It is a tricky subject, reading a book designed for Jews as a Christian. I am reading this book for insights into how Jews understand and make use of a sacred book which they share with Christians. Most of the established commentary on the Torah post-dates Jesus. So much of it does not provide any insight into how Jesus or his Jewish followers would have understood and used the text. It does indicate how the thought of the Jews of Jesus' day has developed.

Still, this is a fascinating book. Jews, who Christians must admit know a bit about this text, interpret much of it very differently than many Christians do. While the plain text is important, it is far from paramount. Since they are reading it in the actual language and not translation, the placement of words, the alliteration, the rhymes and rhythms, the punctuation all count as part of the "plain reading." This is very different from some "literal" Christian commentaries, that are based more on English translations than the actual text.

Robinson quotes extensively from the centuries of commentary, showing the range and variety of opinion. Lacking a temporal authority to enforce any exclusivity, a thousand flowers blossomed. Fiat doesn't matter, but competent authority does.

The first half of the book is an overview of the text and how it has been interpreted. I found it very informative. The second half is a week by week run through of the readings with brief commentary. I found this less interesting just because 54 weeks/chapters made it seem long.

Robinson is the author of Essential Judaism (not read).