Ezekiel: A Commentary - (Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies) by Paul M Joyce (Paperback)

About the Book

This book addresses the historical-critical agenda of Ezekiel and includes newer approaches and questions, such as psychological issues and the notion that Ezekiel should be regarded as a "character" within the book.

Book Synopsis

The book begins with a thorough introduction to the main critical questions that arise in connection with the book of Ezekiel. It covers the historical-critical agenda but also includes newer approaches and questions, such as psychological issues and the notion that Ezekiel should be regarded as a 'character' within the book. The emphasis is on the insight that many different kinds of questions may illumine a text like Ezekiel. The commentary treats each of the chapters of the book of Ezekiel in turn. The chapter-by-chapter commentary summarizes the main themes of the chapter and raises the main critical issues that arise in relation to the chapter, before proceeding to detailed exegesis.

Review Quotes

'Joyce has produced a fine commentary that will prove to be an important contribution to Ezekiel scholarship.' Biblical Interpretation--Sanford Lakoff

'Joyce's vast knowledge of Ezekiel studies, reflected throughout the commentary, in not to be taken for granted - this is the most useful traditional commentary currently available.'--Sanford Lakoff

"In this relatively short commentary, Paul Joyce - noted Ezekiel scholar and chair of the Society of Biblical Literature's section on 'Theological Perspectives on the Book of Ezekiel" - has given readers an eminently readable, balanced, and useful study of what is arguably the Hebrew Bible's most disturbing and perplexing prophetic book... Joyce sets out to combine a number of techniques, such as close literary readings, sensitive theological analysis, and historical reconstruction, and he does so in a such a way as to provide both a solid base of information for the novice as well as some more rigorous commentary for advanced scholars; thus, the book will prove to be just as at home on the shelves of graduate students and clergy as it will be on the shelves of seminary professors and seasoned theologians." Brian R. Doak, Harvard University, Hebrew Studies 50 (2009)--Sanford Lakoff

"This important commentary has been many years in the making...Joyce's command of Ezekiel scholarships is impressive and this commentary is fully to be recommended to anyone seeking an up-to-date and balanced commentary on this prophetic book." -Society for Old Testament Study Booklist--Sanford Lakoff

Joyce's welcome treatment of Ezekiel in tradition provides extensive discussion of the role of Ezekiel in Judaism, Christianity, and even contemporary culture. He emphasizes the foundational role of the book in the development of the Merkavah tradition and correctly opines that apocalyptic and Merkavah literature may be related.--Sanford Lakoff "Journal Of Hebrew Scriptures "

Paul Joyce's commentary on Ezekiel is warmly commended. It is unique in the way that it concentrates on Ezekiel's theology, thereby bringing his thought to life. Jacob Milgrom, Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies University of California at Berkeley

"the commentary contains an extensive introduction that deals with issues of date, place, authorial unity/disunity, theological themes, allusions to earlier traditions, text and versions, place inb canon, and Ezekiel in later traditions" "The introduction is followed by a concise commentary" "Offers fresh insight into the book of Ezekiel. Joyce never merely repeats another scholar's opinion but always offers his own well-informed perspective. This book is a valuable additin to the literature devoted to the book of Ezekiel and it can be highly recommended" Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer, Ex pository Times Vol.119 n.10 July 2008

Dr Joyce has put all students of prophecy in his debt with a clear, concise and up-to-date commentary on the book of Ezekiel. This is a thoroughly commended survey of recent studies of the most complex and controversial of the prophetic books of the Old Testament. It explains the problems and recounts and evaluates the proposed solutions to them. From a world where temple-symbolism, ritual-enforced holiness and grotesque visions provided an unfamiliar religious setting, Ezekiel emerges as a figure who upheld human responsibility and awareness of the fundamentally spiritual nature of hope. The commentary should do much to set Ezekiel as a worthy companion alongside the congenial figures of Isaiah and Jeremiah. Ronald E. Clements, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament Studies, King's College, University of London

It is a rare commentator who combines judicious historical research with genuine literary sensitivity, and Paul Joyce has done just that in this fresh and deeply insightful theological interpretation of the book of Ezekiel. Rich in exegetical detail but never bogged down by it, Ezekiel: A Commentary" gets to the heart of Ezekiel's message, never losing sight of the thorny and fundamental question for understanding the book, What is Ezekiel saying about God and God's relation to his people? How does this most difficult to understand prophet deal with the knotty questions of divine justice and power in the wake of the crisis of exile? Learned, informative and engagingly written, this commentary is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the prophet and his by turns perplexing, bizarre, unsettling and oddly comforting message for a time of national catastrophe.

J. Cheryl Exum, Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Sheffield

"Joyce, one of the major experts on this biblical prophet, offers here a thorough commentary on a notoriously difficult book ... a significant contribution to Ezekiel studies." International Review of Biblical Studies, vol. 54:2007/08

"Joyce's commentary certainly succeeds...A fine commentary that will prove to be an important contribution to Ezekiel scholarship."
-Jason Gile, Biblical Interpretation, Vol. 18, 2010

About the Author

Paul M. Joyce is University Lecturer in Theology in the University of Oxford and a Fellow of St Peter's College, Oxford. He is author of "Divine Initiative and Human Response in Ezekiel" (Sheffield, 1989) and numerous articles on Ezekiel, and currently chairs the Society of Biblical Literature's 'Theological Perspectives on the Book of Ezekiel' Section.