Genesis
I’m preparing to write a study guide on Genesis which, Lord willing, will be ready for use in our church this next fall. I plan on covering the 50 chapters in 25 studies. I’ve assembled most of my books. So far, here’s my bibliography:
- Alter, Robert. The Art of Biblical Narrative (Basic Books, 1981)
- Alter, Robert. Genesis, Translation and Commentary (W.W. Norton & Company, 1996)
- Blocher, Henri. In the Beginning: The Opening Chapters of Genesis (IVP, 1984)
- Collins, C. John. Genesis 1–4: a linguistic, literary, and theological commentary (P&R Publishing, 2006)
- Duguid, Iain. Living in the Gap Between Promise and Reality: The Gospel According to Abraham (P&R, 1999)
- Duguid, Iain. Living in the Grip of Relentless Grace: The Gospel in the Lives of Isaac and Jacob (P&R, 2002)
- Fesko, John V. Last Things First (Christian Focus: 2007)
- Greidanus, Sydney. Preaching Christ from Genesis: foundations for expository sermons (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2007)
- Jolley, Reed. Studies in Genesis (Santa Barbara Community Church, 1998)
- Keller, Timothy J. What were we put in the world to do? (Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 2006)
- Kidner, Derek. Genesis, The Tyndale Old Testament Commentary Series (Inter-Varsity Press, 1967)
- Longman, Tremper. How to read Genesis (InterVarsity Press, 2005)
- Ross, Allen. Creation and Blessing: A Guide to the Study and Exposition of Genesis (Baker, 1988)
- Sarna, Nahum. Understanding Genesis (Schocken, 1966)
- Waltke, Bruce K. An Old Testament Theology (Zondervan, 2007)
- Waltke, Bruce K. Genesis, A Commentary (Zondervan, 2001)
- Williams, Michael E. Genesis, A Storyteller’s companion to the Bible; v1(Abingdon Press, 1991)
Hey Justin,
I saw that you were interested in Keller’s new book on “The Reason for God”. And, since you are doing a study on the book of Genesis would you hold to a literal six day creation? I was troubled that Keller did not. Anyway, hope it all goes well and that the Lord uses it in a great way.
Mike
Mike,
Thanks for your comment. I haven’t completely landed on my interpretation of Gen 1, I need to do some more study, but I certainly lean towards believing that the author of Genesis did not have a literal six day creation in mind when writing Genesis 1. Rather than explain my reasoning here (I’ll save it for the study guide and for future sermons), I took a peek at your blog post on this topic and my interpretive leaning/reasoning is along the lines of one of the comments I saw on your post, the comment by “Justin Nale.”
Justin,
Thanks for the response. Obviously, we would disagree about this. Let me suggest MacArthur’s “Battle for the Beginning”. I think he lays out a strong foundation for a literal six day interpretation and gives some striking ramifications for allowing science to skew our view of this incredibly pivotal chapter in the Bible. I think you will notice that very few Bible scholars pre-late 1800′s ever questioned the literal intent of Gen. 1.
Have a great evening the Lord.
Mike
hi
re: genesis studies, I recommend listening to the 3 Keller sermons on work/ rest on the reformissionary site referenced on your blog. They have some interesting insights on gen 2
It looks like you have enough books on Genesis already, but one more that you might want to look into is Meredith Kline’s Kingdom Prologue: Genesis Foundations for a Covenantal Worldview. It is tremendous. I look forward to reading your study guide.
That is quite an undertaking, but it looks like you are well-equipped with those sources. I look forward to learning from your studies in the future!
Justin, not that you need more books on Genesis. But first I am in agreement with James Gordon. MG Kline’s Kingdom Prologue is must reading (though hard reading) on Genesis. He needs to be read for many reasons but his view on the framework theory is definitely worth it.
Henri Blocher has a great book called In the Beginning.
John Sailhamer’s book on Genesis is quite fascinating. I don’t agree with everything, but definitely a good read.
I used to have U Cassuto’s Commentaries, but sold them. They were the standard for a while.
But The best out there I think are Gordon Wenahm’s Word Biblical Commentary on Genesis. Victor Hamilton in the NICOT is pretty good as well. If there was one that I would get, it would be Wenham’s two-volume.
Just my 2 cents.
Creation & Blessing by Allen Ross is one of my favorite Genesis tools. Glad to see you giving that one a read!
Big Chris
Beyond the creation account I am excited for this study and will pray for you as you do this, there’s quite a bit of history and content in Genesis though we always get hung up on creation. I will pray that God will teach you things and that you can communicate them and the excitement that you will no doubt gain from this study. Such a huge chunk of history is contained in Genesis. I can’t wait to see the finished product.
Hi Justin
These sermons on Genesis by Dr Willie Philip, minister of St George’s Tron here in Glasgow are excellent!
http://www.thetron.org/media/listen3.php?series=07SuPMGen
and
http://www.thetron.org/media/listen3.php?series=08SuAM.Gos
Will
Justin,
I recently wrote a study on Genesis that we went through in our adult small groups. While there were sections I was not entirely happy with, it might be somewhat useful.
We did it in two parts:
Part 1- http://www.asgrace.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/genesis-study-guide-pt-1.pdf
Part 2-
http://www.asgrace.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/genesis-study-guide-pt-2.pdf
For what its worth, I found Waltke’s commentary to be the best out there hands down.
Guys,
Thanks for the tips/helps.
Looking forward to your study guide — I recently read through Genesis and have a few questions, but not enough time to read through a huge pile of books like the one you’ve pictured above.
You need John Currid’s two volumes.
I envy you and your job. :) The thought of being able to pour myself into researching and writing so completely….some day.
Hi Justin:
I think it’s a great idea and can’t wait to be a part of this study. Pat Portman taught a bible study lesson a few years ago and it affected me in a good way.
Justin,
Have one or more of these resources emerged as a favorite? I’m getting ready to do some personal study in Genesis and am looking to pick up a commentary or two to add to my library and was just curious as to your recommendations.
Todd, they’re all good. Waltke is a favorite.
