Ezra and Nehemiah

Who are better equipped than the Shaos, both long-standing faculty of Biblical Seminary of the Philippines (BSOP) since the early eighties, to offer an Asian perspective when expounding the living messages of Ezra-Nehemiah relevant to the Christian churches in the Majority World? Integrating critical scholarship and practical wisdom, this outstanding commentary is a must for consulting alongside Hugh Williamson’s award-winning volume in the Word Biblical Commentary series.

Stephen Lee, PhD
President and Lam Ko Kit Tak Professor of Biblical Studies,
China Graduate School of Theology, Hong Kong

For decades, the ministries of Joseph and Rosa Shao have been much like the work of the protagonists of these biblical books, Ezra and Nehemiah. Like those great leaders of the past, the authors’ devotion to God and their service to God’s people in strengthening the faith of others have been exemplary. This edition of their commentary on these important texts will perpetuate their ministry and it is a welcome contribution to our understanding of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Bill T. Arnold, PhD
Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation,
Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky, USA

1. Commentary
1. Foreword
2. Series Preface
3. Authors’ Preface
4. Acknowledgments
5. List of Abbreviations
6. Introduction
7. Commentary on Ezra
8. Commentary on Nehemiah
9. Selected Bibliography
2. Topics
1. Numbers and Asian Counting: Resolving Inconsistencies in the Text
2. Oral and Written History
3. Physical or Spiritual Church?
4. Facing Opposition
5. God’s Word and Life
6. God or Human Protection
7. Shame and Guilt
8. Cognitive Dissonance and Compassion
9. Anxiety and Prayer
10. True Self
11. Asian Family Leadership
12. Handling Hostile Situations
13. Caring for the Poor
14. Honor and Shame
15. Leaders and Partners
16. Retelling and Memory
17. Commitments and Challenges
18. Gathering In and Reaching Out
19. Mentoring