Derek Kidner - Genesis (TOTC)

Volume 1

General Editor: Donald J. Wiseman

An Introduction and Commentary

Derek Kidner

Additional notes

The aim of this series of Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, as it was with the companion New Testament volumes, is to provide the student of the Bible with a handy, up-to-date commentary on each book, with the primary emphasis on exegesis. Major critical questions will be discussed in the introductions and additional notes, but as far as possible undue technicality will be avoided in the commentary itself.

While all are united in their belief in the divine inspiration, essential trustworthiness and practical relevance of the sacred writings, individual authors are free to express their own point of view on all controversial issues. Within the limits of the space available they frequently draw attention to interpretation which they themselves do not hold but which represents the conclusions of equally sincere and loyal Christians. In Genesis, a book which has been the subject of so much debate, it would be easy to devote a disproportionate amount of space to such discussions. But the aim throughout has been to draw the reader as close as possible to the meaning of the text rather than to speculations about it.

In the Old Testament in particular no single English translation is adequate to reflect the original text. The authors of these commentaries freely quote various versions, therefore, or give their own translation, in the endeavour to make the more difficult passages or words meaningful today. Where necessary, words from the Hebrew (and Aramaic) Massoretic Text underlying their studies are transliterated. This will help the reader who may be unfamiliar with the Semitic languages to identify the word under discussion and thus to follow the argument. It is assumed throughout that the reader will have ready access to one, or more, reliable rendering of the Bible in English.

There are signs of a renewed interest in the meaning and message of the Old Testament and it is hoped that this series will thus further the systematic study of the revelation of God and his will and ways as seen in these records. It is the prayer of the editor and publisher, as of the authors, that these books will help many to understand, and to respond to, the Word of God today.

D. J. Wiseman

A music critic once demolished a certain descant to a great hymn tune, with the remark that it impoverished the immaculate harmony and sure-footed rhythm of its companion, like a Mini round a Rolls-Royce. Any book on Genesis is bound to invite some such comparison (even if theological reviewers usually resist the impulse to put things quite as pungently), and particularly a commentary as slim, in more ways than one, as this.

What is almost equally unavoidable is the offence which any writer on this subject is likely to give to many of his readers at one point or another, in discussing the immense issues that are raised by Genesis at every turn. There can scarcely be another part of Scripture over which so many battles, theological, scientific, historical and literary, have been fought, or so many strong opinions cherished. This very fact is a sign of the greatness and power of the book, and of the narrow limits of both our factual knowledge and our spiritual grasp. If the interpretations and discussions offered here are found far from infallible or complete, no-one is more aware of it than the author; but they are put forward in the hope that even where they are unpalatable they will provoke all the closer study of the inspired text itself.

A preface gives an opportunity of making some acknowledgments, and I am glad to express gratitude first to those who have drawn my attention to a number of archaeological and linguistic matters, especially Professor D. J. Wiseman, the General Editor of the series, and Mr A. R. Millard, the Librarian of Tyndale House; also to the Rev. J. A. Motyer, whose theological insight has at several points made him eyes to the blind. Dr R. E. D. Clark was kind enough to read part of the manuscript where it touched on cosmology, and to make valuable criticisms and suggestions. The help of all these has reduced, but naturally not eliminated, my errors and omissions. Unfortunately Mr K. A. Kitchens Ancient Orient and Old Testament (Tyndale Press, 1966) was published too late to be consulted for this commentary, but it is good to know that its wealth of information on the world in which Genesis has its setting is now available to fill out (and no doubt to correct) the picture which is only lightly sketched in the present book.

Finally it is a pleasure to thank the publishers for their encouragement and expertise, and Miss J. M. Plumbridge who deciphered and typed a far from easy manuscript with extraordinary accuracy and cheerfulness.

May this commentary be found as faithful and straightforward a servant of the text as was Abrahams steward to his master.

Derek Kidner