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More commentaries on Genesis:
Pentateuch Commentaries, Whole Old Testament Commentaries,
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Subsection
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Order of Contents 80+
Best 12
Commentaries 16+
Hebrew of 3
Jewish 5
Early & Medieval 28+
Throughout Genesis 4
Types 1
Chapters 25+
Archaeology 1
Authenticity 3
Bible Characters
Patriarchs 3
Abraham, Sarah, Lot, Eliezer 9
Isaac, Rebekah 5
Jacob, Esau 6
Joseph 10+
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Best Commentaries on Genesis
For a brief, Scriptural defense that Gen. 1 means exactly what it says, see Kenneth Gentry’s ‘In the Space of Six Days’ and the further resources on our page Creation.
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Simple, Practical, Devotional
1900’s
De Graaf, S.G. – ‘On Genesis’ ToC in Promise & Deliverance, vol. 1: From Creation to the Conquest of Canaan (Presbyterian & Reformed, 1997), pp. 29-254
De Graff (1889-1955) was a Dutch Reformed author who focuses on the unfolding of the Covenant through history. He writes in an easy to read, but helpful and insightful style.
Thomas, William Henry Griffith – Genesis, a Devotional Commentary, vol. 1 (chs. 1-25), 2 (25-36), 3 (37-50) Buy (Religious Tract Society, 1909)
W.H.G. Thomas (d. 1924)
‘Possibly the most helpful devotional exposition of Genesis available. Pastors will find the material on Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (chaps. 12-50) to be unsurpassed!’ – Cyril J. Barber
Vos, Johannes – Genesis Buy (1954-1957) 544 pp.
Vos (d. 1949) was the son of Geerhardus Vos and an RPCNA pastor in the Midwest. The chapters in this work were originally a series of popular articles in the Blue Banner Faith and Life magazine.
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Medium Level
Luther, Martin – Lectures on Genesis, vol. 1 (ch. 1-5), 2 (6-14), 3 (15-20), 4 (21-25), 5 (26-30), 6 (31-37), 7 (38-44), 8 (45-50) in Luther’s Works ed. Jaroslav Pelikan (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1955), vols. 1-
Luther (1483-1546) was a reformer.
** – ‘[Henry] Cole [an editor of an older edition] made a choice selection. Luther left four volumes upon Genesis in Latin. How these Reformers worked!’ – Surgeon
Alford, Henry – The Book of Genesis & Part of the Book of Exodus [chs. 1-25]: a Revised Version with Commentary (1872)
Alford (1810-1871) was of the Church of England and the Dean of Canterbury.
*** – ‘The works of this eminent scholar are too well known and appreciated to need even a word from us.’ – Spurgeon
Candlish, Robert – The Book of Genesis Expounded in a Series of Discourses, vols. 1 (1-37), 2 (38-50) (1868)
Candlish (1806-1873) was an influential minister and professor in the Free Church of Scotland.
*** – ‘We venture to characterize this as THE work upon Genesis, so far as lectures can make up an exposition; we have greatly profited by its perusal. It should be in every Biblical library.’ – Surgeon
‘Expository messages rich in their devotional emphasis, containing helpful theological discussions, thoroughly conservative, and of special value to the pastor.’ – Cyril J. Barber
Calvin, John – Commentary on Genesis
Calvin (1509-1564) was a reformer.
*** – Participates in the general excellencies of Calvin’s works.’ – Spurgeon
Edersheim, Alfred – World before the Flood, & History of the Patriarchs from his larger Bible History, 7 vols.
Edersheim (1825-1889) was a Jewish convert to Christianity, a minister in the Free Church of Scotland, a Bible scholar and an advocate of Gap Creationism who eventually became a minister in the Church of England.
** – ‘The author has mainly aimed at giving instruction to the Sunday School teacher, and the Bible Class student. He may be read with profit by students of a higher grade. The work is not a commentary, but is full of instruction.’ – Spurgeon
Fuller, Andrew – Expository Discourses on Genesis (1806; 1836) 420 pp.
Fuller (1754-1815) was a calvinistic baptist.
*** – ‘Weighty, judicious, and full of Gospel truth. One of the very best series of discourses extant upon Genesis, as [George] Bush also thought [who plagiarized therefrom].’ – Surgeon
Jacobus, Melancthon – Notes Critical & Explanatory on the Book of Genesis (1866)
Jacobus (1816–1876) was a graduate of Princeton seminary, a presbyterian minister and a professor of Biblical literature at Western Theological Seminary in Alleghany, NY.
*** – ‘A very valuable work, in which [Bishop John] Colenso is boldly met and answered [regarding his views on the fallibility of the Pentateuch]. It contains much Gospel teaching, and aids the preacher greatly. Not easily to be obtained. It ought to be reprinted.’ – Spurgeon
‘The excellent Commentaries of Dr. Melancthon Jacobus have deservedly attained a high reputation, and their wide circulation proves how well they are adapted to the wants of both ministers and laymen. They present, in a brief compass, the results of extensive erudition, abound in judicious exposition and pertinent illustration, and are, moreover, distinguished by doctrinal soundness, evangelical character, and an eminently devout spirit.’ – Charles Hodge, William H. Green, J.W. Alexander and others from Princeton Seminary
‘…characterized by solid learning, sound doctrine, and lucid statements, a pleasant style, and the most serious spirit of piety.’ – William S. Plumer
ed. Lange, John P. – Commentary on the Genesis HTML (1866)
*** – ‘The best of the series, and in all respects beyond price.’ – Spurgeon
Leupold, H.C. – Exposition of Genesis
Leupold (b. 1891) was an orthodox Lutheran and a professor of the Old Testament.
‘A most thorough, helpful exposition from the conservative standpoint. Defends the Mosaic authorship, refutes the documentary hypothesis, holds to six literal days for creation, believes that the ‘sons of God’ were Sethites, and argues for [a] universal flood. Lutheran. Amillennial.’ – Cyril J. Barber
Murphy, James – A Critical & Exegetical Commentary on Genesis, with a New Translation (1863)
Murphy was a professor of Hebrew in Belfast, Ireland.
*** – ‘A work of massive scholarship, abounding in rich and noble thought, and remarkably fresh and suggestive.’ – Evangelical Magazine, quoted by Spurgeon
‘Contains reverent scholarship based upon sound exegesis, but has not been superseded by more recent treatments.’ – Cyril J. Barber
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Advanced
Poole, Matthew – Critical Synopsis of the Bible: Genesis, 3 vols. Buy
Poole (1624–1679) was a puritan, presbyterian minister and Bible commentator.
This is different and much larger than Poole’s Annotations on Scripture. Here Poole gives something of a history of interpretation (from Jewish writers until Christian interpreters of Poole’s own day) on every verse of the Bible.
‘…you will find in Poole’s Synopsis a marvelous collection of all the wisdom and folly of the critics. It is a large cyclopedia worthy of the days when theologians could be cyclopean, and had not shrunk from folios to octavos. Query—a query for which I will not demand an answer—has one of you beaten the dust from the venerable copy of Poole which loads our library shelves? Yet as Poole spent no less than ten years in compiling it, it should be worthy of your frequent notice—ten years, let me add, spent in Amsterdam in exile for the truth’s sake from his native land. His work is based on an earlier compilation entitled Critici Sacri, containing the concentrated light of a constellation of learned men who have never been excelled in any age or country.’ – Spurgeon
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More Commentaries on Genesis
For a brief, Scriptural defense that Gen. 1 means exactly what it says, see Kenneth Gentry’s In the Space of Six Days and the further resources on our page: Creation.
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Devotional & Practical
1800’s
Blunt, Henry – Family Exposition of the Pentateuch, vol. 1 (Gen) (1844)
** “Simple Expositions for family reading. Good, but not brilliant.” – Spurgeon
Cumming, John – Sabbath Morning Readings on the Old Testament: Book of Genesis (1854) 390 pp.
** ‘Dr. Cumming’s works are not very original, but his style is flowing, his teachings are always evangelical, and he puts other men’s thoughts into pleasing language.’ – Spurgeon
Hawker, John – Bible Thoughts in Quiet Hours: Genesis (1873)
** – ‘Deeply spiritual reflections, not without learning and critical power. The preacher will find here many hints for sermons.’
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Medium Level
Puritans
Babington, Gervase – Certain Plain, Brief and Comfortable Notes upon Genesis also in Works, d. 1610
Hughes, George – An Analytical Exposition of the Whole First Book of Moses, called Genesis, and of 23 chapters of his second book, called Exodus… 1672
Hughes (1603-1667) was a puritan.
*** – ‘The deductions which Hughes draws from the text are of the nature of homiletical hints, and for this reason he will be a treasure to the minister. He belongs to the noble army of Puritans.’ – Spurgeon
Richardson, John – Annotations on Genesis d. 1654 67 pp.
Richardson was reformed and printed this only a few years after the second edition of the English Annotations (which were nicknamed the Westminster Annotations as 6 of the 11 commentators were Westminster divines), to which it was designed as a supplement.
On Richardson’s brief commentary on the O.T.: ** ‘Of secondary importance, and very short; yet good. Frequently bound up with Leigh [as Edward Leigh wrote a commentary on the whole N.T.].’ – Spurgeon
Whatley, William – Prototypes, or, The Primary Precedent Presidents out of the book of Genesis showing, the good and bad things they did and had practically applied to our Information and Reformation 1640
** – ‘A queer old book. The oddity of the title is born out by the singularity of the matter. It does not expound each verse; but certain incidents are dwelt upon.’
Willet, Andrew – A Sixfold Commentary upon the Two first Books of Moses, being Genesis and Exodus (d. 1621)
Willet (1562–1621)
** – ‘This work is called by its author [1562-1621] a Hexapla, because he treats his subject under six heads, giving ‘a sixfold use of every chapter, showing:
1. The method of argument;
2. The diverse readings;
3. The explanation of difficult questions and doubtful places;
4. The places of doctrine;
5. Places of confutation;
6. Moral observations.’
Willet is tedious reading; his method hampers him. In all his Commentaries he lumbers along in his six-wheeled wagon.’ – Spurgeon
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More
Bush, George
Notes, Critical & Practical on: Genesis, vol.1 (1-21), 2 (22-50)
Bush was a Biblical scholar, a professor of oriental literature in New York City University, and initially a presbyterian minister.
** – ‘Bush has in the most barefaced manner taken copious verbatim extracts from Andrew Fuller, without acknowledgement, and he has also plagiarized Lawson on Joseph by wholesale, without even mentioning his name. For such a scholar to be guilty of wholesale plunder is inexcusable. It is one of the worst cases of robbery we have ever met with, and deserves a far stronger denunciation than our gentle pen and slender space will permit.’ – Spurgeon
Questions and Notes, Critical & Practical upon: Genesis
Franks, James – Sacred Literature; or Remarks upon the book of Genesis (1802)
* “This writer collected notes from various authors. As the sources from which he drew his extracts are within reach, we can select for ourselves.” – Spurgeon
Groves, Henry – Commentary on the book of Genesis, for the use of Readers of the English Version of the Bible 1861
** “Physical science, the discoveries of travelers, and the results of criticism, so far as they bear upon Genesis, are here brought within the reach of the general reader.” – Spurgeon
Jervis, John – Genesis Elucidated: a New Translation collated with the Samaritan, Septuagint and Syriac, with Notes 1852
** “Brings out very vividly the oriental character of Genesis, and although we cannot reconcile ourselves to Abh-rauhaum, Is’hauk, and Y’aakobh, and find it hard to believe in Saurauh and Haughaur, we have been glad of the light which the East and its languages have here afforded.” – Spurgeon
Mackintosh, Charles H. – Notes on Genesis 1863
Mackintosh was a Plymouth Brethren writer and proto-Dispensationalist.
*** – ‘Precious and edifying reflections marred by peculiarities.’ – Spurgeon
Pink, A.W. – Gleanings in Genesis Buy 1922 408 pp.
‘Heavily typological, but contains helpful and practical observations on the text.’ – Cyril J. Barber
Robertson, F.W. – Notes on Genesis (1877)
Robertson of Brighton (1816–1853) was an English divine, who was ‘a moderate Calvinist in doctrine, and enthusiastically evangelical’ and had a progressive mental condition. John ‘Rabbi’ Duncan of the Free Church of Scotland said of him:
‘Robertson believed that Christ did something or other, which, somehow or other, had some connection or other with salvation.
‘Spurious spirituality is very dangerous.’
Cyril J. Barber: ‘Eloquent sermons by a conservative British Anglican minister. Contains excellent expository values.’
Strahan, James – Hebrew Ideals: A Study of Genesis from Chapters 11-50 (1915)
‘A rich and rewarding study.’ – Cyril J. Barber
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Advanced
Delitzsch, Franz – New Commentary on Genesis, vol. 1 (chs. 1-14), 2 (15-50) (1889)
Delitzsch (1813–1890)
‘A critical commentary on the Hebrew text which holds to the Mosaic authorship of Genesis, but leaves room for final redaction in the post-exilic period. Advocates an early form of the documentary hypothesis, and holds to the ‘long day’ theory of creation. The treatment of chapters 12-50 [is] greatly superior to the material in volume one.’ – Cyril J. Barber
‘I have the highest opinion of Delitzsch as a commentator. He is the finest Jewish Belles-Lettrist existing.’ – John ‘Rabbi’ Duncan
Turner, Samuel – A Companion to the Book of Genesis (1851)
** “In Horne’s Introduction we read: ‘Though not designed to be a Commentary, this valuable work furnishes the Biblical student with abundant aid for the exact and literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis.” – Spurgeon
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On the Hebrew of Genesis
Greenfield, William – Genesis in English and Hebrew, with an Interlinear Translation, Notes & Grammatical Introduction 1862
** “This work will not only enable the Student to get at the literal meaning of the text, but may be used as an introduction to the Hebrew language. The plan is most admirable and we earnestly commend it to the attention of those uninstructed in the sacred tongue.” – Spurgeon
Preston, Theodore – Phraseological Notes on the Hebrew Text of the Book of Genesis 1853
* “Intended to explain and illustrate the most remarkable peculiarities and anomalies, style, and phrase in the Book of Genesis. It may interest Hebraists, but can little aid the preacher.” – Spurgeon
Spurrell, George – Notes on the Hebrew Text of the Book of Genesis (1896) 495 pp.
‘A critical work of help to students studying the grammar of Genesis.’ – Cyril J. Barber
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Jewish Commentaries on Genesis
Philo – On Genesis at Patristic Bible Commentary
Josephus – On Genesis at Patristic Bible Commentary
The Arabic Translation & Commentary of Yefet ben ʿEli the Karaite on the Abraham Narratives (Genesis 11:10-25:18) in Karaite Texts & Studies, vol. 4 Pre (Brill, 2012) 270 pp. ToC
Yefet (c. 914 – 1009) was perhaps the foremost Karaite commentator on the Bible during the “Golden Age of Karaism”.
Hershon, Paul Issac – The Pentateuch According to the Talmud: Genesis with a Talmudical Commentary (1883) with an Introductory Essay by Donald Spence
Spence, the one who wrote the introductory essay, is the same Spence as co-edited The Pulpit Commentary.
See also Jewish Commentaries on the Pentateuch
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The Early Church on Genesis
Compilations
Parker, Jr., Samuel – Bibliotheca Biblica [a Biblical Library]; being a Commentary Gathered out of the Writings of Fathers & Ecclesiastical Historians, etc., vol. 1, pt. 1 (Gn. 1-24), pt 2 (Gn 25-50) (1720)
* “Darling says, that this is ‘a commentary of profound learning and research;’ but it seems to us to be mainly filled with that archaic learning which is now out of date.” – Spurgeon
eds. Louth, Andrew & Mark Sheridan – Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: Genesis, vol. 1 (1-11), 2 (12-50) Pre 1, 2 Buy (Routledge & IVP, 2001) ToC 1, 2
Gregory, Bradley C. – Genesis Through the Centuries: a Reception History Commentary on Genesis, vol. 1 (1-11), 2 (12-50) Ref 1, 2 (Wiley)
Early Church Fathers Catena on Genesis trans. John Litteral Ref Buy (2019) 676 pp.
Commentaries on Genesis 1-3: Severian of Gabala & Bede the Venerable trans. Robert C. Hill & Carmen S. Hardin in Ancient Christian Texts Pre (IVP, 2010) 160 pp. ToC
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Individuals
Theophilus of Antioch – On Gen. 1-11 from Letter to Autolycus at Patristic Bible Commentary
Theophilus (d. c. 183-85)
Tertullian – On Creation (Gen. 1-3) at Patristic Bible Commentary
Tertullian (c. 155 AD – c. 220)
Hippolytus of Rome – Quotes on Genesis at Patristic Bible Commentary
Hippolytus (c. 170 – c. 235)
Origen
Homilies on Genesis & Exodus in Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 1982) 440 pp. ToC
Origen (c. 185 – c. 253)
‘Commentary on Genesis, fragment from Book 3’ in Origen, ed. Joseph W. Trigg Ref (Routledge, 1998) 292 pp.
Victorinus – On the Creation of the World 3 pp. in Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 7, pp. 341-43
Victorinus of Pettau (d. 303 or 304)
Ephrem the Syrian
‘Commentary on Genesis’ in Selected Prose Works: Commentaries on Genesis & Exodus, etc. in Fathers of the Church Pre (Catholic University of America Press, 1994), pp. 59-216 Latin
Ephrem (c. 306 – 373)
trans. Gary Anderson (1995) at University of Virginia
Life of Adam & Eve
Commentary on Genesis [chs. 1-3]
On Gen. 3:1-24
Basil of Caesarea
The Hexaemeron 57 pp. being 9 Homilies on Gen. 1, in Nicene & Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, vol. 8, pp. 51-108
On Creation (on Gen. 1) at Patristic Bible Commentary
Basil (330–379)
Gregory of Nyssa
On the Six Days of Creation trans. Robin Orton in The Fathers of the Church: Shorter Works Pre (Catholic University of America Press, 2021) 125 pp. ToC
Gregory (c. 335 – c. 395)
On the Making of Man at Patristic Bible Commentary
Ambrosiaster – Questions & Answers on Genesis (chs. 1-4, 7, 11, 13-15, 17, 19-20, 27, 49-50) at Patristic Bible Commentary
Ambrose
Hexameron, Paradise, Cain & Abel in Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 1961) 460 pp. no ToC
Ambrose (c. 339 – c. 397)
On Gen. 2-3 at Patristic Bible Commentary
Seven Exegetical Works… in The Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 1972)
‘Isaac, or the Soul’, pp. 9-69
‘Jacob & the Happy Life’, pp. 117-186
‘Joseph’, pp. 187-240
‘The Patriarchs’, pp. 241-78
Didymus the Blind – Commentary on Genesis in Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 2016) 240 pp. ToC
Didymus the Blind (c. 313 – 398)
Chrysostom
Homilies on Genesis, vol. 1 (1-17), 2 (18-45), 3 (46-67) in Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 2010) ToC 1, 2, 3
Chrysostom (c. 347–407)
Synopsis on Genesis at Patristic Bible Commentary
Homilies on Genesis 2:4-3:24 at University of Virginia
Severian of Gabala
‘Homilies on Creation & Fall’ in Commentaries on Genesis 1-3 in Ancient Christian Texts Pre Buy (IVP Academic, 2010), pp. 1-94
Severian of Gabala (before 380 – after 408, probably before 425)
‘On the Creation of the World: Sermon 1: On the First Day of Creation’ trans. J. Bareille at Tertullian.org (2010)
Jerome – Hebrew Questions on Genesis trans. C.T.R. Hayward in Oxford Early Christian Studies Pre (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1995) 250 pp. ToC
Jerome (c. 342–347 – 420)
Augustine
On Genesis: A Refutation of the Manichees, Unfinished Literal Commentary on Genesis, The Literal Meaning of Genesis, I/13 trans. Edmund Hill in The Works of Saint Augustine: a Translation for the 21st Century (Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 1990) 540 pp. ToC
Augustine (354–430). The works in this volume are different from that in the two volumes below.
On Genesis: Two Books on Genesis Against the Manichees; & On the Literal Interpretation of Genesis, an Unfinished Book in Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 1990) 215 pp. ToC
Sermons 1-5 ToC in Sermons I (1-19) on the Old Testament trans. Edmund Hill in The Works of Saint Augustine: a Translation for the 21st Century (Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 1990), pp. 169-226
Ancient Christian Writers: the Works of the Fathers in Translation (Catholic Univ. of America, Newman Press)
41. Augustine: Literal Meaning of Genesis, vol. 1 Ref (1982)
42. Augustine: Literal Meaning of Genesis, vol. 2 Pre (1982) ToC
Questions on Genesis (chs. 4-15, 17-50) at Patristic Bible Commentary
Confessions, bks 11-13 on Creation, in Nicene & Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, vol. 1, pp. 163-208
On Gen. 1-6 in The City of God at Patristic Bible Commentary
Cyril of Alexandria – Glaphyra on the Pentateuch, vol. 1: Genesis in Fathers of the Church, vol. 137 Pre (Catholic University of America Press, 2018)
Cyril (c. 376 – 444)
Theodoret of Cyrus – ‘The Questions on Genesis’ in The Questions on the Octateuch, vol. 1, On Genesis & Exodus in The Library of Early Christianity (Catholic University of America Press, 2007), pp. 2-221
Theodoret (c. 393 – c. 458/466)
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The Medieval Church on Genesis
Compilation
ed. Schroeder, Joy A. – The Book of Genesis in The Bible in Medieval Tradition Pre (Eerdmans, 2015) 290 pp. ToC
This includes translations from: Remigius of Auxerre, Rupert of Deutz, Hildegard of Bingen, Andrew of St. Victor, Peter Comestor, Nicholas of Lyra and Denis the Carthusian.
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Many Fathers
Catena on Genesis at Patristic Bible Commentary
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Individuals
‘Supplementary Commentary on Genesis, Exodus & the Gospels’ in Biblical Commentaries from the Canterbury School of Theodore & Hadrian eds. Bernhard Bischoff & Michael Lapidge Pre (Cambridge University Press, 1994), pp. 386-96
Theodore of Tarsus (602–690); Adrian of Canterbury (b. before 637 – d. 710).
Bede – On Genesis trans. Calvin B. Kendall in Translated Texts for Historians, vol. 48 (Liverpool Univ. Press, 2008) 360 pp. ToC
Bede (672/3 – 735)
John of Damascus – On Creation & Paradise in The Orthodox Faith, 2.1-12 at Patristic Bible Commentary
Damascene (c. 675 or 676 – 749)
Alcuin of York – Questions & Answers on Genesis at Patristic Bible Commentary
Alcuin (c. 735 – 804)
Eckhart, Master – ‘Selections form the Commentaries on Genesis’ in Essential Sermons, Commentaries, Treatises, & Defense trans. Edmund Colledge in The Classics of Western Spirituality (Paulist Press, 1981), pp. 82-121
Eckhart (c. 1260 – c. 1328)
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Sections Throughout Genesis
Close, Francis – The Book of Genesis Considered & Illustrated in a Series of Historical Discourses (1828)
* “A course of smoothly-flowing, respectable, quiet, evangelical sermons. Nobody could be so wicked as to call them sensational.” – Spurgeon
Le Clerk, Jean – 12 Dissertations out of Monsieur Le Clerk’s Genesis (1696) 360 pp.
The dissertations are: (1) Hebrew tongue, (2) Manner of interpreting the Bible, (3) Author of the Penteteuch, (4) Temptation of Eve by the Serpent, (5) Flood, (6) Confusion of languages, (7) Original of Circumcision, (8) Divine appearances in the O.T., (9) Subversion of Sodom, (10) Pillar of Salt, (11) Coming of Shiloh, (12) Several obscure texts explained.
Lightfoot, John – A Few & New Observations upon the Book of Genesis 8 pp. in two volume works, vol. 1, p. 691 ff.
Morrison, George – The Glasgow Pulpit Series: Morrison on Genesis Buy n.d. 92 pp. Morrison treats of: the Creation, the Fall, Cain & Abel, the Flood, Noah’s Covenant, Lot’s Choice, Abram’s Vision, Abraham & Sodom, Hagar & Ishmael, the Offering of Isaac, Rebekah & Isaac, Jacob & Esau, Bethel & Peniel
Morrison (1866-1928) was a minister in the United Free Church of Scotland and served as an assistant to Alexander Whyte.
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The Types in Genesis
Jukes, Andrew – The Types of Genesis briefly considered, Revealing the Development of Human Nature 8th ed. 1898 460 pp. Jukes expounds on: the Creation, Adam, Cain & Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob & Joseph
Jukes (1815–1901)
** “In many places far too forced, and therefore to be read with caution; but in its own spiritualizing way very masterly. Jukes dives deep.” – Spurgeon
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On Chapters in Genesis
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Genesis 1-3
For a brief, Scriptural defense that Gen. 1 means exactly what it says, see Kenneth Gentry’s In the Space of Six Days and the further resources on our page: Creation.
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Reformer
Oecolampadius, Johannes – An Exposition of Genesis Buy Lectures on Gen. 1-3
Oecolampadius (1482–1531) was a German/Swiss reformer, a co-worker with Erasmus and Zwingli, and as was influential upon Bullinger, Calvin and others.
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Puritans
White, John – A Commentary upon the Three First Chapters of the First Book of Moses called Genesis (†1648; 1656)
White (1575–1648) was a Westminster divine and was influential for the Massachusetts Bay Company settling in America, though he never made the trip across to the New World.
** – “A puritan divine, called ‘The Patriarch of Dorchester'” “A folio upon three chapters! There were giants in those days. Manton says, ‘To speak of the worth of the author is needless, his praise being already in all of the churches,’ and he adds that he had been greatly refreshed by the perusal of this book.” – Spurgeon
Walker, George – The History of the Creation as it is Written by Moses in the First & Second Chapters of Genesis, Plainly Opened & Expounded in Several Sermons (1641) in God Made Visible in his Works
Walker was a puritan and Westminster divine.
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Early Westminster
Young, Edward J.
In the Beginning: Gen. chs. 1-3 & the Authority of Scripture Buy (1976) 117 pp.
Genesis 3: a Devotional & Expository Study Buy (1966) 165 pp.
Young was one of the great, early, Westminster Seminary scholars.
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More
MacDonald, Donald – Creation & the Fall: a Defence & Exposition of the First Three Chapters of Genesis (1856)
** “We do not hesitate to designate this volume as the most complete examination of the literature and the exegesis of the Creation and the Fall which has appeared in England.” – Journal of Sacred Literature, as quoted by Spurgeon
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich – Creation & Fall: a Theological Interpretation of Genesis 1-3 Buy (1959)
Bonhoeffer, a resistance worker against the Nazis, and a martyr in their concentration camps, was neo-orthodox (following Karl Barth), which is highly not recommended. Nonetheless his life and thought is fascinating, if a bit off. These lectures were some of his most popular as a theologian. In explaining the origin of evil, he posits an autonomous vacuum (so to speak) from within creation from whence it came, everything reformed theology has argued against.
‘A philosophical interpretation of Genesis 1-3 which manifests some unusual views.’ – Cyril J. Barber
Bonnet, L. – The Exile from Eden: Meditations on the Third Chapter of Genesis, with Exegetical Developments (1839)
** “After the French manner. In nine meditations the salient points in the all-important story of the Fall are touched upon. One of the best separate treatises upon the subject.” – Spurgeon
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Genesis 1-5
Puritan
Needler, Benjamin – Expository Notes, with Practical Observations, towards the Opening of the Five First Chapters of the First Book of Moses (1655)
* – ‘Needler was one of the eminent divines who took part in the famous [puritan] Morning Exercises [at Cripplegate]. The little work is a curiosity, but nothing more.’ – Spurgeon
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Genesis 1-6
1800’s
Williams, Isaac – The Beginning of the Book of Genesis [chs. 1-4], with Notes & Reflections (1861) 455 pp.
Williams (†1865) was a prominent member of the Oxford Movement, or Tractarians (which was High-Church and sacramentalist).
*** – ‘A very remarkable work by a high churchman, opening up in a masterly manner the mystical teachings of the early chapters of Genesis. To be read cum grano salis [with a grain of salt].’ – Spurgeon
Bonar, Horatius – Earth’s Morning, or Thoughts on Genesis [chs. 1-6] (1875) 385 pp.
Bonar was a minister in the Free Church of Scotland.
*** – “An exposition of the first six chapters only. The author endeavors ‘to investigate the meaning of each verse and word; that, having done so, the exact revelation of God in these may be brought out, and the spiritual truth evolved.’ He has in a great measure attained his object. What more could be said in his praise?’ – Spurgeon
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Genesis 1-11
Reformer
Thompson, John – Reformation Commentary on Scripture: Genesis 1-11 Buy
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Puritan
Bunyan, John – An Exposition of the First Ten Chapters of Genesis in Works, vol. 2
* “Allegorical and spiritual. Bunyan’s characteristics are very prominently manifest.” – Spurgeon
Henry, Philip – An Exposition, with Practical Observations, upon the First Eleven Chapters of the Book of Genesis (d. 1696)
** – ‘Interesting as the exposition of Matthew Henry’s father, taken down from his lips at family prayer by Matthew his son. This probably suggested the famous Commentary [of Matthew Henry].’ – Spurgeon
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Old Princeton
Davis, John – Genesis & Semitic Tradition (1894) 150 pp. Davis treats of the major subjects in Gen. 1-11
Davis (1854-1926) was one of the great, conservative Princeton scholars. His specialty was in archaeology and Assyriology.
‘A comparison of the Genesis account of creation and the deluge with Babylonian, Assyrian and Egyptian traditions.’ – Cyril J. Barber
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More
MacGregor, C. Bart. – Notes on Genesis, designed principally for the use of Students in Divinity, part 1 (chs. 1-11) 1853
** “Contains a great deal of learning, of small use to the preacher. Many curious and knotty points which arise in the first eleven chapters of Genesis are discussed with considerable ability.” – Spurgeon
Cassuto, Umberto – Commentary on the Book of Genesis, vol. 1 (1-6), vol. 2 (6-11)
Cassuto was a mid-1900’s Jewish professor at Hebrew University.
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Genesis 1-14
Puritans
Clapham, Henoch – Commentary on the First Fourteen Chapters of Genesis (†1614) being entitled, Bibliotheca Theologica: or, a Library Theological... (Amsterdam, 1597)
Clapham (fl.1585-1614) was a puritan and a pastor of an English-speaking congregation in Amsterdam.
* – “Clapham was a voluminous author of very remarkable attainments. He wrote also on the first fourteen chapters of Genesis. This work [on the Song of Solomon] is rare as angel’s visits.” – Spurgeon
Gibbens, Nicholas – Questions & Disputations Concerning the Holy Scripture wherein are contained, brief, faithful and sound expositions of the most difficult and hardest places… (1602)
* – ‘In his own fashion this antique writer tries to answer curious questions which are suggested by Genesis. His day is over.’
Ross, Alexander – An Exposition on the Fourteen First Chapters of Genesis, by way of Question & Answer, Collected out of Ancient & Recent Writers: both briefly and subtilly propounded and expounded (1626)
* – “A very scarce catechism by that Scotch divine who is mentioned in Hudibras [p. 56] in the lines:
‘There was an ancient sound philosopher
That had read Alexander Ross over.'”
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Genesis 1-22
Reformer
Calvin, John
Sermons on Genesis, chs. 1-11 trans. Rob Roy McGregor (Banner of Truth, 2009) Buy with an Introduction by John DeWitt
Forty-nine sermons translated from the original French. Originally preached from 4 September 1559 through 23 January 1560. Sermon 27 on Genesis 4:19–22 is missing.
Sermons on Genesis, chs. 11-20 trans. Rob Roy McGregor (Banner of Truth, 2012) Buy
These sermons are different from his commentary on Genesis. Forty-eight sermons translated from the original French. Originally preached from 24 January 1560–15 May 1560.
Sermons on Melchizedek & Abraham Buy on Gen. 14, 15, 22
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1900’s, Devotional
Barnhouse, Donald – Genesis, a Devotional Commentary Buy (1970)
‘A verse-by-verse treatment containing pithy gems of devotional thought, but covering only chapters 1-22.’ – Cyril J. Barber
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Genesis 1
Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the First Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594) English reformer
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Genesis 2
Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the Second Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594) English reformer
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Genesis 3
Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 3rd Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)
Cooper was an English reformer.
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Genesis 6
Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 6th Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)
Cooper was an English reformer.
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Genesis 9
Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 9th Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)
Cooper was an English reformer.
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Genesis 12
Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 9th Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays... (d. 1594)
Cooper was an English reformer.
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Genesis 14-15
On Gen. 14:13 – 15:7
Calvin, John – Sermons on Melchizedek & Abraham trans. Thomas Stocker Buy (London, 1592)
Ten sermons on Genesis 14:13–15:7 & 21:33–22:14.
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Genesis 16
Shute, Josias – Sarah & Hagar, or Genesis the 16th Chapter Opened in Twenty Sermons (1649) 248 pp.
Shute was a reformed Anglican.
** – ‘Above three and thirty years rector of St. Mary, Woolnoth.’ ‘In shape, the editor tells us, ‘this book is somewhat slender, like the encouragements of learning.’ He informs us that the author was ‘one of the five famous brother-preachers, somewhat like the five fingers on the right hand of fellowship;’ and that Chrysostom did so much lie in his bosom that he became like him in his flowing style and golden eloquence. He writes like a learned man, and treats the Scriptures as if ‘each book were a course, each chapter a Benjamin’s mess, and every verse a morsel of the food of angels.”
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Genesis 18
Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 18th Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)
Cooper was an English reformer.
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Genesis 19
Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 19th Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays... (d. 1594)
Cooper was an English reformer.
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Genesis 21-22
Calvin, John – Sermons on Melchizedek & Abraham trans. Thomas Stocker Buy (London, 1592)
Ten sermons on Genesis 14:13–15:7 & 21:33–22:14.
Beza, Theodore – A Tragedy of Abraham’s Sacrifice (Gen. 22) 1575
Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 22nd Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)
Cooper was an English reformer.
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Genesis 25-50
Parker, Samuel – Bibliotheca Biblica: being a Commentary upon all the Books of the Old & New Testament, gathered out of the genuine writings of Fathers, Ecclesiastical Historians & Acts of Councils down to the Year of our Lord 451, vol. 1, Part 2, Gen. 25-50 (d. 1730)
Parker (1681-1730) was an Anglican.
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Genesis 25-27
On Gen. 25:12 – ch. 27:38
Calvin, John – Thirteen Sermons of Master John Calvin, Entreating of the Free Election of God in Jacob, & of reprobation in Esau, A Treatise… (London, 1579)
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Genesis 27
Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 27th Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)
Cooper was an English reformer.
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Genesis 28
Cowper, William – Jacob’s Wrestling with God 1608 148 pp. on Gen. 28
Cowper was a Scottish bishop.
MacDuff, J.R. – Eventide at Bethel, or the Night-Dream of the Desert; an O.T. Chapter on Providence & Grace on Gen. 28 (1878) 310 pp.
MacDuff (1818–1895) was an evangelical Church of Scotland minister who wrote numerous devotional works.
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Genesis 34
Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 34th Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)
Cooper was an English reformer.
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Genesis 39
Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 39th Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)
Cooper was an English reformer.
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Genesis 43
Cooper, Thomas – The Exposition upon the 43rd Chapter of Genesis in A Brief Exposition of such Chapters of the Old Testament as usually are Read in the Church at Common Prayer on the Sundays… (d. 1594)
Cooper was an English reformer.
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Genesis 45
Puritan
Rollinson, Francis – Twelve Prophetical Legacies; or, Twelve Sermons upon Jacob’s Last Will, recorded in the 45th chapter of Genesis (1612)
* – ‘Old-fashioned learning, and singular remarks; its rarity is no great calamity.’
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Archaeology & Genesis
Osburn, William – Israel in Egypt; or the Books of Genesis & Exodus Illustrated by Existing Monuments (1856)
** “Not a commentary; but a volume full of interest, which should be studied by all who would understand this portion of history.” – Spurgeon
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The Authenticity & Genuineness of Genesis
See also The Authenticity of the Pentateuch. For a brief, Scriptural defense that Gen. 1 means exactly what it says, see Kenneth Gentry’s In the Space of Six Days and the further resources on our page: Creation.
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Article
Young, E.J. – ‘The Accuracy of Genesis’ His 17.6 (March 1957), pp. 23-26
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Books
Green, William H. – The Unity of the Book of Genesis (1895) 605 pp.
Green (1825–1900) was an imminent Princeton, Hebrew scholar.
“A thorough, scholarly refutation of the documentary hypothesis.” – Cyril J. Barber
Hoffmeier, James – Israel in Egypt: The Evidence for the Authenticity of the Exodus Tradition Buy (1999)
Hoffmeier is Professor of Bible Studies and Archaeology at Wheaton College, Illinois. See the ‘Buy’ link for a description.
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Bible Characters in Gen. 1-12
Whyte, Alexander – Bible Characters, vol. 1
Whyte (1836-1921) was a minister in the Free Church of Scotland and later, post-1900, in the United Free Church of Scotland.
“Cain was a deist; that is, an impenitent theist.” – John ‘Rabbi’ Duncan
“In Noah we have the first account of justification by grace.” – John ‘Rabbi’ Duncan, Gen. 6:8-9
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On Bible Characters in Genesis
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The Patriarchs
Ambrose – Seven Exegetical Works… in The Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 1972)
‘Isaac, or the Soul’, pp. 9-69
‘Jacob & the Happy Life’, pp. 117-186
‘The Patriarchs’, pp. 241-78
Ambrose (c. 339 – c. 397)
Blaikie, William G. – Heroes of Israel: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph & Moses (1894) 530 pp.
Blaikie (1820–1899) was of the Free Church of Scotland.
Delitzsch, Franz – ‘The Character of Patriarchal History’ 7 pp.
Delitzsch was a conservative German, Lutheran theologian and Hebraist, known for his contribution to the Keil-Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary. His translation of the N.T. into Hebrew is still considered the standard translation. The Free Churchman, ‘Rabbi’ John Duncan, said that Delitzsch “stood firm in maintenance of the divine authority and inspiration of the whole Old Testament” at a time when many “seemed willing to surrender.”
Thomas, William Henry Griffith – Genesis, a Devotional Commentary Buy (1946)
‘Possibly the most helpful devotional exposition of Genesis available. Pastors will find the material on Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (chaps. 12-50) to be unsurpassed!’ – Cyril J. Barber
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Abraham
“If Adamic blood flows in all our veins, Abrahamic blood flows spiritually in every Christian’s veins.”
John ‘Rabbi’ Duncan
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Buddicom, R.P. – Friendship with God Illustrated in the Life of Abraham, vol. 1, 2
Of his work on Exodus: ** “Able discourses, using the Exodus spiritually and wisely.” – Spurgeon
Dykes, J. Oswald – Abraham, the Friend of God 1877 17 devotional messages based on Gen. 12-25
Blunt, Henry – Twelve Lectures on the History of Abraham & Jacob (1839)
** “Like the rest of this author’s lectures. Good, plain addresses.” – Spurgeon
Guthrie, Thomas – Abraham the Friend of God in Studies of Character from the Old Testament 1872 Free Church of Scotland
Meyer, F.B. – Abraham, or the Obedience of Faith n.d. 205 pp.
Meyer (1847–1929) was an English, baptist pastor who wrote numerous, very good devotional works.
Whyte, Alexander – Abraham in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)
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Sarah
Whyte, Alexander – Sarah in Bible Characters, vol. 1
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Lot
Whyte, Alexander – Lot in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)
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Eliezer, the Servant
Guthrie, Thomas – Eliezer the Pattern Servant in Studies of Character from the Old Testament (1872)
Guthrie was a minister in the Free Church of Scotland.
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Isaac
Blunt, Henry – Twelve Lectures on the History of Abraham and Jacob 1839
** “Like the rest of this author’s lectures. Good, plain addresses.” – Spurgeon
Bouchier, Barton – History of Isaac as Recorded in the Bible 1865
** “A charming book, in Bouchier’s gracious style.” – Spurgeon
Rawlinson, George – Isaac and Jacob: their Lives and Times 1890
Rawlinson (1812–1902)
“Still contains valuable insights for preachers today.” – Cyril J. Barber
Whyte, Alexander – Isaac in Bible Characters, vol. 1 d. 1921
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Rebekah
Whyte, Alexander – Rebekah in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)
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Jacob
Cowper, William – Jacob’s Wrestling with God (1608) 148 pp.
Cowper was a Scottish bishop.
Meyer, F.B. – Israel, a Prince with God, the Story of Jacob Retold n.d. 200 pp.
Rawlinson, George – Isaac & Jacob: their Lives & Times (1890)
Rawlinson (1812–1902)
“Still contains valuable insights for preachers today.” – Cyril J. Barber
Whyte, Alexander – Jacob in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)
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Esau
Whyte, Alexander – Esau in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)
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On Joseph
The Best
Blaikie, William G. – ‘Jacob & Joseph’ (1894) 82 pp. being Part 2 of Heroes of Israel: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph & Moses, pp. 204-286 1894
Blaikie (1820–1899) was of the Free Church of Scotland.
Lawson, George – Lectures on Joseph, 2 vols. Buy (1807 & 1812)
*** – ‘Dr. Lawson had a fertile mind, and a heart alive both to the human and divine side of truth. He writes with pleasing simplicity of style. One of the highest compliments to this book is found in the fact that a distinguished American scholar issued much of it as his own [Lawson was Scottish].’ – Spurgeon
Smith, Thornley – History of Joseph viewed in connection with the Antiquities of Egypt, and the times in which he lived Buy (1875)
*** – ‘Written under the full light of the most recent archaeological discoveries, modern scholarship, and theological science, it is THE book on the subject. Now we have it, we cannot dispense with it.’ – Homilist, quoted by Spurgeon
Winsolw, Octavius – The Fullness of Christ: Unfolded in the History of Joseph Buy (1863)
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More on Joseph
Ambrose – ‘Joseph’ in Seven Exegetical Works… in The Fathers of the Church (Catholic University of America Press, 1972), pp. 187-240
Ambrose (c. 339 – c. 397)
Cumming, John – The Last of the Patriarchs; or, Lessons Chiefly from the Life of Joseph (1856)
** “Fitted for popular reading: ministers need more thought.” – Spurgeon
Gibson, Timothy – Lectures on the History of Joseph (1848)
* “Very respectable sermons, bringing out the gospel of Joseph’s history.” – Spurgeon
Guthrie, Thomas – Joseph the Successful Man in Studies of Character from the Old Testament (1872)
Guthrie was a minister in the Free Church of Scotland.
Kirk, Thomas – The Life of Joseph Buy (rep. Klock & Klock)
“Of the utmost value for the pastor who preaches on Bible characters.” – Cyril J. Barber
Meyer, F.B. – Joseph: Beloved, Hated, Exalted (1890; 1910) 192 pp.
Meyer (1847–1929) was an English, baptist pastor who wrote numerous, very good devotional works.
“A careful unfolding of the fascinating story of Joseph and God’s dealings with him. Devotional. Ideal for laymen.” – Cyril J. Barber
Taylor, William – Joseph the Prime Minister (1886) 260 pp.
Taylor (1829–1895) was a Scottish Presbyterian turned Congregationalist who later ministered in America at Broadway Tabernacle Congregationalist Church in New York.
“Dynamic and inspiring messages by a former Lyman Beecher lecturer at Yale and L. P. Stone lecturer at Princeton.” – Cyril J. Barber
Wardlaw, Ralph – Life of Joseph & the Last Years of Jacob (1845)
** – Wardlaw, though rather wordy, is always instructive.’ – Spurgeon
Whyte, Alexander – Joseph in Bible Characters, vol. 1 (d. 1921)
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Related Pages