Best Exegetical Aids For Genesis 1-11

[JohnABarnett]

While beginning my re-introduction to Hebrew after 35 years I am also going to start a separate project reviewing and exegeting the Hebrew text of the first eleven chapters of Genesis. (I know, I know, Ruth would be a much easier starting project.)

 

I am interested in recommendations for the best exegetical aids that focus specifically on that text, be they commentaries or other aids. Though I am evangelical in orientation, I am aware that other points of view often can make valuable contributions to understanding the text as we have it.

 

I already own both of Hamilton's NICOT volumes on Genesis. I used to own Wenham's two Genesis volumes, so I am familiar with that. I am aware of Waltke's commentary, but I have no experience of it.

 

I am also looking at:

 

The Baylor Handbook on the Hebrew Bible (Gen 1-11)

http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-1-11-Handbook-Hebrew-Baylor/dp/1932792708?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

Cassuto, Commentary on Genesis: Adam to Noah

http://www.amazon.com/dp/159045796X/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2YW1DOVWV9S0Q&coliid=I1WX9HBNWCIJHA

 

Collins, Genesis 1-4 Commentary

http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-1-4-Linguistic-Theological-Commentary/dp/0875526195/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1464985389&sr=1-1&keywords=genesis+1-4+a+linguistic+literary+and+theological+commentary

 

Thoughts?

Edited June 3, 2016 by JohnABarnett

[JohnABarnett]

Would someone move this post to the appropriate section? I reread the description of the Original Languages section and realized this is not appropriate here.

[Abram K-J]

The JPS Torah volume on Genesis may not be quite word-for-word, per se, but I think it's one of the best commentaries ever written--both in attention to the text and in its appreciation of the God behind the text.

[JohnABarnett]

Thanks for the recommendation, Abram. I'll take a closer look at it.

[Timothy Jenney]

I have two go-to commentaries for Gen 1-11:

 

E.A Speiser (Anchor) and Nahum Sarna's Understanding Genesis. Both read Genesis 1-11 against the larger background of the literature of the Ancient Near East.

[sfarson]

John... For a different kind of resource check out The Daily Dose of Hebrew.... http://dailydoseofhebrew.com/

 

I subscribe to the daily two-minute lesson that is deposited in my email inbox.  Currently Mark Futato is stepping through Genesis.  Today's lesson is on Genesis 4:25a.  One can go back through the archives and find lessons all the way back to Gen 1:1.

[Bret Hicks]

I highly recommend the daily dose as well.  I had Mark for several courses in seminary, and he is an amazing teacher.  And in these brief videos he helps refresh your Hebrew, and gives good insights into the early chapters of Genesis.  It will be well worth two minutes of your time each day.

 

 

In Christ,

 

 

Bret

[JohnABarnett]

Thanks for the recommendations, people.