Dale Allison[1] says…
It instills humility by reminding exegetes of how much they owe to those who came before, and of the degree to which they are bearers of traditions
Reception history that looks beyond theologians and commentaries… reminds one that biblical texts are not the exclusive property of clerics and exegetes. They instead belong equally to popular piety and to literature in general, and likewise to artists, poets, and musicians
I would also add that if we believe the Holy Spirit guides our interpretation today then we should similarly believe that it was guiding the interprets of the past and this will add much fruit to our exegesis. And to the Church Fathers specifically, many interpreters rely on the Church Fathers doctrinal views (Trinity, humanity/deity of Christ etc.) but reject much of their exegesis and use of texts. It was their exegesis that led to the formulation to these doctrines so we should also value their exegetical insights.
For more of my thoughts on reading the Church Fathers and the importance of history in our interpretation and spiritual lives see this post
Also see Patrick Schreiner’s post 11 Reasons to Study the History of Interpretation
For more on history of interpretation and the Church Father’s exegesis I would recommend the following:
Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of Scripture see entries:
Sanctified Vision by John O’Keefe and Reno
Reading the Bible With Giants: How 2000 Years of Biblical Interpretation Can Shed New Light on Old Text by David Paul Parris
Studies in Matthew: Interpretation Past and Present by Dale Allison
Isaiah: Interpreted by Early Christian Medieval Commentators by Robert L. Wilken
Commentary series dedicated to including history of interpretation:
Robert Louis Wilken, “Interpreting the Bible as Bible”, JTI 4.1 (2010), 7–14