The book of Ezra chronicles God’s supernatural and sovereign restoration of his people, the city of Jerusalem, and temple worship. The book of Nehemiah chronicles the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls along with the returned exiles’ covenant renewal and failure.
Here are our recommended commentaries for Ezra and Nehemiah.
Introductory Commentaries
For Sunday school teachers and small group leaders without advanced training
Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther
David J. A. Clines
New Century Bible Commentary
Eerdmans, 1984
Though this commentary is dated, it is a consistently reliable and carefully-researched text for readers new to Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. It not only introduces the events of the books but also prevailing theological perspectives on these books.
Ezra and Nehemiah
Russell Meek
TGC Bible Commentary
The Gospel Coalition, 2023
This free commentary is faithful in its exegesis and generous in introducing readers to the content and characters of both Ezra and Nehemiah.
Ezra and Nehemiah
Derek Kidner
Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries
IVP Academic, 2009
Kidner’s commentary on Ezra and Nehemiah is both engaging to readers and well-supported in its claims about the text. Kidner’s exegesis is consistent, faithful, and often directed at application.
Preaching Commentaries
For pastors and Bible teachers preparing to proclaim the Word
Ezra–Nehemiah
Mark A. Throntveit
Interpretation
Westminster John Knox Press, 1992
Throntveit’s commentary is an easy read, but it’s also theologically-rich. As Longman points out, “It emphasizes and combines literary analysis and theological message, while downplaying the historical issues of the books. It avoids a typical moralistic reading of the books as well.” This commentary will enliven the text for those teaching on Ezra and Nehemiah.
Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther
Edwin Yamauchi
Expositor's Bible Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 2017
Yamauchi’s commentary is a helpful guide for those who want to know more about the Persian period of Israelite history. His writing can help preachers to gain a well-rounded perspective on the text.
Ezra & Nehemiah
Tiberius Rata
Mentor Commentary
Christian Focus Publications, 2010
Rata’s commentary combines faithful and consistent exegesis with application to the present day. Readers will find his work to be reliably evangelical.
Scholarly Commentaries
For pastors and theologians proficient in biblical Hebrew and Aramaic
Ezra–Nehemiah
H. G. M. Williamson
Word Biblical Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 2015
A well-respected work from a prominent evangelical scholar. Williams aims to be comprehensive. He incorporates word studies and ample historical background into his careful exegesis. But while the volume is clearly for academics, wider audiences will appreciate the book’s pastoral tone.
The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah
Charles Fensham
New International Commentary on the Old Testament
Eerdmans, 1996
Fensham’s commentary is slightly more readable than Williams, which is especially helpful for students Challies lists the emphases of the commentary: “Fensham takes the traditional approach to the books’ dating, authorship and other elements. His strength is apparently in his emphasis on history and culture.”
Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther
Mervin Breneman
New American Commentary
Holman Reference, 1993
Challies says, “Breneman’s commentary does not compare with Fensham’s and Williamson’s, but for those seeking helpful summaries of the more technical work that has been done on these books, his is a helpful work.” Breneman’s work is both conservative and reliable.