The early Christian scholar Jerome wrote, "The book of Chronicles is of such importance that without it anyone who claims to have a knowledge of the Scriptures makes himself a fool." Dr. Raymond Dillard holds similarly high regard for this portion of the Bible, but equal recognition that understanding its full import depends upon a thorough knowledge of the whole Scripture. "There are few issues in the history of exegesis," he says, "that are not in some way touched by Chronicles, so that along with their richness they involve the interpreter in a labyrinth of related questions."

Among the issues and events examined in this thoroughgoing study are: The literary structure of 2 Chronicles The Chronicler's interaction with canonical texts from the Pentateuch, the Psalms, the prophets, Joshua, Samuel, and particularly with Kings The Chronicler as both historian and theologian, including perspectives on kings both faithful and unfaithful, reform-minded and decadent The building of Solomon's temple The revolt of Rehoboam The banishment of Israel to Babylon Reward and punishment in Chronicles: the theology of immediate retribution The Chronicler's concern with the themes of exile, restoration, and renewal.

Dr. Dillard throughout demonstrates his commitment to the Bible as the word of God. Affirming a view of Scripture that follows the pattern of the Incarnation-that the Bible is both divine and human-he shows the Chronicler, like the other biblical writers, as having been guided by a divine hand, and, like them, in their humanity, having shaped their material through their own personalities and varying theological purposes: "Chronicles is through and through a theological essay; the Chronicler describes the put to demonstrate the validity of particular premises that addressed the needs of Israel in his own day. Chronicles is not only a writing of history; it is a tract."

Dr. Dillard's lucid writing and careful study, solidly based on his familiarity with ancient languages and historical backgrounds and his use of a wide range of scholarly research materials, make his volume on 2 Chronicles an invaluable resource for preacher, teacher, and serious student.

Pastors and students will appreciate this new edition with its up-to-date bibliography and discussion of pertinent issues. In this full revision and update of the book of Second Corinthians, Dr. Ralph P. Martin addresses the scholarly questions about the text of the epistle and the significance of Paul's thought for Christian living and ministry.

In a penetrating analysis of Paul's responses to the various crises within the Corinthian congregation, Dr. Martin gives insight into the particular problems of Christianity as expressed in the hedonistic, cosmopolitan setting of Corinth. He shows how Paul's attempt to clearly distinguish the gospel from Hellenistic Judaism and Hellenistic Jewish Christian ideology results in a moving statement of the Christian message. Rather than the "theology of glory" prevalent in Corinth, Paul articulates his theology of the Cross as a "theology of weakness," of servanthood and ministry. What was at stake at Corinth, says Dr. Martin, was "nothing less than the essence of the kerygma as in expressed in the way of the cross. . . for proclamation and daily living." New sections on the Collection and Rhetoric have been added, and the issues of Composition and Social Setting of the letter have been included, along with topics such as the Spirit, the Opponents, Paul's Theology, and the Resurrection in this epistle.

The Word Biblical Commentary series offers the best in critical scholarship firmly committed to the authority of Scripture as divine revelation. It is perfect for scholars, students of the Bible, ministers, and anyone who wants a theological understanding of Scripture.