Providing clear exposition based on solid contemporary scholarship, this commentary by F. Charles Fensham examines the books of Ezra and Nehemiah—two books of Scripture that are especially important for understanding the last century of Old Testament Jewish history and for marking the beginnings of Judaism.

A biblical scholar well known for his expertise in ancient Near Eastern studies, especially Ugaritic, Fensham places Ezra and Nehemiah against the ancient Near Eastern environment. In his introduction Fensham discusses the original unity of the books as well as the problems of authorship. He then treats the historical and religious background of the books, taking special note of the development of a Jewish religious society in postexilic times. Text and language are examined next, followed by a thorough bibliography.

The commentary proper, based on Fensham’s own fresh translation of the biblical texts, is richly documented and displays cautious good judgment, willingness to consider different options, a sensible approach, and keen insight into the religious meaning of these key Hebrew texts.

Table of Contents

Introduction
          I. Original Unity
          II. Authorship
          III. Sources
          IV. Historical Background
          V. Theology
          VI. Text
          VII. Language
          VIII. Personal and Family Names
          IX. Analysis of Contents
          X. Select Bibliography
Text and Commentary
          I. Return and Rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 1:1–6:22)
          II. Ezra’s Returns and Reforms (7:1–10:44)
          III. Return of Nehemiah; Building of the Wall (Neh. 1:1–6:19)
          IV. Repopulation of Jerusalem; Genealogy of Returnees (7:1–72a)
          V. Further Reforms of Ezra (7:72b–10:40)
          VI. Further Activities of Nehemiah; Genealogies (11:1–13:3)
          VII. Reforms of Nehemiah’s Second Administration (13:4–31)
Indexes
          I. Subjects
          II. Authors
          III. Persons
          IV. Places
          V. Scripture References
          VI. Nonbiblical Texts
          VII. Hebrew Words
          VIII. Aramaic Words
          IX. Words of Other Languages