Abstract
Exodus 20–40 is Johnstone’s second volume of the Smyth and Helwys Bible commentary series on the book of Exodus. He continues his work from Exodus 1–19, arguing that the starting point of the book of Exodus is the Ten Commandments (p. 1). Thus, the division of his two volumes is based upon the Decalogue as being literally and thematically central in the book of Exodus and pivotal in the movement of the narrative. Both of his Exodus volumes are written from this perspective and, I think, rightfully so.
His approach to the book of Exodus in general, and the Decalogue in particular, is one of comparing the Exodus text with the Deuteronomy text. Although the texts are not identical and are even sometimes divergent, he calls them “two complementary views” (p. 3). He argues that material in Deuteronomy reflects an earlier version of the book of Exodus. He says writers with priestly interests altered the Exodus text to the final form we have now (p. 3). I appreciate Johnstone’s approach to interpreting these texts. He does not argue in favor of one text over another. Rather, he says he welcomes the “two voices” and the vigor for debate created by the disparity between the two accounts (p. 4).
He makes a number of comparisons between the texts in table format. For example, he compares common material of Exodus 34 and Deuteronomy 10 in a table on p. 399. There are similar comparisons elsewhere in this commentary, including a comparison of Exod 23:20–23 with Deuteronomy 7 on p. 198, Exodus 34 with Exodus 23 on pp. 400–401, and Exodus 34:6–7 with Num 14:18 on p. 406. These tables are a great asset in showing similarities and differences between the texts. I wish, however, that he had included such a table comparing the Exodus and Deuteronomy Decalogue texts.
The focus of the commentary is the Decalogue; therefore, Johnstone gives much attention to this section of his commentary (over 25 pages on Exod 21:1–21). His commentary on the last chapters of Exodus (chapters 35–40), on the other hand, seems a bit light in comparison, with only twenty-one pages dedicated to this section. Similarly, he devotes thirty-six pages to chapter 34, the text on the reaffirmation of the Covenant Code.
This is a really good commentary and a great installment in this series. It is well-written and interesting to read. Johnstone has included many fun and useful sidebars, with the book having sidebars or illustrations on almost every page. I loved the photos and they are helpful; however, some of them are of low quality (the photo on p. 219 is clearly a scan from a book). Overall, Johnstone has given the reader a great commentary. The pastor, student, and scholar alike will find it to be a good addition to their libraries.