Joyce G. Baldwin (1921–1995)

Abraham -- called out of Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan, there to found a great nation, a blessing to all peoples. Isaac -- his son, taken to be sacrificed by his father, until God provided a substitue. Jacob -- Isaac's son, the schemer who cheated his older brother of his birthright but whose thigh (and heart) was broken as he wrestled all night with God's messenger. Joseph -- the dreamer sold into Egypt by his brothers, who meant it for evil while God meant it for good. These are the patriarchs whose stories are told in Genesis 12-50. Why have these accounts been preserved? What importance do they have in the development of Israel's understanding of God? What message from them does God have for us today? Joyce Baldwin skillfully weaves her answers to these questions, bringing the history of an ancient people to bear on our lives.… (more)

I purchased this commentary as a young lawyer teaching Sunday School in 1980, and it has helped me communicate the stories in this book to many. I found the book useful as a layman and after attending seminary found it remained helpful at the scholarly level as well. Baldwin breathes life into the fabulous stories with which Daniel begins - stories usually taught to children and rarely preached or made the subject of adult Bible study, and the book is most helpful in illuminating these stories - the four Hebrew youths in captivity, the fiery furnace, the lions' den, and the writing on the wall. The more eschatological material that forms the latter part of the prophet's book is well treated, and the author avoids falling into the abyss of too closely pressing the details. It is a sound book in a sound series (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), and should help anyone teach, preach or simply enjoy the faith stories of Daniel and his friends.… (more)