The second volume of Gordon J. Wenham's masterful Genesis commentary continues the standard of excellence established in his treatment of Genesis 1-15, delivering what many consider one of the finest exegetical works available on the patriarchal narratives. Covering the stories from Hagar's flight through Joseph's death in Egypt, Wenham brings his remarkable expertise in Hebrew language, ancient Near Eastern studies, and biblical theology to bear on the passages that chronicle God's covenant faithfulness through four generations of the chosen family. This Word Biblical Commentary volume represents fourteen years of intensive scholarship and exegetical skill, resulting in a work that Hebrew University's Professor Moshe Greenberg praised as "one of the richest and most informative works on Genesis in English." Wenham's careful balance of technical precision and readable exposition makes this commentary accessible to both professional scholars and serious pastors seeking to understand the theological depth of these foundational narratives.

What distinguishes Wenham's approach is his masterful integration of contemporary scholarship with unwavering commitment to the historical reliability and theological significance of the biblical text. Unlike commentaries that get bogged down in source-critical debates, Wenham demonstrates how the patriarchal stories deal with real historical figures whose accounts were accurately transmitted through centuries of oral tradition and placed in the context of second-millennium B.C.E. family customs, social laws, and domestic arrangements. His verse-by-verse commentary provides rich insights into Hebrew syntax and grammar while remaining accessible to readers without advanced language skills. The extensive bibliographies, careful textual analysis, and sensitivity to literary structures reveal how these narratives work together to present a unified theological message about God's covenant promises and their fulfillment through the chosen lineage.

Whether you're studying the Hagar narratives, Abraham's testing, Isaac's blessing, Jacob's transformation, or Joseph's rise to power, this commentary provides the scholarly foundation and theological insight that serious Bible study demands. Wenham's proven ability to combine meticulous exegesis with practical application makes this volume invaluable for sermon preparation, Bible study leadership, and personal spiritual growth. His careful attention to both the individual stories and their place within the broader narrative of redemptive history helps readers understand how these ancient accounts continue to speak with power and relevance to contemporary believers. This is the commentary that will deepen your appreciation for the patriarchal narratives and their crucial role in the unfolding story of God's covenant faithfulness.