Introduction

In many of the comments in this commentary the reader is advised to refer to some other verse or verses. Sometimes only the name and number of the verse is given; for example: “(Genesis 15:6).” Sometimes the word “see” is added; for example: “(see Genesis 15:6).” Whenever the word “see” is added in this way, it means that it is necessary to look up that verse in order to fully understand the verse being studied. Sometimes the words “and comment” are added after the verse number; for example: (see Genesis 15:6 and comment). When this is written, it is necessary to look up both the other verse and its corresponding comment in order to understand the verse under study. By referring the reader to other comments in this way, the commentary does not have to repeat the same comment over and over for many different verses, and thus much space is saved.

Sometimes a Bible verse or passage is not commented upon; instead, the reader is referred directly to another passage and its comment. When this happens, it is because that other passage and the passage being studied are almost identical. In this commentary, when two or more Old Testament passages are almost identical, only one of them is commented upon. Again this is to save space and avoid repetition. The reader will encounter this situation especially when studying the books of Deuteronomy and 1 and 2 Chronicles.

A word about footnotes: most footnotes in this commentary are vital to understanding the text and its application to one’s life. Unlike footnotes in most other books, these footnotes contain important, practical information that relates to the daily lives of Christians today. They should be read before the reader turns the page.

The reader will note that certain parts of the Bible are commented on more fully than other parts. For example, the early books of the Old Testament are treated in greater detail because they lay the foundation for the rest of the Bible. Most of the important biblical concepts are introduced in Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus. Furthermore, the Old Testament is a history, a story; its books are mainly chronological. Therefore, whenever practical, it is best to begin one’s study of the Old Testament at the beginning.

Throughout the commentary, those passages which are essential for teaching Christians and which relate in practical ways to their daily lives are given greatest emphasis. The whole purpose of studying the Bible is to allow God to speak to us through His word. It is not enough to simply understand the Bible; we need to see beyond the written word and experience the living Word, which has the power to transform our lives. Our objectives are to know God, to become more like His Son, and to be more filled by His Holy Spirit. It is to further these objectives that this commentary has been written.