Here is what I use and recommend for studying Genesis. This is what I call my “daily drivers”. In other words, the resources I go to first and read the most.
Genesis (Tyndale Old Testament Commentary | TOTC) - Steinmann
The TOTC by Steinmann is a very good entry level commentary. What I like and appreciate about his style of writing is that it reads more like a devotional. Oftentimes commentaries are more technical or language focused, as a result they can become bogged down by terms and references. Steinmann does an excellent job of making his writing smooth and explaining complex concepts with simplicity.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary (BKC)
The Bible Knowledge Commentary is a great investment that will serve you for all the books of the Bible. They do a great job of presenting other views scholars have taken and condensing them down some into summary statements. Theologically they are sound and conservative, which makes for a reliable foundation of interpretation.
NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Notes
This study Bible does exactly what the title suggests: Background information. I highly value its concise and condensed approach to providing the background of the culture and times that are so foreign and distant from us. Like the Bible Knowledge Commentary, this investment will serve you for all the books of the Bible. It has just the right balance with various articles and contributions that can be a springboard into different topics of interest.
This resource is included for anyone that has a Faithlife account through Arvin Assembly. This is perfect for what I call at viewing at a glance. The study notes are not as in depth, but there are lots of good places to jump off with links to explore more.
If you like the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Notes, then you would absolutely love this. I liken this as its “big daddy” companion. It has lots of pictures and you will have more than enough to dig deeper if want you to get a fuller understanding. I like that this volume will serve as a resource for the entire year of Torah reading.
I can’t say enough about this book! As a Pastor I would recommend this to every lay person, teenager, parent, grandparent… you get the point. What I like about his approach is how he holds to the authorship, genre and literalness of Genesis. I believe in taking the Bible at face value and Morris does just that. He presents a literal 6 day creation of 24 hour days, maintains Moses as the author, and makes a good case for all of it. I will probably be referencing this resource the most. Although everyone is different, I think we should have as a foundation a solid understanding of creation science as he lays out before exploring other interpretations such as evolution, historical mythology, etc…. If I already lost you, don’t worry, we’ll talk about it.
What I love about Logos Bible Software is that if you make a digital purchase of any of these resources and find it is not for you, they have an excellent return policy of 30days. I hope you dip your toes into some of these resources!
***Disclaimer. There is only one inspired, infallible, innerant book that is the Bible! These resources are fallible and while I may find myself not agreeing on every point, I value the information so I can learn and grow.
Do you want to hear a podcast where I outline what I like about each of these resources? You’re in luck! I have just the thing: