College Press NIV Commentary Series is formatted with a verse-by-verse explanation of the text. It was developed for both the scholar and the average Bible student. The College Press NIV Commentary Series is the only full commentary set in print from the Restoration Movement. Each volume (41 volumes for the Old & New Testament) contains the following helpful features:

• Biblically sound exegesis
• Clear exposition
• Objective approach
• Concise introduction
• New International Version of the Bible
• Key word translation
• Easy to use design format
• Practical footnotes
• And more!

 

Judges

In the immediate context of the OT, Judges forms a link between the exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt and the rise of the Jewish monarchy. The period reflected in Judges is crucial to the development of the Israelite psyche as God begins the lesson that the exiles to Assyria and Babylon later finish: blessing is connected to fidelity to God; suffering is the natural consequence of disobedience.

The stories in Judges are exciting, well-told tales of intrigue, suspense, seduction, violence, revenge, and triumph. Through them all, the hand of the God of Israel moves‑-sometimes obviously and sometimes furtively--to teach his people their need for him.

The stories in Judges are relevant for our day. One need look no further than a nightly newscast in order to sense Judges’ subtle wisdom beckoning to a society seemingly gone mad. As society abandons its spiritual roots, our hearts cry out for leaders with real integrity; we thirst for an end to violence; we long for freedom from the evil spiritual forces that saturate our culture; we yearn for peace.

Ruth

The charm, even mystique, of the book of Ruth rests in the ability of the narrative to suggest the work of God in the midst of ordinary life. Ruth is shown to be a personal example of faithfulness. She exceeds all the expectations of her society and perhaps even the letter of the law.

The message of the book of Ruth may be considered from at least two vantage points. Viewed in strictly human terms, it underlines the importance of persistent and faithful relationships in moments of crisis. Viewed from a faith perspective it communicates confidence in the ongoing work of God to fill the empty, to protect the vulnerable, and to bring joy into a grieving world. In a small way, Ruth’s story anticipates that which is only fully realized on this side of the cross.

Judges & Ruth has 398 pages.

ISBN 978-0-89900-934-6

WEB-934

Judges Preface
Judges Introduction
Judges Outline
Judges Conquest Not Complete
Ruth Preface
Ruth Introduction
Ruth Outline
Ruth Legacy

About the Authors

Rob Fleenor has taught Old Testament courses at Cincinnati Christian University and has served in rural ministry in Deerfield, Missouri, and in inner-city ministry in Cincinnati, Ohio. He received a BTh and BBL from Ozark Christian College, and an MA from Cincinnati Christian University. Currently he is pursuing a PhD in Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Shawnee, live in Kentucky. They have one daughter, Katie.

Mark S. Ziese is Professor of Old Testament, Cincinnati Christian University. Dr. Ziese received his BA from Ozark Christian College; MA from Cincinnati Christian University; MA from Hebrew Union College; and his PhD from Andrews University.

About the Editors

Dr. Paul J. Kissling is Professor of Old Testament and Director of Research for TCM International’s 25 years as a minister and elder in Christian Churches in Michigan, Illinois, and England. Paul received the bachelor’s degree from Great Lakes Christian College, the MDiv from Lincoln Christian Seminary, the ThM from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and the PhD from the University of Sheffield (England). Paul has taught and preached in more than 20 countries and is the author of several books and articles in both scholarly and popular publications.

Dr. Terry Briley is an Associate Professor of Bible at Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tennessee, since 1986. He received the BA from Lipscomb University, then a MPhil and PhD from Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to teaching at Lipscomb University, he is the Senior Minister at Natchez Trace Church of Christ and leads annual summer mission’s trips to Brazil.