Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 35:3 (Spring 1973)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

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WTJ 35:3 (Spr 73) p. 324

Book Reviews

B. J. Oosterhoff: Hoe Lezen Wij Genesis 2 en 3? Kampen: J. H. Kok, 1972. 240. Fl. 21.50.

The importance of Genesis 2 and 3 can hardly be overestimated. For these two chapters at the beginning of the Bible deal with the creation of man, the originally perfect environment in which he was placed by God his Maker, his temptation and subsequent fall, together with the consequences which explain why man and the world in which he lives are in the condition that they are. A correct interpretation of these chapters is therefore crucial for a proper understanding of creation, the fall, and redemption.

Consequently, it is with keen interest that we turn to this exegetical study of these chapters by Dr. Oosterhoff, professor of Old Testament at the Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerken’s theological seminary in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands.

As the author himself tells us in the Introduction, interest in the interpretation of Genesis 2 and 3 has been heightened since the Gereformeerden Kerken repealed their 1926 Synod of Assen’s declaration that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the snake and its speaking, and the tree of life were perceptible realities. By repealing this declaration, the G.K.N. (not to be confused with Professor Oosterhoff’s denomination) has sought to make room for the possibility of other interpretations which, in the light of modern knowledge, may have greater credibility and accuracy than the previously held and traditional, literal interpretation of these chapters.

We therefore are led to turn to Oosterhoff’s book with an air of real expectancy, especially since he feels that the only acceptable approach to the understanding of Scripture is to interpret it in the way that it wishes to be interpreted (p. 11). Hence, how does Scripture itself want us to understand Genesis 2 and 3?

With this commendable reiteration of the validity of the historically Reformed view of interpreting Scripture with Scripture we are in hearty agreement. To determine whether Professor Oosterhoff’s has really lived up to this principle or not is the purpose of this review.

WTJ 35:3 (Spr 73) p. 325

Oosterhoff first devotes a chapter to the various ways in which Genesis 2 and 3 have been interpreted in the past. Here we learn that the literal interpretation became the interpret...

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