George Adam Smith (1856–1942)

The task of a Bible commentator is complex. He needs to establish a text -- perhaps he may use someone else's, but he has to choose it. He has to translate that text -- he may, again, use someone else's translation, but he has to pick one. And then he must interpret the text.

Few are the authors who are good at all three. An analytical thinker may establish a good text but not be able to interpret it well. A mystic may give a beautiful, spiritual interpretation -- but not even know what he's interpreting, because he uses a defective text and translation. (This is true of almost everyone who uses the King James or New King James Bible, for instance.)

George Adam Smith's greatness was that he could undertake all three tasks. He was a solid textual scholar -- to this day, many Bible translations of the Prophets are built on weaker underpinnings. His translations are brilliantly moving -- at least to me, a student of modern English who nonetheless hears the music of the translations of long ago. And Smith was also a solid theologian and historian. He could find more in the Prophets than almost anyone I have ever heard -- the sorrows of Jeremiah. The idealism of Micah. The desolation of Zephaniah. It's all in here.

Of course, much of it is now out of date. The Dead Sea Scrolls and other discoveries have affected our texts, especially of Isaiah but also of the Minor Prophets. We know more history. Even theology has advanced somewhat. So Smith is no longer sufficient in himself. You should have a newer translation, and perhaps a newer commentary as well. But these books will serve you well even if they are not the newest volumes on your shelf.… (mehr)