Genesis Thru Numbers: Where Do We Come From?

by Tremper Longman III

Book Overview

Here's an accessible reference that aids personal Bible study or Sunday school preparation-the QuickNotes Simplified Bible Commentary, designed for the everyday Christian, not the scholar. The sixth... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1597897671
• ISBN13: 9781597897679
• Release Date: February 2009
• Publisher: Barbour Publishing
• Length: 236 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Bible Study Helper

Can a commentary really cover Genesis through Numbers in 240 pages? I confess I was a little skeptical when I began reading, but I was genuinely surprised to see that the author/editor was able to accomplish just that. Good organization of the chapters seems to be the key to the success of this book. Each section has a Set-up (intent), Critical Observations (questions what or why), Demystifying (definitions and explanations), and Take it Home (applications). I appreciated the detailed maps throughout the lessons and the easy to read text boxes that makes the information attention-grabbing. I especially enjoyed the section on Jacob's Blessing, described as a theatrical play in 5 scenes, though the scenes are broken down differently by different commentators. Act One: Isaac Asks Esau for a meal, Act Two: Rebekah's Scheme, Act Three: Jacob's Esau Imitation, Act Four: Esau's Horror and Revenge, and Act Five: Jacob's Departure. The commentary puts each act in focus with the consequences of the characters actions. I also found the use of different versions of the Bible helpful in making sense of difficult passages. Genesis Through Numbers Quick Notes Bible Commentary will complement your Bible study with observations that will enrich your learning experience.

Good for quick references

This commentary covers Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. It breaks each book into sections and identifies the location and length of time taken for each event. The meaning of the Hebrew words are sometimes examined in-depth so that the reader can accurately understand how Hebrew readers would have understood the words and verses. The commentary also briefly covers the different prevailing views of various verses. The commentators tend to lean toward the plain reading of the verses, but they rarely take a definitive stand. The text occasionally notes relevant archeological information, and maps and charts are included. Overall, I'd say that "Genesis through Numbers" is a good, basic commentary.