Professor Magaret S. Odell has brought together many different sources and approaches in order to produce an outstanding commentary on the book of Ezekiel. Her many dedicated years of study on Ezekiel are demonstrated in Odell’s meticulous attention to detail in the exposition of the manifold issues encountered in this prophetic text. Very readable and exquisitely illustrated, this very impressive volume is a must-have commentary on an important biblical book.

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Margaret Odell is a master in leading readers through the difficult terrain of the book of Ezekiel. She weaves literary, historical, and theological reflections together in a clear, compelling, and insightful way.

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Margaret Odell employs an innovative combination of critical methodologies to produce a commentary that is sensitive to literary issues and that situates the book of Ezekiel in the cultural context of ancient Mesopotamia. By emphasizing the influence of Mesopotamian royal inscriptions on the literary presentation of the book, she points to the means by which Ezekiel, once a priest of the Jerusalem Temple and now a prophet of G-d in Babylonian exile, attempts to discern divine presence and purpose in a world that has been completely overturned by the Babylonian empire. Her commentary thereby provides an important vantage point from which to engage the problems of evil, imperial power, religious identity, and divine holiness in both the ancient and modern worlds.

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The prophet Ezekiel and the book that goes by his name are mysteries not only for lay persons, but also for many biblical scholars and theologians. Many begin reading the book with high expectations, but never get past the bewildering opening vision. Margaret Odell's commentary will go a long way toward solving the mystery of the person and opening the oracles of this fascinating prophet of the exile. Virtually every page exhibits judicious integration of her own creative insights with those of other scholars who have wrestled with this book. Scholars, teachers and preachers will all be grateful for the maturity of Dr. Odell's theological reflection and the clarity of her style. The accompanying exegetical and illustrative sidebars certainly add to the latter.

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Odell’s commentary combines careful exegesis rooted in the ancient world of Ezekiel’s first readers with poignant interpretation addressed to a 21st Century audience. The book is a visual treat providing a multitude of diagrams, photographs and sidebars that offer memorable glimpses not only into the world of Ezekiel, but also into the minds and hearts of the many who have responded to this book throughout the ages. e, insightful and deserves a place on every Bible student's bookshelf.

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Margaret Odell has written probably the most broadly useful introduction available to this fascinating yet difficult book. The truly “illuminating” illustrations are a study in themselves. Even more, Odell’s broad learning, her clear and engaging writing, and above all her sensitive theological understanding draw readers into a deeply rewarding engagement with the prophetic message.

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As the Smyth and Helwys Commentary Series gains in both stature and volume, Margaret Odell now contributes a first rate study of the prophetic book of Ezekiel. Odell is among the most important member of the new wave of Ezekiel scholars who take full account of the peculiarity of the book of Ezekiel, but have the patience and the erudition to engage its stunning and demanding theological claims. In a way characteristic of the series, Odell works with the most technical, even esoteric matters but communicates such work in a way that is accessible and useful for Bible readers. Her work appreciates the literary coherence of the book, focuses on the intense thematic of its theocentricity, and takes seriously its acute moral vision. In a time of Bible reading in a society that is increasingly beset by what is “abominable,” Ezekiel’s vision of a “holy community” summoned to loyalty is an important alternative. Odell invites the reader to face the demand and the possibility of such a God-given alternative life that is wholly focused on the divine reality.

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