My Genesis-theology recommendations

by Nijay Gupta

As I prepare for a course I am teaching next year, I wanted to share some of my

favorite resources. This week and next week are my times to prepare for my
Genesis (chs 1-3) lectures. Through the help of my readers and other guides, I
have found the following resources useful:

A Theological Introduction to the OT (Birch et al.; 1999) – I tire of historical

“surveys” that leave you with dates and bare facts, but have no discussion of
theology and modern relevance. With the aid of Fretheim and Brueggemann, this
is an excellent clear guide (that is meant to be used alongside a traditional
textbook).

How to Read Genesis (T. Longman, 2005). Though a very basic guide, for non-
specialists (like me) teaching undergrads (like me), it is clear and hits all the major
issues of interpretation.
The Lost World of Genesis One (J. Walton, 2009). Walton argues well that we
really need to focus less on proving the Creation texts right scientifically and more
on comparing the Genesis story with ANE origin stories to show just how unique
and peculiar this God is. He also makes the argument that God made the earth to
dwell in it, so the story of Genesis One is about designing the parts of Creation
with this function in mind.
The Faith of Israel (W. Dumbrell; 2002): Another theological introduction to the
OT, this time by an evangelical.
Dictionary of Old Testament Pentateuch (2003) – One-stop shopping for all your
Genesis needs (and more!)
Reverberations of Faith (Brueggemann, 2002). A short dictionary of OT concepts
– entries are usually about a couple pages long. An excellent handbook.
Encountering the Book of Genesis (Bill Arnold, 1998): Very textbook-y. Simple
without being simplistic and well-produced with pictures and lots of excursus.
From Paradise to Promised Land (T. Desmond Alexander, 2002). An excellent
theological reflection on the Pentateuch – especially how Eden is set up as God’s
temple.
Genesis (Walter Brueggemann, 1982) - WJK Interpretation. Until it arrives ILL, I
have to enjoy it on googlebooks….
Genesis (2 vols; Gordon Wenham, 1994) – WBC. Wenham is such a level-headed
trustworthy scholar. And a nice man. His detailed study is first-rate.
The Book of Genesis (V. Hamilton; 1990) – NICOT. A solid commentary.
Genesis (J. McKeown, 2008) – Two Horizons – a theological commentary. I have
only dipped into Genesis 1-2, but already very insightful and concise. When you
only have a few hours to design a lecture, these kinds of short treatments are
invaluable!
Genesis (T. Fretheim; 1994) – New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary Vol. I.
Fretheim offers a fresh and unique perspective on Genesis 1, arguing that while
most people find the God of this chapter as removed and transcendent, he shows
how God includes his creation in the act of creating (he made humanity out of dirt,
he uses humanity to name other things, etc…). This gives special dignity to all of
creation.
The Theology of the Book of Genesis (Walter Moberly, 2009) – in the beloved
Theology series from Cambridge