DESCRIPTION

This commentary is an innovative interpretation of one of the most profound texts of world literature: the book of Genesis. The first book of the Bible has been studied, debated, and expounded as much as any text in history, yet because it addresses the weightiest questions of life and faith, it continues to demand our attention. The author of this new commentary combines older critical approaches with the latest rhetorical methodologies to yield fresh interpretations accessible to scholars, clergy, teachers, seminarians, and interested laypeople. It explains important concepts and terms as expressed in the Hebrew original so that both people who know Hebrew and those who do not will be able to follow the discussion. “Closer Look” sections examine Genesis in the context of cultures of the Ancient Near East. “Bridging the Horizons” sections enable the reader to see the enduring relevance of the book in the twenty-first century.

“Arnold's commentary is a welcome addition to the current proliferation of Genesis commentaries. Because of the care, depth, scope, and interpretive sensibility of the author, it is sure to become a major and definitive work for subsequent interpretation. Arnold moves easily between synchronic and diachronic questions and makes his way knowingly from Ancient Near Eastern materials to contemporary theological concerns. The several topical studies amid the commentary are judicious and illuminating. The commentary is well researched with ready appeal to the vast literature on the texts. This book is of particular interest because it exhibits for us the working processes of an interpreter who brings his readers along in the venture.”

“Arnold succeeds brilliantly in drawing together in an accessible manner the best of previous scholarship on Genesis in order to inform his fresh, positive, and theologically insightful commentary. This work will quickly become a first port of call for busy readers who require a sure guide to the range of responsible interpretations of this seminal biblical book.”

Bill T. Arnold is Director of Hebrew Studies and the Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary. He has authored, co-authored, or co-edited eight books, including most recently the Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books (with H. G. M. Williamson, 2005); Who Were the Babylonians? (2004); A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax (with John H. Choi, Cambridge University Press, 2003); and 1 and 2 Samuel: The NIV Application Commentary (2003).