A Brief Book Notice from Books At a Glance
Peter Leithart, a respected theologian known for his ability to communicate to a broad audience, offers a theological reading of 1 and 2 Chronicles. Leithart uncovers the narrative logic of Chronicles, highlights the role of music and government in Israel and in the church, and shows how Judah’s history moves from the world of the monarchy to the postexilic world in which Israel is scattered among Gentiles. This commentary is designed to serve the church, providing a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups.
About the Author:
Peter J. Leithart (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) is president of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of many books including Defending Constantine, Traces of the Trinity, and Gratitude: An Intellectual History. He is a blog writer and columnist for firstthings.com, and he has published articles in many periodicals, both popular and academic. Ordained in the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), Leithart pastored Reformed Heritage Presbyterian Church (now Trinity Presbyterian Church) in Birmingham, Alabama, and Trinity Reformed Church in Moscow, Idaho. He and his wife, Noel, have ten children and twelve grandchildren.
Endorsements:
“Leithart has done an admirable job. . . . While the brevity of his comments has forced him to remain succinct, the profundity of his theological observations does not suffer. . . . Leithart presents a reading that avoids the pitfalls of critical methodologies. For one who reads about and teaches the Old Testament for a living, the book at hand offers a refreshing read. . . . Leithart’s theological conclusions about the book of Kings are diverse and interesting. . . . For the biblical scholar, this volume is a fitting reminder that the text should be read holistically and theologically. . . . For the pastor, Leithart’s commentary will provide a succinct summary of each chapter or section that is most helpful in preaching through the book. For the theologian, Leithart has shown how even the book of Kings makes weighty theological statements based upon a text-imminent, Christian reading of the book. Moreover, for all, it is a delightful read.”
—Randall L. McKinion, Review of Biblical Literature
“In an easily accessible style, Leithart interweaves an entertaining rehearsal of the biblical story while expanding on themes that relate to Christian theology and practice. . . . Both content and structure contribute to the value of the commentary for sermon-preparation and lay use. . . . [Leithart’s] aspiration of bringing the OT to the church as an ongoing source of revelation is refreshing. In a discipline felt by many to have become increasingly distant from the church, theology, and even exegesis, biblical studies is in need of ‘reform.’ Like Elijah, Leithart is attempting to address the problem from within, rather than casting aspersions from a distance. For this, as well as for his engaging style and challenging observations, his contribution is welcome.”
—Amber Warhurst, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
“Leithart made me feel like I was enjoying the best of academic scholarship, linguistic analysis, literary insights, historical reflections, and thoughtful applications to contemporary Christian discipleship. 1 & 2 Kings begins with Solomon’s ascension to power and ends with Judah’s banishment to Babylon, which means that Leithart makes a panoramic sweep of roughly 400 years of salvation history in Israel.”
—Daniel B. Clendenin, journeywithjesus.net
The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible enlists leading theologians to read and interpret scripture creedally for the twenty-first century, just as the church fathers, the Reformers, and other orthodox Christians did for their times and places. 1 & 2 Chronicles, like each commentary in the series, is designed to serve the church and to demonstrate the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible.
Praise for 1 & 2 Chronicles in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible
“Leithart has established himself as a sensitive, close reader of the biblical text, guided by the richness of the Christian theological tradition. This commentary is an adroit and refreshing attempt to weave together these two talents.”
—Gary A. Anderson, University of Notre Dame
“With his customary flair, Leithart opens up both the structure and the typology of 1 & 2 Chronicles, offering significant assistance to any preacher who seeks to proclaim the good news from this difficult text. Leithart is especially illuminating regarding the Chronicler’s theology of music and the implications of that theology for the practice of worship. By demonstrating the centrality of worship to the narrative of Chronicles, Leithart also shows the coherence of the entire narrative. This commentary will be a helpful addition to the library of any pastor, especially those responsible for the worship life of their congregations.”
—Laura A. Smit, Calvin College
Praise for Leithart’s 1 & 2 Kings in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible
“Leithart’s work [is] stimulating in its unabashedly theological interpretive stance. Such a starting point for the exegetical task inquires differently of the text and renders fresh applications and observations. The two disciplines of biblical and theological studies can only benefit from cross-disciplinary engagement and, certainly, Leithart demonstrates that both disciplines can be used critically and in service of the Church.”
—Lissa M. Wray Beal, Toronto Journal of Theology