The Expositors Bible

In our vigorous defence of the Truth and implied or downright condemnation of the clergy, it is sometimes overlooked that many of them have rendered inestimable service in the translation and exposition of the Bible. For confirmation of the former the existence of the R.S.V. and N.E.B. is ample evidence.

That it is so regarding exposition, many of our number will approve when the works of Keith, Hislop, Horne, Bishop Newton and Archbishop Trench are remembered. True, we marvel that, with all their ability and understanding, they remained active members of the Church of England.

This note of appreciation is evoked by the publication in six volumes of The Expositor’s Bible. Some may be unacquain­ted with this remarkable set of books in its original form of 48 separate volumes. They were offered for sale at 7/6 each (sterling) over a period of six years, i.e. 1887-1893. Over the last 40 years they have been obtainable in second-hand booksellers only, generally at 5/- each, although Isaiah was usually priced at 7/6.

And now the American publishers, Eerdmore of Chicago, have reproduced the whole work in six volumes for $15 8s. (Australian). Eyebrows will rise at this price, but, when the quantity and quality of the information is compared with tele­vision programmes or other forms of enter­tainment, this series comes out well.

There has been no revision of the original work. The print is a little on the small side and the paper lacks the customary weight and elegance of American publications. Nevertheless, each book is silk bound, which ensures that it will stand a lot of use. Eerdmore’s evidently are optimistic!

What can be said for these clerical writ­ings? This demands a personal testimony: I know of no set of books devoted precisely to a general exposition of the books of the Bible so worthy of attention. Of course, doctrinally and with the Book of Revelation, satisfaction cannot be expected—this is not an uncommon experience. There is a depth of sincerity; an understanding of the background story; a reverential air, and, what is all-important, the authors (of whom there were 28) had the ability to express themselves clearly in the Queen’s English. Here are honest expositions by men of learning who offer their scholarly writings as a contribution to Christian living. Like our own Dr. Thomas, they would not claim inspiration, or think that their every opin­ion was the last word on the matter.

One reason why the composite scheme of authorship has succeeded is because none has attempted to cover every detail. At no time is the purpose of a good commen­tary trespassed upon.

The two volumes on Isaiah by Dr. Adam Smith have the advantage that they are not entirely exhortational. Smith expounded the many figures drawn by the prophet and strove to apply the lessons to the needs of his own day. Regrettably, like so many others, he has fallen a victim to the view of a Second, a Trito and even a Deutero Isaiah—the belief that the book of Isaiah was composed of the manuscripts of four different writers—but this does not deny the excellence of his exposition.

At random I opened Proverbs, by Dr. R. F. Horton, and quote a typical reference:

“To begin with, our book is most un­flinching in its assertions that, notwith­standing all apperances to the contrary, wickedness is a mistake, a source of per­petual weakness and insecurity, always in the long run producing ruin and death; while righteousness is in itself a perpetual blessing, and is weighted with beautiful and unexpected fruits. The very reitera­tion become most impressive.”

May the courage and confidence of Eerdmore’s in reproducing the Expositor’s Bible be amply justified.