Anchored in Christ

The newest volume in the Kregel Exegetical Library collection is A Commentary on Exodus by Duane A. Garrett of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Like other volumes in this series, this commentary is an in-depth treatment of Exodus that addresses many scholarly concerns while also providing material helpful for preaching and teaching Exodus.

The first things readers will note is that Garrett has done his homework when it comes to Egyptian history. His attention to the Egyptian context takes up most of the 150-page introduction to the book and covers several scholarly issues (like the dating of the Exodus). Each portion of text includes a translation by the author (with technical footnotes), a structure of the passage, a verse-by-verse commentary, and a theological summary of key points.

Garrett shares on the importance of Exodus in the Old Testament:

Exodus is the beginning of everything that is distinctively Israelite, and it is the fountainhead of most of the literature of the Old Testament that follows, including the rest of Torah, all of the Prophets, and a good deal of the Writings.

Exodus is also foundational for the New Testament because it tells of God saving His people from bondage and establishing a relationship with Him. Because of Exodus’ importance in both the Old and New Testaments, a good commentary will connect Exodus to the large contexts of both Testaments, and show how the Old and New tell the story of God saving sinners in Jesus Christ. Garrett does both. His explanations of Old Testament connections and New Testament fulfillments connect the book to both Testaments and show the relevance of this book to all of the Scriptures.

I found what I read in A Commentary on Exodus very helpful due to his insights from the text, Christ-centeredness, and relevant applications for 21st century Christians. His clarity and evangelical conviction make the book, even when he deals with textual issues, an enjoyable read for a reference book. Scholars will enjoy the many special topics covered and his well-documented research. Preachers will appreciate Garrett’s pastoral heart and relevant application.