Customer Reviews

Genesis (Old Testament Library)

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This is a classic commentary by one the true giants of modern biblical/theological thought. Utilizes both literary and form criticism to provide a commentary that is both historical AND theological. von Rad treats Genesis as one vast cohesive unit in the far larger Old Testament witness. He examines all 50 chapters line by line, often word by word. Profound scholarship and ease of style are combined. This book is relatively easy to comprehend thanks to this style. Still, this is rigorous, exacting biblical study, not for the casual bible student!

This book is not for people who want to hear how inerrant the Old Testament is. Rather it is a fine example of what true Theological examination looks like. Gerhard von Rad takes Genesis and dissects it into fine details. Rarely does von Rad overlook a single detail. Taking into account language, history, and literary device, von Rad deals with Genesis in a way that will open up the stories into a new light, revealing pictures you've never even noticed before. Theist and atheist alike will find this commentary very insightful and useful in their study of Genesis.

This is a classic commentary by one the true giants of modern biblical/theological thought. Utilizes both literary and form criticism to provide a commentary that is both historical AND theological. von Rad treats Genesis as one vast cohesive unit in the far larger Old Testament sitness. He examines all 50 chapters line by line, often word by word. Profound scholarship and ease of style are combined. This book is relatively easy to comprehend thanks to this style. Still, this is rigorous, exacting biblical study, not for the casual bible student!

A classic in the field of Hebrew Bible exegesis. Rad includes examination of Hebrew text, but is easily understood by readers without background in biblical Hebrew. Scholars, students, and pastors in the field will still value this aged but timeless text. Rad provides a strong foundation for current interpretation, within a conservative historical base. Reading Rad's Genesis in conjunction with his Theology of the Old Testament will give the student of the Bible a solid footing in mainline covenantal theology. A true gem.

This book is an excellent resource for pastors. It is a commentary after the tradition of german higher criticism. I am an orthodox reformed pastor who does not submit to the presuppositions of higher criticism. However, using such a commentary allows me to gain insight into language and cultural issues of the text that might not otherwise come to my attention. Pastors and lay people without training in the origional biblical languages and intricacies of higher criticism should take great caution in utilizing a resource such as Genesis: A Commentary. Others with proper training will appreciate and benefit from Von Rad's excellent work.