Based on the NIV.  A thoughtful commentary by a well-known professor at Denver Seminary.  Detailed, verse-by-verse treatment with ample footnoting.  Somewhat technical discussion at points but informative and readable.  Like Butler, the influence from historical and archaeological concerns makes itself known but narrative structure and other literary phenomena are also considered.  An important reference in the study of Joshua.  

A solid contribution to a multivolume commentary (12 large ones in all) by an eclectic “who’s who” in contemporary biblical scholarship. Includes standard introductory discussion, with noteworthy comments on the text and composition of Samuel, and section-by-section (not verse-by-verse) exposition that includes introductory overview, textual commentary, and expository reflections. Preachers and teachers will find Birch’s treatment generally readable and especially helpful in grasping the significance of Samuel for the church’s life and faith.

Views the book as a sophisticated, “kaleidoscopic” narrative, “more like an extended parable than a historical report” (891), with similarities to Jonah, or Nathan’s story to David in 2 Samuel 12:1-7. But in lieu of easy character correlation in these other stories, Farmer is more cautious than Hubbard about seeing in the person of Ruth an obvious set of moral qualities which the book means to bring to bear on the reader. In fact, while the key interpretive issue lies in the area of identification, Farmer argues that it is Naomi, not Ruth, whose qualities the book highlights as becoming to the people of God. Moreover, it is Naomi’s redemption which provides the specific context for a more subtle and elaborate presentation of the way God redeems his people over time. A unique feature of Farmer’s commentary is a section entitled “Reading Ruth in Various Life Settings.” This is a welcome feature (and could have been longer!) which highlights only a few of the many ways different approaches to interpretation might be confronted by the message of the book. Reflection on this key hermeneutical issue stands to enrich the use of this commentary for study and teaching in a variety of contexts.

N’s commentary splits the difference between the technical precision of Raabe and the preachability of Baker. It’s visually attractive from an aesthetic perspective, and pleasant to read. There is plenty of space at the margins, with numerous inset sections—including various graphics—to develop theological or topical points of interest, whereas the textual engagement in the comments more steadily pursues the book’s own development. But it isn’t the easiest commentary to consult, given the large chunk of Obadiah that N consigns to one section (vv. 1-14+15b). Boldfacing individual verses prior to their comments, or in some way setting them in relief, is always a welcome feature. Nitpicks aside, N is important reading, and often cited in modern Twelve scholarship.

From the foreword: "The purpose of this commentary series is to help readers navigate this strange and sometimes forbidding literary and spiritual terrain...so that the power and meaning of these biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers" (ix).  Based on the NIV, the treatment is readable and uncluttered though Brown's endnotes exhibit a well-rounded engagement and are worth the page-flipping.  The bold text in her section by section treatment refers to more specific comments and explanations at the end of each section----a particularly helpful feature for those interested in more details about certain passages. 

A standard, critical treatment of Joshua.  Historical and archaeological concerns rank high.  Follows the standard format of the WBC (section by section with Bibliography, Translation, Notes, Form/Structure/Setting, Comment, and Explanation). Somewhat technical but well-written; the reader will benefit from the breadth of research consistent throughout the commentary.  A good exposure to a scholar well-familiar with current discussion on the traditions lying behind the received text. 

Not as technical as Butler, but impressive nonetheless in its breadth of research. Inroads absent from more historical treatments are made here. Opts for a theocentric perspective which attends to the cohesiveness of history under a sovereign God as presented in and by biblical narrative. On this note, Woudstra invites his readers to consider the dynamic aspects of Hebrew narrative when it comes to the interruptions, repetitions, and tangents which litter the book of Joshua—what historicists often attribute to variety among earlier source-texts. Readable, informative, and at times, inspiring.

This is an updated and expanded version of B’s 1988 Tyndale commentary on Obadiah (which has since been updated). In the Tyndale commentary, Obadiah is read before Jonah and Micah (the order in which one finds them in the OT), whereas in this NIVAC volume, Obadiah is read between Joel and Malachi (an arrangement motivated by topical similarity). B's interpretations (Original Meaning) will be helpful along with his applications (Bridging Contexts; Contemporary Significance), as he shows how numerous literary features give shape to Obadiah's message. He also renders important Hebrew nuances available for those who do not have facility in the language. While "decanonicalizing" these books does allow the similarity of their individual emphases to be highlighted and explored, this decision raises important questions about how meaning is communicated across the Twelve, and whether some of it is lost when the canonical arrangement is disregarded.