Encountering the Book of Genesis

Encountering Biblical Studies

by Bill T. Arnold

This accessible introduction to the Book of Genesis examines introductory issues, overarching themes, and the overall argument of the book.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published December 28, 1998

About the author

Bill T. Arnold (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including Encountering the Book of Genesis, Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books, A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax, and a commentary on 1 and 2 Samuel. He is also the coauthor (with Bryan E. Beyer) of Encountering the Old Testament.

Reviews

[Randy Mccracken · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suppose the highest personal praise I can give this book is that I plan on using it as a foundational textbook for my class on Genesis. The books in the EBS series are intended to be textbooks, and Encountering the Book of Genesis has certainly achieved that goal. This book deals with all of the major themes and issues related to the Book of Genesis, while at the same time doing it in a concise way. The text boxes, tables, charts, as well as some of the maps, also go a long way in visually orienting the student for a greater learning experience. If the Goodreads system would allow it, I would actually give it 4.5 stars. I recommend Encountering the Book of Genesis, not only to “upper-level collegians,” but to all who are interested in learning more about the Book of Genesis, while also being personally challenged to grow in their relationship with the Lord.

This is the conclusion of my review. To read the entire review please click on the following link: http://www.biblestudywithrandy.com/20...

[Paul Kurtz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read a couple of other books in the "Encountering...." series and found them to be excellent. This book was a disappointment. There was just not much depth to it. I think the notes in good study Bibles provide as much insight on the text of Genesis as this book does.

[Matt Maples · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very solid study of the book of Genesis and the opening of the Pentateuch. It’s not extremely technical, but still very helpful. I found it to be a strong scholarly study without getting to far into the weeds.

[fooleveunder · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the part about Adam and Eve. It provides in-depth research that supports the Bible’s claims and interpretations. However, some parts seem to state the obvious or repeat what has already been said.

[John Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written and informative book.

[Preston Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Arnold provides a decent overview and walkthrough for the book of Genesis, he often fails to provide a great deal of depth. This book is neither terrible nor excellent, but there are certainly better introductions to the book of Genesis available.

[Peter Bringe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Over all I benefitted from reading this book, even though it was lacking in some respects. The first part of the book (covering Genesis 1-14) was the weakest part (two stars), mainly stemming from the fact that Dr. Arnold doesn't use biblical chronology much and is undecided on the nature of the creation days. The part of the book covering the rest of Genesis was insightful (four stars), and the treatment of covenant theology was especially good. The part of the book covering the authorship of Genesis was informative (three stars).

[Winnie Thornton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super shallow.