One of my research classes this semester will be limited to Genesis 1-3. Yup, a whole semester on these three chapters. Since this passage is so “foundational” to so much of Jewish-Christian literature it seems to me to be worth the time I will be dedicating to it.
Before this class I had four commentaries on Genesis: Bruggemann’s from the Interpretation series, Bruce Waltke and Cathi J. Frederick’s, and two others that I can’t remember who wrote them that basically take up space on my shelves. That has changed. The professor (Dr. Jan Verbruggen) who is supervising my research had me add eleven more! The list of books (all now accounted for) include:
Allen P. Ross, Creation and Blessing
Andrew Louth, Genesis 1-11 (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: Old Testament, V.1)
Bill T. Arnold, Genesis (New Cambridge Bible Commentary)
C. John Collins, Genesis 1-4: A Linguistic, Literary, and Theological Commentary
Claus Westermann, Genesis 1-11: A Continental Commentary
Gordon J. Wenham, Word Biblical Commentary, V. 1: Genesis 1-15
Kenneth Mathews, New American Commentary: Genesis 1-11:26
Nahum M. Sarna, JPS Torah Commentary: Genesis
R.R. Reno, Genesis (Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible)
Umberto Cassuto, From Adam to Noah: A Commentary on the Book of Genesis I-VI (Pt. 1)
Victor P. Hamilton, The Book of Genesis (New International Commentary on the Old Testament) 1-17
September 15, 2010 at 9:59 am
dang! those are good commentaries though – wish I could be in on it given all the hubub over at my blog about the AG. lol!
September 15, 2010 at 10:03 am
As much as I’d like to avoid the “evolution-creationism” debate I am sure I will need to reach some conclusions on the matter. At times I feel like it is distracting because I just want to know what the text said in its ANE context!
September 15, 2010 at 10:04 am
Yes, to Louth (Orthodox), Westermann and Wenham! How about Henri Blocher? And even Meredith Kline?
September 15, 2010 at 10:23 am
Robert,
I will look up the Blocher and Kline. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the commentaries. How would you say these two would contribute?
September 15, 2010 at 10:42 am
Brian,
Both are classic to moderate conservative somewhat, but in Genesis both are “Framework”. And both are Reformed. Blocher is European, and Kline is American.
September 15, 2010 at 11:23 am
That’s way too many commentaries! One wonders if you’ll have any time to read through Genesis 1-3 with all that other reading!
September 15, 2010 at 11:34 am
I agree, one main commentary.. and just a few others. That was my method. One must get to a biblical & theological place and position. One cannot read everything, or everyone.
September 15, 2010 at 11:53 am
True, it is a tad too many in my opinion but my assumption is he wants me to read some and just have others for available resources, especially since my thesis will be doing a lot of work in Gen. 1-3.
September 15, 2010 at 3:18 pm
With all this, I would rather do an interlibrary loan. Good stuff nonetheless.
September 15, 2010 at 3:20 pm
John,
Those are the words of an unmarried man. Once you get married there comes restrictions on book buying. One tool you will need to use it “I need it for my class”. You need to buy when you can!
September 15, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Haha! I will make sure to take those words to heart!
September 15, 2010 at 3:35 pm
The only other options are (1) lie and say you need books when you don’t and that is a bad idea or (2) purchase the books against the will of your wife and that also is a bad idea. You must remain obedient and strategic!
September 15, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Where’s Walton “Genesis”?
September 15, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Did his full Genesis commentary come out already?! I missed the news. I know about the popular smaller volume, and I wanted to get it, but I heard a larger more detailed one was on the way.
September 15, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Brian,
In the NIVAC series. Is that what you mean by “popular smaller volume”?
September 15, 2010 at 4:42 pm
T. C.: He’s talking about The Lost World of Genesis One which has a more academically oriented volume coming out in the near future.
September 15, 2010 at 4:51 pm
What Nick said.
September 15, 2010 at 5:06 pm
Nick and Brian,
I was thinking commentary. Okay, got you guys!
September 16, 2010 at 1:39 pm
I will want to read this thesis! and the paper for the class! lol!
September 16, 2010 at 2:49 pm
When it is ready over a year from now I will let you know!
September 20, 2010 at 1:22 pm
I would be curious to know why John Walton’s NIVAC commentary on Genesis wasn’t on your professor’s list.
September 20, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Paul,
I am not sure. He did recommend his book on OT backgrounds though.