One of my research classes this semester will be limited to Genesis 1-3. Yup, a whole semester on these three chapters. Since this passage is so “foundational” to so much of Jewish-Christian literature it seems to me to be worth the time I will be dedicating to it.
Before this class I had four commentaries on Genesis: Bruggemann’s from the Interpretation series, Bruce Waltke and Cathi J. Frederick’s, and two others that I can’t remember who wrote them that basically take up space on my shelves. That has changed. The professor (Dr. Jan Verbruggen) who is supervising my research had me add eleven more! The list of books (all now accounted for) include:
Allen P. Ross, Creation and Blessing
Andrew Louth, Genesis 1-11 (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: Old Testament, V.1)
Bill T. Arnold, Genesis (New Cambridge Bible Commentary)
C. John Collins, Genesis 1-4: A Linguistic, Literary, and Theological Commentary
Claus Westermann, Genesis 1-11: A Continental Commentary
Gordon J. Wenham, Word Biblical Commentary, V. 1: Genesis 1-15
Kenneth Mathews, New American Commentary: Genesis 1-11:26
Nahum M. Sarna, JPS Torah Commentary: Genesis
R.R. Reno, Genesis (Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible)
Umberto Cassuto, From Adam to Noah: A Commentary on the Book of Genesis I-VI (Pt. 1)
Victor P. Hamilton, The Book of Genesis (New International Commentary on the Old Testament) 1-17
the archives near Emmaus 
dang! those are good commentaries though – wish I could be in on it given all the hubub over at my blog about the AG. lol!
As much as I’d like to avoid the “evolution-creationism” debate I am sure I will need to reach some conclusions on the matter. At times I feel like it is distracting because I just want to know what the text said in its ANE context!
Yes, to Louth (Orthodox), Westermann and Wenham! How about Henri Blocher? And even Meredith Kline?
Robert,
I will look up the Blocher and Kline. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the commentaries. How would you say these two would contribute?
Brian,
Both are classic to moderate conservative somewhat, but in Genesis both are “Framework”. And both are Reformed. Blocher is European, and Kline is American.
That’s way too many commentaries! One wonders if you’ll have any time to read through Genesis 1-3 with all that other reading! 😉
I agree, one main commentary.. and just a few others. That was my method. One must get to a biblical & theological place and position. One cannot read everything, or everyone.
True, it is a tad too many in my opinion but my assumption is he wants me to read some and just have others for available resources, especially since my thesis will be doing a lot of work in Gen. 1-3.
With all this, I would rather do an interlibrary loan. Good stuff nonetheless.
John,
Those are the words of an unmarried man. Once you get married there comes restrictions on book buying. One tool you will need to use it “I need it for my class”. You need to buy when you can! 🙂
Haha! I will make sure to take those words to heart!
The only other options are (1) lie and say you need books when you don’t and that is a bad idea or (2) purchase the books against the will of your wife and that also is a bad idea. You must remain obedient and strategic!
Where’s Walton “Genesis”?
Did his full Genesis commentary come out already?! I missed the news. I know about the popular smaller volume, and I wanted to get it, but I heard a larger more detailed one was on the way.
Brian,
In the NIVAC series. Is that what you mean by “popular smaller volume”?
T. C.: He’s talking about The Lost World of Genesis One which has a more academically oriented volume coming out in the near future.
What Nick said.
Nick and Brian,
I was thinking commentary. Okay, got you guys!
I will want to read this thesis! and the paper for the class! lol!
When it is ready over a year from now I will let you know!
I would be curious to know why John Walton’s NIVAC commentary on Genesis wasn’t on your professor’s list.
Paul,
I am not sure. He did recommend his book on OT backgrounds though.