Customer Reviews

The Book of Genesis (New International Commentary on the Old Testament Series) 1-17

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This is the finest commentary on Genesis in my library. It is a 2 volume set.

Hamilton deals with a wide array of issues. His work reflects later scholarship than Wenham's Word Biblical Commentary, and his conclusions are more convincing than Wenham's when they differ (in my opinion). For example, Genesis contains the Hebrew 'TOLeDOT' in 10 locations. Hamilton reviews Wenham's (and others) idea that 'TOLeDOT' in Genesis 2 is a conclusion for the first chapter. He then goes on to reject that idea because the 9 others are clearly introductions to the following material. He then goes on to explain how it should be seen as the introduction to Genesis 2:4 ff. He goes further than commentators like Waltke on this, by offering a significant grammatical point on this as well. Wenham does not talk about it at all. Wenham bases his argument on context only with a leaning towards the meaning of the words themselves. This affects how one sees the entire book of Genesis. Wenham does not see the ten divisions of Genesis. Hamilton includes the ten divisions as part but not all of his reasoning. Waltke concurs with Hamilton, and I have to say that Hamilton's argument is far superior in my view.

It's not just another point in the exegesis of the book. This particular point is crucial to how you see Genesis as a whole, and its parts. It even can affect how you view the authorship of Genesis (hodgepodge or a whole composition).

Unfortunately, Hamilton does not contain information that deals with chiastic and alternating structures. He should.

I've found his commentary is usually full and helpful as well as readable. Every part of every verse provides reflection on the hard issues and the easy ones.

I have had the feeling that I am not just reading about the bible, but am feeding on the spiritual treasures of Genesis presented by someone who loves the Word. I really appreciate the tone of this commentary.
Often Hamilton gives a section called New Testament Appropriation where he cites a passage in Genesis and related passages in the NT. These are packed with comments on each relevant passage and loaded with footnotes for further study. This is extremely convenient for the preacher or Bible teacher who is dealing with these issues in the text.

He does not give what is now expected in the finer full commentaries...one excursus after another. This is a disappointment. He also does not give the wealth of Chiastic and Alternating structures that Waltke gives. He does not provide any special systematic treatment of Christological passages, even though more than one book has been written on preaching about Christ from Genesis.

He does give a lot of integrated and expertly cited information from Jewish literature and Ancient Near Eastern Studies. These citations seem to flow from the pen of someone who is very familiar with Ancient Near Eastern cultures and religions. I love the way he ties this research in, and even though I have personally read some of the very things he cites, I still didn't see the link the way he brings it in until I read his perspective on it and went back to review. He's very good for this sort of thing.

This excellent work treads the line carefully, taking into account Textual Criticism, Ancient Near East backgrounds and parallels, New Testament Appropriation of texts and critical scholarship in a way that leaves the reader well informed on issues. Sometimes comes to "interesting" conclusions, but if not near a reference library, this is the commentary on the book to have (over Wenham, Spieser, or Westermann). Especially helpful to have 1 more if possible (I'd take the JPS Torah series to get a solid Jewish and historical approach) to compare against, but Hamilton is solid and orthodox in his conclusions, avoiding straying too far from either extreme, though leaving ultra-conservative evangelicals out in the cold with some of his statements. (see esp. Gen 1-3; Oi)

No doubt Wenham and Hamilton have written the best conservative's commentary on Genesis. Longman said that "between Wenham and Hamilton, Genesis is well covered."

But to have both means you must buy 4 volumes because both Wenham and Hamilton separated their commentaries on Genesis into two volumes (Wenham: Genesis 1-15 & 16-50; Hamilton: Genesis 1-17 & 18-50).

I have read all of the four volumes and found that for the first part of Genesis, Hamilton tend to be more conservative than Wenham (e.g. compared their interpretations on the "spirit" in Gen. 1:2), but for the second part Wenham has given me more insight (He always can find fresh meanings and applications from the famous Christian stories that I have been reading since I was in the sunday school!).

My suggestion is if you have enough money buy all, but if you don't buy the first book of Hamilton and the second book of Wenham.buy all, but if you don't buy the first book of Hamilton and the second book of Wenham.

This is a really good two volume commentary on Genesis. I like it better than Gordon Wenham's two volume work for several reasons: 1) It is easier to read. 2) There are many points where Hamilton focus on applying the text to the New Testament and to the practical Christian life, 3) you don't have to have a knowledge of hebrew to access this mammoth work. So if you're doing a Bible study on Genesis or if you're preaching through it, then this is the top of the line.

Hamilton's outline and word study allows the reader to determine for themselves the best interpretation of verses under challenge. While focusing on the Biblical evidence, Hamilton shows varying opinions on specifics and then challenges each with other areas of Scripture. The format, and easy-to-read structure make it a must for any Old Testament library.

This commentary, like the rest of the set, does a very good job of breaking down each section and explaining the context as well as the linguistic issues. This would be a valuable addition to the library of any person interested in Bible study, whether they be layperson or clergy.

* Many authors suppose to write for scholars, pastors and laymen, yet few accomplish their goal. Hamilton succeeds. This commentary is of sufficient depth and technicality for scholars and students. The introduction in particular does a wonderful job of addressing theological themes within the book. One very useful feature, not usually found in scholarly OT commentaries, is a section on 'New Testament Appropriation" at the conclusion of every few chapters. Hamilton also includes useful applicatory points and easy-to-read and understand chapter and section summaries. IMHO this is the best commentary on Genesis.

The commentary by Hamilton is one of the best that I'm aware of on Genesis. I'm taking an introduction course at seminary and I leaned very heavily on Hamilton's book. It is accessible to the beginning student, but experts should find it is hearty enough to help them too. I would definitely recommend this to any student of Genesis or of the Bible.