Abstract
The Two Horizons Commentaries aim to prioritise theological exegesis and reflection in their readings of biblical texts, which is immediately evident in Beldman’s work. In contrast to many commentaries’ introductions offering detailed comments on dating and historical and text criticism, the introduction to Beldman’s commentary on Judges focuses on hearing Judges in different interpretive contexts. He guides the reader with ease through a range of literary (pp. 5–11), narrative (pp. 12–18) and historical points (pp. 18–40), before turning to different modes of reception history (pp. 40–55). Readers are thus aware, though not overwhelmed by, a rich variety of interpretations of Judges before they reach the main commentary on the text.
The textual commentary (pp. 57–229) breaks Judges down into four main parts with sub-sections: ‘the exposition’ (Judg 1:1–3:6; pp. 57–70), the ‘cycle of Judges’ (3:7–16:31; pp. 70–183), the ‘end section’ (17:1–21:25; pp. 184–221) and a ‘retrospective evaluation’ (pp. 221–229). The ‘cycle of Judges’ treats material pertaining to each judge in turn, the ‘end section’ deals with Micah’s shrine and the Gibeah-Benjamin chapters and the ‘retrospective evaluation’ notes strategies of completion, circularity and entrapment that run through Judges as a whole. Throughout, Beldman weaves in discussion of the text, scholarly literature and, at times, Hebrew language whilst keeping the prose straightforward and the footnotes minimal. Hebrew itself is only used sparingly and where relevant.
Following the textual commentary, the book moves on to theological reflection, offering an overview of Judges and biblical theology (pp. 231–252), Judges and systematic theology (pp. 252–277) and Judges for today (pp. 277–297). The section on biblical theology contains comments on the ‘grand narrative of scripture’ as well as Judges within the Old and New Testaments. The section on systematic theology makes specific reference to the doctrines of God, Holy Spirit, Sin, Providence, and Political Theology. Judges for today, meanwhile, considers violence and the treatment of women in Judges, as well as reflections on the testimony of Judges for modern audiences. The volume ends with a bibliography, author index and scripture index.
Beldman’s engagement with systematic theology is understandably brief, though his reference to the treatment of women in Judges is less so (pp. 285–287). Given the significant violence against women in Judges (e.g., Jephthah’s daughter, Samson’s wife, the Levite’s concubine and the women of Jabesh-gilead), in addition to the more positive portrayals of Deborah and Yael, and the large amount of scholarship pertaining to women in Judges, this feels like a missed opportunity to offer more guidance on a notoriously difficult theme for reading and preaching. Nevertheless, Beldman’s commentary is easily readable, informative, and offers good theological insights that will be helpful for ministers and students alike.