A Warning On Commentaries
Go into any Christian bookstore and you will see the shelves lined with different commentaries on the books of the Bible as well as on Biblical topics. While most of these books are not harmful, the issue that comes into play for the Christian is when we place these commentaries above the authority of the Bible. The author of the book of Ecclesiastes, I believe, offers a warning for this.
“9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd. 12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. 13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”
Ecclesiastes 12:9-13
In this passage we see the author, who I believe to be Solomon, states that they searched out knowledge and wrote it down. In today’s world, this can be applied to the many different commentaries we read. The authors have found knowledge that they wish to share with others. The majority of authors believe their writings and write their ideas of the truth. However, there is a warning with reading commentaries that even the author of Ecclesiastes points out. “12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.” Ecclesiastes 12:12.
In this verse we see that the author is warning against having anything added to the scriptures. This is the problem with some commentaries out there, they are adding to the Word of God. And of the many commentaries out there it is hard to be sure that you are reading one that has a solid biblical foundation, one that is not trying to add to the Word of God. This is why the author of Ecclesiastes states in verse thirteen that there is one conclusion in the matter of the many books, and that is to fear God and keep His commandments. We are not to add to the Bible, “2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.” Deuteronomy 4:2. We are however, commanded to study the word, “18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 11:18-19.
Reading commentaries is not wrong and can often be helpful for the Christian to understand various topics, however, do not allow what infallible man writes to influence the unchanging Word of God. If you read something that goes against what the Word of God says, it is the Word of God that must be leaned on and the other to be removed. Remember what Jesus commanded in Revelation, chapter 22:18-19, “18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.” I would also encourage you when you are reading commentaries to only review them after you have done the following: first by reading the scripture you are studying, then see what other scripture connects to it, and finally pray. Pray that God will show you the truth that if you come across something that either adds or goes against what God’s Word says, that God will make it clear to you and help you understand.
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
Alex