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College Press NIV Commentary: Genesis Volume 1
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392 pages, Hardcover
Published April 25, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 18, 2013
Even for a crotchety old atheist like me, I see why Genesis captures the faithful. The stories are universal, some beautiful, some odd but allegorical. NIV gives great commentary on the text.
Having conceded this, it seems to me there is a lot of bad behavior getting rewarded here. There is the more prosaic “sins” which apparently were not sins in ancient times, most notably having multiple concubines. I will let this pass. I would like to know, however, how after Jacob connived his birthright from his brother, his unethical behavior ultimately leads him to father of the 12 tribes of Israel. Further, some of these kids were no good – yet everyone gets a tribe. True some tribes were not as blessed as others, but no matter how crummy your domain, it is still good to be the tribal leader even of a land with lower property values.
Even when progeny are the result of drunken incest (see Lot and his daughters) get their dominions.
There is darkly humorous scene. Abraham is about to sacrifice his son Isaac. Son and father are gathering the wood for Isaac’s sacrificial pyre. I take certain liberties, but Isaac some something to the effect, “Hey pop, don’t we usually have something to sacrifice when we are making a sacrifice.” Abraham respond, “Just pick up the sticks, boy, the Lord will provide.” Imagine gathering the fuel for your own toasting.
Onward to Exodus.
Having conceded this, it seems to me there is a lot of bad behavior getting rewarded here. There is the more prosaic “sins” which apparently were not sins in ancient times, most notably having multiple concubines. I will let this pass. I would like to know, however, how after Jacob connived his birthright from his brother, his unethical behavior ultimately leads him to father of the 12 tribes of Israel. Further, some of these kids were no good – yet everyone gets a tribe. True some tribes were not as blessed as others, but no matter how crummy your domain, it is still good to be the tribal leader even of a land with lower property values.
Even when progeny are the result of drunken incest (see Lot and his daughters) get their dominions.
There is darkly humorous scene. Abraham is about to sacrifice his son Isaac. Son and father are gathering the wood for Isaac’s sacrificial pyre. I take certain liberties, but Isaac some something to the effect, “Hey pop, don’t we usually have something to sacrifice when we are making a sacrifice.” Abraham respond, “Just pick up the sticks, boy, the Lord will provide.” Imagine gathering the fuel for your own toasting.
Onward to Exodus.
August 11, 2025
This commentary series as a whole is generally great for (my style of) sermon prep, and this volume doesn't disappoint. It's a very thorough study of the Genesis 1-11 material.
September 28, 2012
Amazing commentary set. Great scholarship and great insight.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews