There are few resources I rely on more than I rely on my commentaries. Over the years, I have developed an extensive collection and turn to them often. I try to keep tabs on new commentaries and thought I would let you know about some of the best options that were published in 2025.
ESV Expository Commentary
The ESV Expository Commentary came to completion this year with the publication of volume 1. If possible, it’s best now to purchase it as a complete set. “Designed to strengthen the global church with a widely accessible, theologically sound, and pastorally wise resource for understanding and applying the overarching storyline of the Bible, this 12-volume commentary set features the full text of the ESV Bible passage by passage, with crisp and theologically rich exposition and application. Editors Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., and Jay Sklar have gathered a team of experienced pastor-theologians to provide a new generation of pastors and other teachers of the Bible around the world with a globally minded commentary rich in biblical theology and broadly Reformed doctrine, making the message of redemption found in all of Scripture clear and available to all. In depth: Features passage-by-passage commentary through every book of the Bible, taking a biblical-theological and broadly Reformed approach to interpreting and applying the text; Perfect for Bible Study: Includes introductions to each book featuring an outline, key themes, author and date information, literary features, relationship to the rest of the Bible, and interpretive challenges; Practical: Characterized by sound exegesis, biblical theology, global awareness, accessible application, and pastoral usefulness” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Reformed Expository Commentary
Deuteronomy by Trent Casto. Here’s what Joel Beeke says about it. “During his temptation in the wilderness, the Lord Jesus Christ quoted the book of Deuteronomy three times as he resisted the assaults of Satan. As the covenant manual of God’s people, Deuteronomy is particularly foundational to the rest of the Old Testament. The substance of three sermons that Moses delivered on the plains of Moab, the book contains various themes that converge in beautiful harmony here–promise and provision, law and love, charity and chastity, idolatry and intercession, marriage and mediation, fear and family, holiness and heart-worship, legacy and loyalty, revelation and rebellion, and meditation and memorization. In this commentary, Trent Casto draws out the Lord Jesus Christ as the center of Deuteronomy–the one who bore our covenant curses and bestows on us the covenant blessings that he purchased for elect sinners on the cross. By doing so, Casto shows again that the themes of gospel, grace, and gratitude are present in the Old Testament as well as the New. Here is a Reformed, sermonic, and expositional treatment of the last book of Moses, the “sermon text” of the prophets, and (apparently) one of the most-memorized books of our Savior himself. Savor every page while you sit under the pulpit of a pastor who has carefully exegeted, diligently prayed over, and passionately preached through every verse.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Job by Douglas Sean O’Donnell. Here is what Graeme Goldsworthy says about this one. “A commentary that is intended to help the ordinary Christian reader understand a book of the Bible, rather than to summarize every scholarly point of view on that book, needs to achieve at least three goals. First, it should orient the reader to the book’s context, structure, and genre. Second, it should clarify the meanings of words and sentences within the book’s overall unity to reveal its theological content and relationship to the wider theology of the Bible. Third, particularly when dealing with a book from the Old Testament, it should show how the text testifies to Jesus Christ and, through him, instructs the believer. Doug O’Donnell’s volume on the book of Job succeeds admirably on all three counts. While he does not neglect the wisdom of other writers on Job, the author writes with a style that is engaging and suitable for both the preacher and the less technically trained Bible reader. The pastoral concerns addressed are a refreshing change from those commentaries that do not see the need to extend exegesis to application. The serious Bible reader will gain much from this treatment of a challenging part of Scripture.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Preaching the Word Commentary
Psalms: Rejoice, the Lord Is King (Volume 2, Psalms 42 to 106) by James Johnston. This is the second of three volumes cover the entirety of the Psalms. The commentary is sermon-based and suitable for both devotional reading and formal study. “The Psalms is one of the most widely loved books of the Bible. A source of instruction for our prayers, inspiration for our songs, and consolation for our tears, these biblical poems resound with the whole spectrum of human emotion and teach us to hope in God each and every day. In the second volume of a 3-part commentary on the Psalms, pastor James Johnston walks readers through chapters 42-106, offering exegetical and pastoral insights along the way.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Evangelical Exegetical Commentary
1&2 Kings by John N. Oswalt (2 volumes). “In this detailed commentary on 1 Kings, John N. Oswalt highlights the prophetic value of Old Testament narrative. Israel’s fate is tied to its kings, and particularly whether they treasure or disregard God’s revelation. A faithful king cultivates a faithful people. But when kings stray from God’s commands, God sends prophets to call them back to repentance. Oswalt explains the book of 1 Kings and reveals its prophetic voice for modern life.The Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series is a premier biblical commentary rooted in the original text of Scripture. Each volume includes historical and literary insights and addresses exegetical, pastoral, and theological concerns, giving readers a full understanding of the text and how to apply it to everyday life.” (1 Kings: Buy it at Amazon) (2 Kings: Buy it at Amazon)
1&2 Samuel by Harry A. Hoffner Jr (2 volumes). “In this detailed commentary, Harry A. Hoffner Jr. examines 1 Samuel in its historical context and considers how it anticipates a coming perfect king, God’s true Anointed One. After the period of Judges, 1 Samuel continues the narrative sweep of Israel’s history, covering the rise of the prophet Samuel, the rise and fall of King Saul, and the rise of God’s chosen king, David. An expert Hittitologist, Hoffner brings his understanding of ancient Near Eastern cultures to the text of 1-2 Samuel.The Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series is a premier biblical commentary rooted in the original text of Scripture. Each volume includes historical and literary insights and addresses exegetical, pastoral, and theological concerns, giving readers a full understanding of the text and how to apply it to everyday life.” (1 Samuel: Buy it at Amazon) (2 Samuel: Buy it at Amazon)
Focus on the Bible
Ezra & Nehemiah: The Quest for Restoration by Dale Ralph Davis. “Ezra & Nehemiah: The Quest for Restoration is perfect for anyone seeking to understand the profound messages within these often-overlooked books of the Old Testament. Davis masterfully navigates the historical and theological contexts of Ezra and Nehemiah, two pivotal figures who played crucial roles in the restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile. He steers us through these two books and shows how they reveal God’s unwavering faithfulness towards His people. Through the reconstruction of the Jerusalem temple, the renewal of the covenant, and the rebuilding of the city’s walls, Davis brings the nuances of the text to light. With his signature blend of scholarly depth, engaging prose and humor, Davis demystifies the complexities of these texts, offering practical applications for today’s world.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary
Deuteronomy by J. Gary Millar. “Deuteronomy maps out the whole of biblical theology. J. Gary Millar shows how Moses’s sermons in Deuteronomy highlight God’s past and future faithfulness for God’s people. As the rhetorical climax of the Pentateuch, Deuteronomy calls God’s people to choose life in him and believe that he has already given us everything we need. In Deuteronomy, Moses preaches the gospel. The Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) series locates each biblical book within redemptive history and illuminates its unique theological contributions. All EBTC volumes feature informed exegetical treatment of the biblical book and thorough discussion of its most important theological themes in relation to the canon–all in a style that is useful and accessible to students of Scripture.” (Buy it at Amazon)
1 Corinthians by David I. Starling. “David I. Starling situates Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians within his larger theological vision. Paul uses the storyline of Scripture to address the Corinthians’ questions and problems. And the Bible’s story helps us bridge the Corinthians’ circumstances and our own, so that we might faithfully inhabit our own context in redemptive history.The Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) series locates each biblical book within redemptive history and illuminates its unique theological contributions. All EBTC volumes feature informed exegetical treatment of the biblical book and thorough discussion of its most important theological themes in relation to the canon–all in a style that is useful and accessible to students of Scripture.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Reformation Commentary on Scripture
Revelation by Rodney Petersen & Gerald Bray. “Known as one of the most enigmatic books of the Bible, Revelation has sparked centuries of diverse theological debate, capturing the imaginations of Reformers navigating a time of immense upheaval. This volume, part of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture series, invites readers to engage with the perspectives of key Reformation-era theologians, offering a window into their reflections on prophecy, eschatology, and profound hopes for moral renewal. Guided by Rodney Petersen and Gerald Bray, this masterfully curated commentary guides readers through a wealth of early modern commentary on the book of Revelation, including voices across theological traditions―Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, Radical, and Catholic. Much of the material―including commentaries, sermons, treatises, and confessions―appears for the first time in English, providing pastors, scholars, and students with fresh perspectives on the text. Through their expert curation, Petersen and Bray expand our understanding of how Revelation has been interpreted historically, enlightening contemporary reflection and practice.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament
1 Corinthians by David E. Garland (Second Edition). “Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians is one of the most important epistles in the New Testament. David Garland’s thoughtful commentary engages contemporary scholarship while providing a readable study that will be accessible to students and pastors as well as scholars. As with all volumes in the award-winning BECNT series, this informative, balanced commentary features: detailed interaction with the Greek text, extensive research, chapter-by-chapter exegesis, a blend of scholarly depth and readability, and an acclaimed, user-friendly design. After considering the context of the letter and the social and cultural setting of Corinth, Garland turns to his exegetical work. An introduction to each major unit of thought is followed by the author’s own translation of the Greek text. In the course of his commentary, Garland incorporates references to other ancient writings that help explain particular aspects of Paul’s meaning or provide information on the social and cultural context.” (Buy it at Amazon)
New International Commentary on the Old Testament
The Book of Daniel, Chapters 1–6 by Aubrey E. Buster and John H. Walton. “In this volume of the New International Commentary on the Old Testament, scholars Aubrey E. Buster and John H. Walton guide readers through chapters 1–6 of the book of Daniel. They provide historically informed, theologically sound interpretations of some of the most memorable stories and imagery in the Old Testament, including Daniel in the lion’s pit, the fiery furnace, the figure with feet of clay, and the writing on the wall. Buster and Walton also help readers understand the significance of the text’s composition, audience, historical context, genre, and structure. Accessible and insightful, this well-researched volume is an essential resource for preaching, teaching, and study of the book of Daniel.” (Buy it at Amazon)
