s Just Demands’ about the first three prophets in the current title.

The Apostle Paul has a deep-seated joy in Christ. He is content whether he is in want or plenty and yes even in the face of great suffering and persecution. His life exemplifies what it means to live a Christ-like life full of devotion and joy. There is no better place to go to find an autobiography and indeed the theology of Paul than the book of Philippians. It is here we see his focus on Christ and his pastoral concern and spiritual feeling for the people at Philippi. David Chapman skilfully unpacks the book of Philippians and provides us with some personal reflection questions which help us to apply it to our lives.

First Corinthians is Paul’s masterly pastoral letter to a church, which he founded five years earlier, but which in the meantime has lost its way. In Ephesus Paul was visited by various groups from Corinth bringing disturbing reports of recent developments, but also a list of questions. A little sleuthing helps us recover an idea of the problems in Corinth as well as the questions to which they wanted answers. A less imaginative person may have simply addressed the problems and replied to the questions, but not Paul. Paul discerned in the problems and the questions five underlying issues. He has arranged his letter as a series of sermons – True Wisdom (1–4), Sexual Holiness (5–7), Temple Attendance (8–10), Behaviour at Church Meetings (11–14), Resurrection Hope (15). This letter is both timely and timeless. It was, doubtless, piercingly relevant for the Corinthians as they sat transfixed listening as it was read to them. But the letter continues to challenge readers today as they apply its principles to life in an increasingly unstable and hostile world – as Corinth was.

Amos had no claim to fame. He was not even a son of a prophet. Neither had he had any formal training to be a prophet. Yet God called him out from a career of overseeing Herdsman. He was sent out from the south to bring the Lord’s message to Samaria in the Northern Kingdom. Amos called to speak at the time of national disunity; military superiority; economic prosperity and religious activity. Amos brings home the idea of a famine. However it is not food the people lack like we might expect but there is a famine of the Word of God. Through this study we will be reminded of the importance of the Word of God in our lives.

Genesis provides us with a foundation for correctly understanding the world. Within Genesis, the character and the role of human beings within the world God has created is revealed. In reading Genesis we find on every occasion, in his dealings with mankind, God steps in by his grace and demonstrates that he is in control.

The Thessalonian epistles give us relevant glimpses of the churches earliest times. When looking at the early church many contemporary questions arise such as ‘What is true Gospel?’ ‘How do you plant a church?’ These are questions that exercise our modern church just as much as the historic Thessalonian one.  Paul’s first letter was written to encourage and reassure the Christians in Thessolonica. He gives thanks for their faith and love; reminds them of his example on godly living and answers questions about the return of Christ. In his second letter we find Paul still dealing with confusion over the return of Christ, especially with those that believed that the Lord’s coming had already arrived. He also shows that evil and wickedness will reach a crescendo under the leadership of a mysterious figure called ‘the wicked one’. He tells them to remain steady in all that they have learnt.  These timeless letters provide up–to–date answers from a consecrated church, shepherded by godly men devoted to God and to his word.  Mayhue’s skill in interpreting the text accurately but with humour and modern parallels comes through in this fascinating commentary.

Davis brings cultural and historical colour to the task of interpretation and adds a pastor’s heart for personal application. You will find a point of contact with the lives of Samuel, Saul, Jonathan and David as Davis answers the question ‘What does God seek when he looks on the heart?’ Davis presents simple exposition of the literary and theological character of the text in a bright and fascinating way.

Isaiah has been called the ‘fifth gospel’. Why? Because in it God speaks through his prophet of his people’s departure from truth, the need for repentance and the redemption provided by a coming saviour. Isaiah’s imagery is some of the most beautiful, and terrifying, in the Bible.It was written in the 8th century BC at a time of material prosperity. This wealth had brought increased literacy and so God’s people could be brought back by a book of 66 chapters to understand a world that had spiritual, as well as physical, dimensions.This is a key Old Testament book, as well as charting a key change in the life of God’s people it provides some of the most important prophecies fulfilled only in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Its lessons for the contemporary church are particularly apt.Too often modern commentaries become a discussion between commentators rather than an exploration of what the text has to say to contemporary readers. Allan Harman’s methods follow those of Leon Morris and Allan McRae in that he devotes most of his energy to discovering what God is saying through his prophet, rather than what we are saying amongst ourselves.

A Psalm is basically a poem set to music and sung. For centuries the Psalms would have been the most familiar part of scripture to people who had no access to books. They are not only an integral part of the shared experience of the church but they also communicate God’s guidance to this world, reveal his character and encourage his people.In his previous volume Eric taught us about the first three books of the Psalms (Psalms 1 to 89). In it he introduced us to the staggering range of subjects covered in the Psalms.This volume continues his exposition with the last two books of the Psalms (90 to 150) – which includes the earliest Psalm (Psalm 90 – attributed to Moses), and the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120 to 134). Each of these two books ends with their own doxologyThis collection of Psalms is ancient – as least as old as the second or third century B.C. It is not chronological, nor even grouped according to author. The style is predominantly praise but the Psalms also include prayers, complaints – and even curses.This volume also contains an appendix, giving a suggested chronological order for the Psalms. All of which makes this a fascinating book to seek guidance from – with the experienced help of Eric Lane.Eric is also the author of Proverbs – Everyday Wisdom for Everyone in the Focus on the Bible commentary series.