The Message Of Genesis 1-11: The Dawn Of Creation

The Bible Speaks Today: Old Testament

by David John Atkinson

Genesis shows us how and why we are. It uncovers the origins of evil. It illuminates the meaning of freedom. It expresses the harmony of creation. And it offers hope for the renewal of our natural world and for the healing of our broken relationships."Genesis 1–11 is really an overture to the rest of the Bible." So writes David Atkinson in his introduction to this thoughtful and spiritual guide to the opening chapters of Genesis. Writing as a scientist and as a pastor, Atkinson avoides technicalities and speculation and provides a skillful guide to the text's theological significance. While many commentaries on these chapters become tangled in problems of dating, authorship and historicity, this Bible Speaks Today volume on the opening chapters of Genesis focuses on the issues that really matter. Atkinson's work will be a delight to all―seasoned expositors and novice readers alike.

Genres: Reference, Old Testament, Christian, Theology, Religion, Biblical Studies

190 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 1990

About the author

The Rt Rev. David John Atkinson is the former Bishop of Thetford. He was born on 5 September 1943 and educated at Maidstone Grammar School and King's College London. After a short career as a chemistry teacher he was ordained in 1973. His career began with a curacy at St Peter Halliwell Bolton, after which he was Chaplain (and a Fellow) of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, then a Canon Residentiary at Southwark Cathedral and finally (before his elevation to the Episcopate) Archdeacon of Lewisham. In 2009 he became an Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Southwark. Bishop David is married with two children and six grandchildren. He retired on 16 September 2009.

Reviews

[Emily Gifford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find many of the books in this series to be incredibly delightful, though I struggle to give them five stars as I recognize that the authors may not always stick to pure exegesis in their approach.

That being said, the applications Atkinson drew from the first 11 chapters of Genesis were thought provoking and challenging. He discussed everything from the biblical motivation for scientific discovery to environmental degradation as a source of man’s neglect of his role as steward of creation….and sooo many things in between!

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genesis is one of the longest books in the Bible and because of this many commentaries have been written on and about it.   As with all commentaries they fall into three types, Popular (meant for the laity), Pastoral (written for Pastors and Teachers), and Scholarly (meant for scholarly pastors, theologians, and scholars).  The series the Bible Speaks Today fits into both Popular and Pastoral types depending on the authorship of the commentaries.

In regards to the entry on Genesis, there are two volumes.  The first covers Genesis 1-11, and the second Genesis 12-50.  The first volume is authored by David Atkinson.  He is an able scholar and minister, and this dual approach makes this volume an helpful volume.  There are many helpful comments about the ancient near east culture as well as practical application.

Unfortunately there is also a negative aspect to the volume.  Due to the important nature of the first eleven chapters of Genesis there is usually a large commentary section dedicated to it.  The commentary section in this volume is limited to less than 200 pages.  It is not that the commentary section of this volume is not useful to some, I just wish there was more of it.  This volume would greatly aid a Sunday School teacher or a small group leader, or even an uneducated pastor, yet studied pastor's will be left wanting more.  This volume is great for a summary of each narrative section and application in preaching, yet a educated pastor will want to pair this volume with an more scholarly exegetical commentary.

This book was provided to me free of charge from IVP Publishing in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.

[Wallace · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Bible Speaks Today (BST) has become a 'go-to' Bible commentary series for evangelicals who want to combine academic rigour with spiritual application. By and large, most volumes of the BST series, whether Old Testament or New Testament, achieve this expected and required blend.

However, this offering in the Old Testament BST series, The Message of Genesis 1-11 by David Atkinson, just made the expected and required blend of academic rigour and spiritual application. I didn't get as much from it as I have from other books within the BST series. But, perhaps I was the one at fault!

2-star at best!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series, I enjoy the balance between commentary and application. They're a bit dated in their use of language (including the Bible translation used) and cultural references (due to aiming to be contemporary and accessible 30-40 years ago)- which sometimes makes my eyes glaze over while reading...

[Rick Mackinnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the series as it’s easy to read, well referenced and good bibliography. Genesis 1-11 volume is informative but could use more content as subject matter of beginnings is foundational to understand the Bible.

Recommend for use by Christian Ed Teachers, Bible Study Leaders and beginner pastors.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twas a good read; however, I wish this commentary included multiple explanations for Genesis events such as “sons of God and daughters of men” and how Noah’s son sinned against him.

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first commentary I read cover to cover -- random! Generally helpful and insightful, but not particularly a stand out (in hindsight!). The author seems to have a bent towards science and ethics, which were not always what I was hoping for.

[Rachelle Bachiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This section of Genesis was easy to read. Gave information that I really enjoyed. Can be used for Christian leaders and also Bible Study groups.