Reading Genesis: A Literary and Theological Commentary (Reading the Old Testament | RtOT)

by Julie Galambush

Publisher:

Smyth & Helwys

, 2018

Overview

Genesis, a book of wondrous stories, is also a profound exploration of the human condition. From Cain and Abel to Joseph and his brothers, the narrative focuses on the corrosive effects of envy and resentment. Ultimately, it shows a path toward reconciliation. Julie Galambush applies current historical, archaeological, and literary scholarship to create a nuanced and highly accessible commentary, explaining the history behind the writing of Genesis, the customs and laws that “went without saying” for ancient readers, and even the puns that enrich the original Hebrew but are lost in translation. She also addresses the challenges facing contemporary Jews and Christians who accept Genesis as sacred Scripture but reject practices the Genesis authors readily accepted, such as slavery and the “gifting” of women as concubines. Reading Genesis invites any reader, religious or otherwise, to listen in and to join in on this ancient conversation on what it means to be human.

Key Features

• Introduction addresses the history of Israel, formation of Genesis, and attributes of God
• Focuses on large literary and thought units in Genesis
• Presents cutting-edge research, accessible to a wide audience

Praise for the Print Edition

This refreshing study focuses on what the text actually says, as opposed to what it has traditionally been taken to mean. Also admirable is the focus on the ethical implications of the text from a modern perspective.

—John J. Collins, Holmes Professor of Old Testament, Yale University

Reading Genesis is an amazing piece of work with a literary flair par excellence. It is readily accessible to all readers, with new insights even for trained scholars as well. It is rich in information, including comparative material from the ancient Near Eastern world, that is sure to enlighten all readers. Galambush’s feminist concerns and insights also shine through as she raises the women in Genesis to prominence. A must read for everyone interested in understanding Genesis!

—Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan, President and Professor of Hebrew Bible, Claremont School of Theology

Julie Galambush is a gifted and engaging teacher. Her new introduction to the book of Genesis engages the complexities of that notoriously difficult book with clarity, scholarly skill, humanity, and a welcome sense of humor

—Barbara Nevling, Porter Research Associate Harvard Semitic Museum and Director of the Casco Bay Assyriological Institute

Product Details

• Title: Reading Genesis: A Literary and Theological Commentary
• Author: Julie Galambush
• Editor: Mark E. Biddle
• Series: Reading the Old Testament
• Publisher: Smyth & Helwys
• Publication Date: 2018
• Pages: 194
• Resource Type: Commentary
• Topic: Genesis

About Julie Galambush

Julie Galambush is an associate professor of religious studies at The College of William and Mary. She holds a Ph.D. in Old Testament studies from Emory University and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. Formerly an ordained American Baptist minister, Galambush is a convert to Judaism and a member of Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church, Virginia.