RHB’s Book-Talk Blog will be taking the time for those of you who may love books to check out Dr. Beeke’s Top Picks when it comes to commentaries. Often times we may have a hard time in picking and choosing what to buy and what not. However, Dr. Beeke has given us a list of “must-haves” in your own personal library. These picks will go over complete sets, best overall picks on the Old Testament and New Testament, and his top picks on individual books of the Bible. Below is the list of Dr. Beeke’s top ten commentary sets. They include:
#1 CALVIN’S COMMENTARIES
A towering figure in the Reformation and prolific scholar and theologian, John Calvin authored not only his famousInstitutes of the Christian Religion, but commentaries on twenty-four books of the Old Testament and all of the New Testament except for 2 and 3 John and Revelation. These classic commentaries continue to be valued exegetical reference works for pastors and serious students of the Bible today.
#2 MATTHEW HENRY’S COMMENTARY ON THE WHOLE BIBLE
For 300 years, this commentary has been a favorite of teachers, preachers, and laypeople. His rich exposition and useful applications are perfect for devotional reading and sermon help. This reprint now comes with a companion CD-ROM, and features modern print and J.B. Williams’ extensive 1828 account of Henry’s life and writings.
#3 MATTHEW POOLE’S COMMENTARY
Perhaps the only true rival to Matthew Henry! Charles Spurgeon said, “If I must have only one commentary, and had read Matthew Henry as I have, I do not know but what I should choose Poole. He is a very prudent and judicious commentator . . . not so pithy and witty by far as Matthew Henry, but he is perhaps more accurate, less a commentator, and more an expositor.”