#2 Genesis, by James Boice

In Creation and Fall, Boice reveals the connection between the biblical account of creation and God’s plan of redemption. A New Beginning traces how God used less-than-perfect men—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to change history. And Living by Faith follows ever-loyal Joseph, a “man for all seasons” and an example for Christians today. 464 pages each, three softcovers from Baker.

#3 Commentary on Genesis, by Bruce K. Waltke & Cathi J. Fredricks

Hebrew and Old Testament expert Bruce Waltke looks at the book of Genesis as a work of theological literature. Thus, he focuses on primary aspects of the story (narrative), including characterization, plot, theme, scene, structure, foreshadowing and irony, and balances these issues with an emphasis on the theology of Genesis which both shapes and is shaped by the narrative. He looks at the ten divine initiatives in salvation history, each delineated by a “toledot” heading (“the account of the line of…”) followed by a transitional linkage. Waltke interprets the text using twelve levels of signification (sounds, syllables, words, phrases, clauses, sentences, frames/speeches, scene parts or incidents, scenes or episodes, acts or phases, sections/cycles, book/composition), and takes the best of form, source, narrative and literary criticism to offer readers one of the best looks at the theological and literary value of Genesis, the book of beginnings.

#4 Genesis: Beginning and Blessing, by Kent Hughes

The book of Genesis lays the groundwork for God’s relationship with humanity and his plan for our salvation. R. Kent Hughes explores this book with the care and insight that are the hallmarks of the Preaching the Word series.

#5 The Gospel in Genesis, by Henry Law