Customer Reviews

The New American Commentary: Genesis 1- 11:26 (New American Commentary)

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Mathews presentation focuses well on the messages behind the narratives of Genesis. Presenting various alternatives for interpretation, he defends his evangelical positions with well reasoned and scholarly research. And he is right on the mark when he states that one's handling of Genesis lays the foundation for the "whole of canonical Scriptures." He ties the work of Genesis together with the various "accounts" or generations mentioned throughout the text. This handle works well in presenting Genesis 1-11 as the prelude to the birth of Israel's understanding of her covenant relationship with God. From Adam to Abraham, God is involved in a dynamic relationship of both grace and mercy. My only regret is that I'm still waiting for the second volume!

This commentary is less technical than some other commentaries, such as by Wenham's Genesis, but this commentary by Mathews is better on essential issues in Genesis 1-11 than other commentaries and has enough exegesis not to leave the reader wanting. Despite a few weaknesses, which includes wavering on the days of creation, this commentary may be the best contemporary, exegetical commentary on the opening chapters of Genesis. Although part 2 is not yet published when this review was written, get James Boice's Genesis commentary for an excellent companion to this volume for the second half of Genesis.

As a former doctoral student of Kenneth Mathews, I have come to appreciate his faith and his scholarly approach to scripture. This comes through in the New American Commentary: Genesis 1 - 11:26. It is a thoroughly researched, in-depth approach to this portion of scripture, yet written in a highly understandable manner. This commentary deserves to be on the desks of pastors and laypeople alike. Be sure to also pick up his second volume on Genesis (also in the NAC series) which is now available.