Genesis 1-11: From Eden to Babel (International Theological Commentary

by Donald E. Gowan

Genesis 1- 11 preserves a unique view of Bible history, tracing the move from Eden, an idyllic world fully in accord with the will of God, to Babel, a fallen world desperately in need of salvation. In this commentary, Donald E. Gowan demonstrates acute sensitivity and insight in focusing on the theological import of these familiar but often puzzling accounts, showing them to be even more crucial for what they say to us about ourselves than for the information they record about individuals and events so very long ago. Addressing such themes as the existence of evil and the threat of chaos, human power and violence, tension between the sexes and the breakdown of the family, he remains ever conscious of the gospel as set forth in Genesis.

125 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1988

Reviews

[Mark Isaak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gowan goes through Genesis 1-11, often verse by verse, giving a theological commentary. His interpretations are mainstream and based on the original Hebrew. From the beginning he is clear that he sees this section of the Bible as theological in purpose, not historical or scientific; issues that concern creationists (e.g. how long the deluge lasted) are wholly unimportant to him. He often mentions extra-biblical traditions, but he dismisses them as such and sticks with the scripture. Thus, the serpent in Eden is just an animal, and the tower in Babel is not the focus of the Babel story -- because that is what the scripture says. Problematical passages (such as the Nephilim in Gen. 6) are treated by briefly listing prominent interpretations others have given, briefly mentioning problems with them, and leaving the questions open. Theologically educated readers will find little new in this book (which is probably Gowan's intent), but they may find more support for what they knew already. For people new to theology, this book could serve as an introduction.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few occasional good tidbits from the Hebrew kept this from being a washout.