Edited by David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, this new commentary series, projected to be 48 volumes, takes a Christ-centered approach to expositing each book of the Bible. Rather than a verse-by-verse approach, the authors have crafted chapters that explain and apply key passages in their assigned Bible books. Readers will learn to see Christ in all aspects of Scripture, and they will be encouraged by the devotional nature of each exposition. Exalting Jesus in Ezra-Nehemiah is written by Jim Hamilton. Confidence in the truth and power of God’s written Word should prompt pastors and teachers not only to say worthy things about the Bible, but also to preach and teach with faithfulness  from  the Bible. The Christ-Centered Exposition series helps us to do just that. Theologically rock solid, this series is a clear, practical, and useful guide to the kind of biblical exposition that will please the Lord and build up his church.   Timothy George Founding dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University and general editor of the  Reformation Commentary on Scripture     There is nothing more helpful to a pastor than resources that are biblically faithful and pastorally applicable.  The Christ-Centered Exposition series hits the bull’s eye. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to understand the Scripture in its context in order to apply it in real life.    Darrin Patrick Lead pastor of The Journey, St. Louis, and co-author of For the City David Platt, Tony Akin, and Tony Merida have launched a series that will give a rising generation of pastors a tremendous resource for seeing how all the Scriptures prepare for and proclaim the ministry of Christ. The pastoral focus, the preaching tools and the redemptive insights make this a series of immediate use and great aid to pastors who want to equip their people to serve the Lord in the joyous power of the gospel – rather than in the vain pressures of servile dread or slavish fear.   Bryan Chapell President Emeritus, Covenant Seminary and Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church James Merrill Hamilton’s contribution to the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series shines as a bright and clear star among all the books that seek to help explain Ezra and Nehemiah. Often overlooked or employed only when a church is undergoing a building program, Ezra-Nehemiah is treated like what is negatively termed the “fly-over” portion of the country—many are glad it is there but have no real reason or desire to visit. However, Hamilton’s work shows that in these books dwell the heartland of the story of the exiled people of God.  This is one commentary worth reading cover to cover and, as you do, you will smile as you see the Lord Jesus shining forth.   Jason G. Duesing, Ph.D. Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Assistant Professor of Historical Theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  It's one thing to know Bible stories; it's another to know the story of the Bible. It's one thing to be aware of the story's many heroes; it's another to have met the Hero himself. From the Old Testament that anticipates him, to the Gospels that manifest him, to the Book of Acts that proclaims him, to the Epistles that explain him, and to the Book of Revelation that tells of him coming again, your Bible is about Jesus. That's why I love the vision of the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series. It models for preachers and teachers how to proclaim—with pastoral focus and exegetical care—the beauty of the gospel from every page of Scripture. Matt Smethurst Associate Editor for The Gospel Coalition Few things are more important for faithful biblical interpretation than reading Scripture in light of its master narrative. The Christ-Centered Exposition series aims to do just that.  In a postmodern age, these commentaries provide pastors and lay people an invaluable resource that is unswervingly committed to the authority of Scripture and the centrality of the Gospel in the Bible’s storyline. Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr., President The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary James Hamilton's newly published commentary on exalting Jesus in Ezra and Nehemiah is both scholarly and accessible, text-centered and warm-hearted—all of which comes through even in this brief interview. As we at The Gospel Coalition are preparing for our national women's conference  this summer in which the plenaries will take us right through the book of Nehemiah, I'm especially delighted by the timely arrival of this commentary!  Even as we dig into great helps like these, we can take to heart Hamilton's reminder of the crucial importance of reading and re-reading the biblical text. His comments help inspire us to do that with increased attention and fervor. * * * * * * * * * *   In your introduction, rather than jumping right into the books, you ask your reader to imagine God building a theater. How does that picture help establish your aims