I’m so glad that Kenneth Mathews’ work in the NAC series has been imported and updated here in the Christian Standard Commentary (CSC) series. I just happened to be doing some work in these early chapters of Genesis and found this volume a godsend. It gave me such tangible help, even providing that help at every point I needed without exception.

Just like the Isaiah entry in this series, we will have to wait on volume two. Don’t wait, though, to get volume 1. It’s that good. Genesis is so foundational to the entire Bible that we simply must get our bearings straight. That’s what this volume will do for you. Genesis 1-11 is a natural unit anyway.

To my point, this volume gives great help on structure. I would argue that structure is exceptionally vital here. Both in the Introduction and then throughout the text that aid is rendered. For what it’s worth I’d say the structure points are right on in this volume.

The Introduction is a success. For sure it addresses what I like to see rather than the speculative stuff that’s of no substantial value. The place of Genesis in the Pentateuch is thoroughly developed with even more structural insight. Finally, the theology section does what it’s supposed to and somehow summarizes everything else the Introduction suggested.

The commentary proper was outstanding, consistent, and never lost sight of the big picture. Again, it helped me on several tricky passages.

This one is a must-have!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.