Old Testament Catholic Bible Commentary

[knute]

I am embarking on a study of the Old Testament and am looking for a good, orthodox, thorough commentary. I have all the booklets of the Ignatius Study Bible for the New Testament by Scott Hahn and it is excellent. It answers virtually every question I seem to have while reading. I also have the Navarre compact edition which is o.k. but not as thorough. Hahn seems to know exactly what verses need clarification. My research indicates that I have few options:

1. New Jerome Biblical Commentary : As this is edited by Raymond Brown, this would not appear to pass the orthodoxy test. I don’t want someone telling me about “myths” and errors. Maybe I’m not being fair by overlooking this one. Anyone?
2. Haydock Douay Rheims: No, I am looking for a more modern Bible translation.
3. Practical commentary on Holy Scripture by Bishop Knecht by TAN. I bought this one and it is ridiculously out of date. Also, it doesn’t cover all of the Bible, just selected portions.
4. Navarre Commentary: This appears to be my best option. However, the test includes the Latin version which I have no need for, and the Pentateuch book alone costs $39!

So I need some help. Does anyone know of a commentary/tapes, etc. that really analyzes and clarifies the Old Testament verse by verse? I know Jeff Cavin’s has a program, but again, his is selective and not as in depth as what I’m looking for.

 

[Faithful_2_Rome]

Haydock…

What you may find lacking in translation…I dont know why people say this…

You will be GAINING EVERYTHING in Commentary…from none other than the Fathers themselves…everything else may be okay…but they are just “contenders” to the Great Haydock Bible

 

[Steve_O_Brien]

I recommend that you use The New Jerome Biblical Commentary, but that you read it critically, separating the wheat from the chaff. Don’t hesitate to profit from the positive elements in this major Catholic reference work as you evaluate it in the light of the papal encyclicals on Biblical studies, the decisions of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, and Vatican II’s Dei Verbum.

With the same provisos, I also recommend Father John L. McKenzie’s Dictionary of the Bible. This work was helpful to me recently in connection with a controversy that arose on the thread concerning Karl Keating’s August 3 e-letter. (The topic was this problematic passage: *1 Sam * 15:1-3.)

Keep and spread the Faith.