Excellent Scholarship

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	• 1 & 2 Kings: A Commentary (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary) Walter Brueggemann Smyth & Helwys Publishing, 2000 - 672 pages average customer review:based on 2 reviews view larger image
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Excellent Scholarship

Walter Brueggemann is an intimidating scholar. He is extremely well-read and an excellent writer. This commentary does not disappoint those who are looking for substance. However, be aware of the fact that this is more of a "big picture" commentary. It does not provide commentary on each verse of 1 & 2 Kings. Rather, it provides commentary on each "section", "chapter", or "sub-narrative." So, if there are a few verses here and there that you are really puzzled about, you may or may not find help in the volume.

Also, evangelicals should note that it appears doubtful that Brueggemann is an evangelical himself. For instance, regarding the miracle stories of Elisha, he says, "I have no interest in championing the historicity of the narratives that surely seem to us implausible. We ought, however, at least to struggle with the intention of the text" (326). Similar comments are made in various places that, on the whole, leave the impression that Brueggemann does not hold to the inerrancy of Scripture. If that bothers you (as it bothers me), be forewarned. But don't let that drive you away. There is still much here that is worth reading.

One thing about Brueggemann that I found extremely annoying was his anti-American attitude that showed itself over and over again. He would probably disagree with my calling him such. And maybe I am stereotyping him wrongly. Nonetheless, I have little patience with people who apparently think that the primary factor in determining one's attitude toward the United States should be all of the stupid and nasty things that are part of its history, while they rarely speak of the many important and good things that the U.S. has done for the world. I feel this way because most of the time that Brueggemann mentions the U.S. (as far as I can tell) he focuses on its foibles, errors, and sins, the parts we Americans are all ashamed of. I wonder if such people have the same policy toward their spouses or other family members. Do they primarily focus on their spouse's mistakes and wrongs? Do they constantly trumpet all of the sins their spouse has committed and rarely mention their good qualities? If such an attitude seems monstrous when dealing with family members, it seems equally monstrous (and unfair) when dealing with nations. [Sorry, I just had to vent . . .]

Anyways, this is an excellent and entertaining commentary. Extremely readable and extremely helpful in getting the "big picture" of 1 & 2 Kings.

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Dynamic and Useful!

Walter Brueggemann has never written a bad commentary and he by no means starts here. The Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary Series is described on the back cover as "visually stimulating and user-friendly format" and I could not think of a different way of saying that, but such a description could not be more accurate. First, the commentary sections (at least in this volume by Brueggemann) do not in any way get into technical source documentation discussions, but deal with the text as it stands or as it has come down to us and is used by the Church as sacred literature. It is in the commentary section that you get Brueggemann with his unique and insightful reading of the text. There is absolutely nothing disappointing about this commentary. Then there is a "Connections" section where Brueggemann takes the message of the text and expounds on how it speaks to a situation in today's world. An example of a connection would be where he speaks about the myth of scarcity that is promoted by kings and in todays world with its supply and demand economic theory verses God's kingdom where there is more than enough. Examples of this are found in the stories of Elijah and the widow woman and the orphan of 1 Kings 17:8-16 and the widow woman, her debt, her children who are threaten to be made debtor slaves and Elisha's prophetic word.
There are throughout the commentary lots of sidebars consisting of maps, and pictures such as the kind that are usually found in a good Bible dictionary. One that deserves special mention is Brueggemann's use of Marlon Brando's ear being whispered into which is and illustration from the Godfather movie with the caption that reads "the calm of hushed communication and scheming was often a prelude to unspoken violence and power clash." Another great picture is found on page 274 where Ahab is in his chariot dying looking at the setting sun. The art work that has been chosen for this commentary is remarkable, but there are also helpful archeological pictures.
The alpha and omega sections are used to further investigate particular word studies. There is an icon for culture/context in which a particular side note on cultural issues of the Kings era are discussed. The book icon stands for interpretation to further interpret a particular act. An example of this if found on page 146 where the tearing of the garment into 12 pieces is further explained with art work and further interpretive information that does not get in the way of the dynamic flow of the commentary.
Finally, there is an icon for additional study or resources on a topic. This particular commentary by Brueggemann is well worth the money that you will spend. I cannot speak to the rest of the set, but I can say that if they are anywhere close to this one, then get every book.

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The Old Testament provides peculiarly powerful ways of thinking and seeing. Brueggemann considers the artistry of 1 & 2 Kings as it mediates between history and faith. He has spent many years engaged with the artistry and imagination of the Old Testament, pondering the ways of power in church and society and he makes clear that those issues of power in the ancient texts still pertain to contemporary times. Complete with searchable CD-ROM