Encountering the Book of Genesis: A Study of Its Content and Issues
Overview
This accessible introduction to Genesis examines introductory issues, overarching themes, and the argument of the book. This work is designed for the serious student of the Bible—author Bill T. Arnold provides detailed discussions of topics such as authorship, Creation, Abraham’s faith, Jacob’s struggles, Joseph’s time in Egypt, and God’s enduring promises. Chapter outlines, key terms, study questions and sidebar information make this a valuable resource for those engaged in biblical studies.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
- Provides detailed exposition on the major themes and arguments of Genesis
- Includes thorough chapter outlines to provide context for study
- Explores the book of Genesis with the serious student in mind
- Part I: Encountering God’s Creation
- The Grandeur of God’s Perfect Creation
- The History of the First Human Family
- What’s Wrong with This Picture?
- Sin’s Contamination of Creation
- Part II: Encountering Abraham: God’s Faithful Servant
- The Beginning of Our Faith Heritage
- Tracking Abram and His Family
- “Then God Gave Him the Covenant”
- Standing on the Promises of God
- Part III: Encountering Jacob: God’s Troubled Servant
- Jacob Struggles with His Family
- Jacob Struggles with God
- Part IV: Encountering Joseph: God’s Model Servant
- Joseph in Egypt
- Joseph over Egypt
- Part V: Encountering the Authorship of Genesis
- Evidence for Authorship
- Interpretations of the Evidence
Top Highlights
“It is impossible to overstate the theological significance of being created in God’s image” (Page 29)
“In fact, we may conclude that God is more concerned that we learn from the tragic human choices made in the Garden of Eden than he is that we understand the details of how he created the universe. Apparently, our response to a crisis of temptation is more important than arguing over the day-age theory or theistic evolution.” (Page 32)
“But through it all, the message of Genesis 1 is the conviction that God’s creation is innately good, and that sin and evil have somehow invaded where they do not belong and are unwelcome guests.” (Page 28)
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“Christian theology speaks of a fall of the angels prior to the fall of Adam and Eve” (Page 37) |
“The first three days gave the earth shape and the last three filled it” (Page 24)
Arnold’s style is lucid and well-balanced, and the format adopted by the publisher is crisp and user-friendly. This is an important addition to the resources available to a serious student of Genesis.
—Daniel I. Block, Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College
The strength of [this book] is its balanced coverage, including interpretive, theological, and critical issues. The author is even-handed in dealing with the wide variety of questions raised by the book of Genesis and writes in a style that is both theologically sophisticated and accessible.
—Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
May its well-written and readable prose trigger a renewed interest in a balanced and eager study of this most important of Old Testament books.
—Themelios
Bill T. Arnold is director of Hebrew studies and professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including 1 & 2 Samuel, Encountering the Old Testament, and (with John H. Choi) A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. He coedited The Face of Old Testament Studies.
