Genesis: A Commentary

by Bruce K. Waltke; Cathi J. Fredricks

Publisher:

Zondervan

, 2001

Overview

Exploring the first book of the Bible as "theological literature," Waltke illuminates its meanings and methods for the pastor, scholar, teacher, student, and Bible-lover. Genesis strikes an unusual balance by emphasizing the theology of the Scripture text while also paying particular attention to the flow and development of the plot and literary techniques—inclusion, irony, chiasm, and concentric patterning—that shape the message of the "book of beginnings".

Contents

Top Highlights

“The tree is good, but it belongs exclusively to God. Sin consists of an illicit reach of unbelief, an assertion of human autonomy to know morality apart from God. The creature must live by faith in God’s word, not by a professed self-sufficiency of knowledge (Deut. 8:3; Ps. 19:7–9; Ezek. 28:6, 15–17).” (Page 87)

“This is the climactic moment that stands apart from creation, not following the structure of the previous six days. In the first six days space is subdued; on the seventh, time is sanctified. This day is blessed to refresh the earth. It summons humanity to imitate the pattern of labor and rest of the King and so to confess God’s lordship and their consecration to him.⁵⁵ On this day they cease to subdue the earth.” (Page 67)

“Work is a gift of God, not a punishment for sin. Even before the Fall humanity has duties to perform. Elsewhere in the Pentateuch this expression describes activity only of priests. The latter term entails guarding the garden against Satan’s encroachment (see 3:1–5). As priest and guardians of the garden, Adam and Eve should have driven out the serpent; instead it drives them out.” (Page 87)

“The process of creation typically follows a pattern of announcement, commandment, separation, report, naming, evaluation, and chronological framework.” (Page 56)

“Naming, an indication of dominion,³ reveals God as the supreme ruler” (Page 56)

Product Details

• Title: Genesis: A Commentary
• Authors: Bruce K. Waltke, Cathi J. Fredricks
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Print Publication Date: 2001
• Logos Release Date: 2011
• Pages: 656
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. O.T. Genesis › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9780310493310, 9780310224587, 9780310531029, 0310493315, 0310224586, 0310531020
• Resource ID: LLS:GENESISWALTKE
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:14:29Z

About Bruce Waltke

Bruce K. Waltke, acknowledged to be one of the outstanding contemporary Old Testament scholars, is professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida, and professor emeritus of biblical studies at Regent College in Vancouver. He has authored and coauthored numerous books, commentaries, and articles, and contributed to dictionaries and encyclopedias.