Evaluation

Overall Score: 7.7/10

A substantial technical companion for Genesis 16 to 50 that strengthens careful exposition.

Publication Date(s): 1987

Pages: 480

ISBN: 9780849902017

Faithfulness to the Text: 8.6/10

We find this volume consistently anchored in the text and careful in argument, even when discussing debated questions.

Christ Centredness: 6.6/10

This is not written in a Christ centred preaching mode. Its value is indirect, strengthening exegesis for clearer proclamation.

Depth of Insight: 8.9/10

We are helped by sustained attention to narrative flow and interpretive decisions across long sections.

Clarity of Writing: 7.6/10

Clear for a technical series, though it still requires focus.

Pastoral Usefulness: 7.5/10

Most useful as an exegetical support alongside a more pastoral resource.

Readability: 6.9/10

Best in planned study rather than rushed preparation.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 480 pages
Type: Exegetical (Technical)
Theo. Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Overall score: 7.7 / 10
Strength: Close attention to narrative flow and structure.
Limitation: Less direct help with sermon shaping and explicit Christ centred application.

We find Wenham’s Genesis 16 to 50 a careful, steady guide through the patriarch narratives. He helps us trace how promise and providence shape the story, and he keeps us close to the text’s flow and structure across long stretches.

Because it sits in a technical series, this volume is strongest when we need careful exegesis and help on interpretive decisions. It does not aim to build sermon outlines for us, but it repeatedly gives the kind of close observation that strengthens faithful preaching.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want a disciplined companion that reads Genesis as a unified narrative rather than disconnected scenes. Wenham is particularly helpful on narrative development and repeated patterns, which can stop us from preaching the patriarchs as a string of moral examples.

We also benefit when the text is morally complex or interpretively contested. Wenham typically argues carefully and with restraint. Even where we differ on assumptions, the work often sharpens our own reading and forces better reasons for our conclusions.

For Reformed preaching, the chief value is indirect. Strong exegesis supports more faithful Christward proclamation. Wenham does not do that movement for us, but he helps us do it with clearer text level footing.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a technical companion for serious preparation. It works best alongside a more pastorally oriented commentary that helps with application and sermon shape.

As a next step, see the Bible Book Overview for Genesis, browse Top Recommendations, or use the Reformed Commentary Index for a fuller shelf.

Where to buy

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