0/shaiesen.—A good example of commentary on the N. T. has been given by this writer. It is an excellent specimen of exposition. Verbal criti cism is but sparingly introduced, although even here the hand of a master is apparent. The author is intent on higher things. He investigates the thought, traces the connection, puts himself in the same position as the writers, and views with much ability 'the narratives and reasonings of the inspired writers. The critical and popular are admirably mingled. Four volumes were com pleted when the writer was prematurely cut off. Of these the first two are the best. The work has been continued and completed by Ebrard and Wiesinger ; who, though painstaking scholars, can not be regarded as possessing high exegetical ability.
Liicke on the writings of John. The best com mentator on John's writings in Germany is the learned and able Liicke, who did not live to com plete the exposition of the Apocalypse, though he wrote an elaborate introduction, which left nothing to be desired in regard to the literature of the book. On the Gospel, his volumes will always occupy a prominent place. IIe is less successful in his exposition of the epistles, which he had intended to improve had his life been spared.
Gesenius's commentary on Isaiah was an epoch making book. Nor can it be said to be superseded by the many later expositions of the same prophet. As might be expected, its philological, historic, and archaeological side is the strongest and ablest.
De Wette. —This learned critic has comment ed on the N. T. with rare skill and excellence. He has fine taste, exegetical tact, wonderful power of condensation, clear perception of difficulties, a bold method of meeting them, and an eye for detecting the sequence of ideas and propositions. His work exhibits both a compendium of the ex-. positions of his predecessors and an excellent exegetical commentary of his own, in the briefest and most lucid words. The labour of many years is here compressed into small space. Its value can hardly be over-estimated. There is nothing equal to it. His work on the Psalms is an excellent manual of interpretation which none can safely dis pense with, notwithstanding the depreciating re marks made upon it by Ewald.
Meyer.—The critical and exegetical commentary of Meyer on the N. T. bears greater resemblance to De Wette's than any other. In some of the books he had the co-operation of Lunemann, Hu ther, and Diisterdieck, all able expositors. The
whole work possesses a sterling value, and cannot be dispensed with by any theologian. As might be expected, it is of unequal merit. The commentaries on the Epistles to the Corinthians are the best. Meyer has neither the taste nor exegetical tact of De Wette ; but in some other qualities he is supe rior. His theological stand point is not very dif ferent.
The Exegetical Hand-Book to the O. T. is a com pressed compendium of expositions embracing all the canonical books. The writers are Hitzig, The nius, Bertheau, Knobel, Hirzel, and J. Olshausen. It is difficult to characterise a production so unequal. Pervaded by considerable learning, it often exhibits a want of judgment and thoroughness. Hitzig, the chief writer, is too fond of far-fetched interpreta tions ; and has no sympathy with the poets of the O. T., whom he converts into prose-writers ; or, at least treats them as if they were. Hirzel, Kno bel, and Thenius, excel Hitzig in all the qualities that constitute useful commentators ; though they are his inferiors in philological acuteness and gram matical knowledge of Hebrew.
Ewald.—This learned critic has published com mentaries more or less extended, on the poetical and prophetic books of the 0. T., on the first three gospels and the writings of John, and on Paul's epistles. All are pervaded by the genius of the author, whose critical sagacity and rare talents are acknowledged by every right-minded reader. On the 0. T. he is at home, and has shed a flood of •ight on the history and books of the Hebrews. Ewald is an epoch-making man.
Umbreit wrote what he termed a corn 41entary on the 0. T. prophets, besides expositions of Job, the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. These contain many good and useful things, but do not possess first-rate excellence.
Tholuck. —The commentaries of this eminent writer on various books, especially those on the Sermon on the Mount, and the Epistle to the Ro mans, as they appear in the last editions, exhibit high exegetical excellence. While the author in vestigates critically phrases and idioms, he ascends into the region of ideas, unfolding the sense with much skill and discernment. His commentary on John, even in its most recent form, is more popular than the rest ; though now superior to that on the Epistle to the Hebrews. His exposition of the Psalms satisfied none. In the 0. T. the author is hardly at home ; his knowledge of Hebrew being imperfect.