Christian Focus

Tiberius Rata's work on Ezra-Nehemiah should be warmly received by pastors and teachers. His commentary is clear and to the point, yet he discusses some problems at length, furnishing thoughtfulness and insight for solutions. His viewpoint is solidly orthodox and reverent. His high view of Scripture and of the God of Scripture is reflected throughout the work. His work demonstrates competent scholarship and conveys a pastor's heart-the work of a pastor scholar. His outlines and comments are helpful for understanding the flow ofthe historical narrative and are suggestive for sermon preparation. He provides useful summaries-for example, summaries for the chronology of the book-for understanding the book within the Old Testament canon and timeframe. His use of Ancient Near Eastern sources and documents also give historical context for the books of Ezra-Nehemiah. I recommend this work for teachers in colleges and seminaries and also for teachers and pastors in the local church.

Russell Fuller, Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

Reasoned, researched, and concise, Rata's commentary on Ezra and Nehemiah opens a window on the historical setting for these significant books of the Old Testament. Carefully selected photographs, illustrations, and charts punctuate its pages and illuminate the text's background, literary context, and interpretation. This volume ably addresses the interests of laymen and pastors alike as they study the biblical text of the two books.

William D. Barrick, Professor of Old Testament; The Master?s Seminary, Sun Valley, California