Ralph W. Klein's commentary on 1 Chronicles in the prestigious Hermeneia series represents a groundbreaking achievement in Chronicles studies, revolutionizing scholarly understanding of the Chronicler's relationship to his sources and providing readers with fresh insights into one of the Hebrew Bible's most theologically sophisticated works. As Professor of Old Testament at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and one of America's foremost experts in textual criticism and Hebrew manuscripts, Klein brings exceptional expertise to bear on the complex questions surrounding Chronicles' composition, purpose, and theological message. His 592-page treatment demonstrates how recent advances in textual criticism have fundamentally altered our understanding of the Chronicler's methods, revealing that many supposed differences between Chronicles and its sources in Samuel-Kings actually reflect variant textual traditions rather than deliberate editorial changes.

Klein's exposition excels in its meticulous analysis of the textual history underlying Chronicles, showing how careful comparison of Hebrew manuscripts, ancient versions, and Dead Sea Scroll fragments illuminates the complex relationship between Chronicles and the earlier historical books. His detailed textual notes provide readers with unprecedented access to the manuscript evidence that shapes contemporary understanding of Chronicles' composition, while his theological analysis reveals how the Chronicler employed sophisticated literary and editorial techniques to address the needs of post-exilic Israel. Klein's treatment of major themes—including the centrality of temple worship, the role of the Davidic covenant, the theology of divine retribution, and the significance of genealogical materials—demonstrates how Chronicles functions not merely as revised history but as creative theological interpretation that addresses fundamental questions about Israel's identity and destiny.

What makes this commentary indispensable for serious students of biblical literature is Klein's demonstration of how rigorous textual criticism can enhance rather than undermine appreciation for Chronicles' theological significance and literary artistry. His comprehensive engagement with international scholarship provides readers with access to the full range of contemporary discussion surrounding Chronicles studies, while his clear exposition makes complex textual and theological issues accessible to both specialist and general readers. For graduate students researching Hebrew Bible composition, pastors seeking to understand Chronicles' distinctive theological perspective, and biblical scholars working in post-exilic literature, Klein provides the kind of foundational analysis that has reshaped Chronicles studies for a generation. This commentary represents the Hermeneia series at its finest, offering the methodological sophistication and interpretive insight necessary for understanding how one of Scripture's most complex books continues to address questions of faith, worship, and community identity.