Wenham's introduction a preview of what the rest of the volume would flesh out, a balanced and careful examination of the text of Genesis in light of modern scholarship. While the commentary is firmly within the evangelical tradition, it does not seek to defend traditional interpretations that no longer withstand critical scrutiny such as Mosaic authorship. Wenham defaults to a documentary theory, but is as unafraid to question and reassess the critical consensus as he is the conservative. The commentary focuses closely on the Hebrew text, considering the structure, grammar and literary parallels with other ANE literature. Following the pattern of the series, each contains a translation, textual/linguistic notes, discussion of the form and structure as well as a verse by verse exposition of the passage. A brief conclusion reflects on the significance of the passage in the rest of Scripture and for contemporary faith. Many difficult questions abound in the opening chapters of the Genesis involving the connection of the ancient text and modern science. These questions and the difficulties they pose are acknowledged, but dogmatic answers are not provided. Wenham offers guidance to how to understand the text while pointing to grounds for faith. This commentary represents the best of a responsible interaction of evangelical and critical scholarship that does not compromise either. ( )

Bible, O.T. Commentary