Creation and Blessing: A Guide to the Study and Exposition of Genesis

Pros:1. Probably the best commentary on Genesis I have ever read.2. Though Ross does use some Hebrew, it is very easy for an english-only reader to fully understand.3. Every section ends with application making sermon preparation from Genesis very simple.4. Every text in Genesis is approached from an expositional perspective. Ross is not afraid to examine a text from an applicational perspective. Even genealogies are approached from this.5. Ross's applications are revenant.6. Ross approaches hard portions of the text from a conservative perspective, yet is willing to examine liberal views on texts from a non-bias stand-point. One example of this is Ross's explanation of the double Esau toledot. Here Ross suggests a document including kings of Edom was found long after the death of Moses and added in. Through this Ross always remains theologically conservative in his views of biblical inspiration.7. Ross does an incredible job with balancing an academic approach with a homiletical focus making this book a great read for a person of any level of biblical training.8. Ross's methodology of arriving at application from Old Testament narratives is very solid.9. Ross is a Old Testament and Hebrew instructor. Ross has taught at Dallas Seminary, Perkins School of Theology, and Beeson Divinity School Ross has two doctorates from Cambridge.Ross includes clear bibliographies at the end of every chapter which is extremely helpful for further study on the chapter.10. Each section includes an exegetical outline and then transitions into a homiletical outline.11. Ross includes many helpful charts to understand literary structure within Genesis.12. Ross has clearly examined the texts from a literary perspective.13. Ross examines various sides of controversial and disputed texts within Genesis - for the most part - explaining all sides of the arguments.Cons:1. Many of Ross's applications are do not take into consideration the wider context of the book of Genesis.2. Ross does not emphasize biblical theology in his exposition of Genesis.3. Ross rarely, if ever, explains New Testament uses of Genesis.4. I wish Ross had included explanation from people who find allegory and typology within the Genesis texts instead of limiting himself to a literal hermeneutic.5. Ross suggests Gap Theory in his summary of Genesis 1:2-3 without giving other options for the text. This is typical in many places in his book where I wish he had given other perspectives and views on controversial texts within Genesis.6. Though this book is entitled Creation and Blessing I do not see Ross arguing for continuity of theme within the book of Genesis.7. I wish Ross had included more details on how the covenants within Genesis relate to one another.8. Ross does not emphasize the immediate fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant within Genesis: land of goshen, many descendants, blessing to all nations (especially Egypt who Abraham deceived) through providing food in time of famine.9. Ross does not emphasize the importance of the repentance of Judah in Genesis 39.10. Because Ross does emphasizes nether covenant nor the Seed as major themes within Genesis, he sees Joseph as the main character of Genesis 37ff. He does not emphasize the importance of Joseph as protecting the line of Messiah through providing food.11. Ross's applications within the Sons of Israel narratives decline in quality greatly because of Ross' lack of emphasis on biblical theology in his commentary. Instead of applying God's keeping of his promise to Abraham, Ross uses applications such as God using guilt to get rebellious people to follow Him. I feel like many texts throughout could have been better handled, but these last few chapters seem to include to worst of the applications.12. Ross does not mention spiritual fulfillment of Abrahamic Covenant in the Church.13. Ross says that a preacher must research ANE understanding of dreams to understand Genesis 37, but just leaves it at that. If Ross really believes this to be important, I wish he had dedicated a couple of pages to helping his reader understand this - or at least given a resource.

I've found this to be a helpful commentary. Great for a pastor preparing to preach sermons.

If you are looking for a practical, theologically solid commentary on the book of Genesis, this is it. Dr Ross does an excellent job of simplifying the message of the text and breaking each chapter into practical theological truths. While readers may skip right to the commentary on Genesis 1:1, the author does an exceptional job of explaining the various textual criticisms of Genesis and explain how and why Genesis is best understood as "a special kind of history...[that] records past events for the purpose of educating people spiritually." The final product provides a "theological shaping of the reports and traditions for the instruction of Israel..." From this perspective the author provides historical and theological commentary on each chapter in a practical and easily understandable manner. This is one of the more understandable and practical commentaries on Genesis that I have ever read.

Best commentary I have ever read. Recommended to me by a member of the Holman Bible translation team who was also a seminary professor. I've been using it to put together lessons for a youth group and they're on the edge of their seats. The perspective it gives on the Israelite point of view and the implications for then and now are astonishing, and I look forward to studying the material much more than ever before. Everyone should have and love this book!

In a day and age of rampant ignorance about our Creator, this book clearly gives a wonderful on-site into His creation.

Ross does a first rate job in this unique commentary intended especially for pastors and teachers. The book is divided into four main sections with individual pericopes identified in each. Ross gives insightful commentary and workable expository ideas helpful for preparing sermons/lessons from the book. He also keeps you focused with one main expository idea for each passage, with each main point fleshing out that main idea. I can't stress enough what a great help this book is. I wish Ross had these commentaries for the whole OT.

This has been a real blessing for me as I prepare the weekly Bible study for the book of Genesis. I really have learned a lot and Ross has definitely expanded my understanding of Genesis and aided in my teaching.

I chose this book because it was a requirement for my Biblical Studies Class. It is a very thorough book in explaning the Book of Genesis. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants an indepth study of the Blesings of Creation.

I bought this book as a text for a seminary course. It is readable, and is set up so that you can draw a lot of material for teaching from it. So many fresh insights I had never heard before. I love this book.

I've really enjoyed the insights in the commentary without being needlessly weighed down by issues which aren't an issue for me.

Grace of God, I am thoroughly enjoying by understanding the depth of Genesis in Bible. Dr.Ross, also connects it with the NT, hence it gives a deep understanding of How Progressive Revelation of God to His creature Human Beings. It is Lucid with theological thoughts. I highly recommend this to serious Bible knowledge seekers and Pastors.

If you're looking for in depth yet understandable, this is it! I've used this book for both my theology assignment and exegetical assignment and compared to other commentaries, I find myself enjoying the read. It is clear, concise and logically informative - a must have for the study of Genesis.