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Faith of Our Father: Expositions of Genesis 12–25
With typical wit and wisdom Dale Ralph Davis opens up chapters 12-25 of Genesis. These beautiful and insightful expositions guide you through some of the early chapters of the Bible and will deepen your understanding of this important area of Scripture which help shape our understanding. This is an ideal resource for pastors as well small groups and personal study.
166 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2015
23 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Dale Ralph Davis
31 books59 followersDale Ralph Davis is Minister in Residence, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina. Prior to that he was pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 4, 2017
This is an excellent sermonic commentary on Genesis 12-25. The Gospel-centered focus of the exposition is refreshing and thought provoking. God clearly comes through as the Hero of Abraham's journey of faith. As I have come to expect from Davis, he offers surprising insight into the way God works to forward His eternal plan. He unflinchingly challenges some common perceptions, such as whether or not Isaac is a type of Christ, and if he doesn't win you over, he will challenge you to reconsider.
Adding to the value of this volume are the rich, contemporary illustrations that are, in themselves, worth the price of the book. If you see it on sale, grab it. If you plan to teach or preach through Genesis, don't wait for a sale; just get it. The only regret I have of this volume is that it doesn't cover all of Genesis.
Adding to the value of this volume are the rich, contemporary illustrations that are, in themselves, worth the price of the book. If you see it on sale, grab it. If you plan to teach or preach through Genesis, don't wait for a sale; just get it. The only regret I have of this volume is that it doesn't cover all of Genesis.
January 2, 2022
Because this book is primarily a series of (slightly tidied-up) sermons, rather than starting as a book itself (like his wonderful series of commentaries from Joshua through to 2 Kings) it feels a bit thin, and it reads very fast, meaning that it's easy to overlook the valuable insights Davis continually provides. The book is nevertheless an excellent exposition of the Abraham stories from Genesis, and again and again Davis provides new ways to think about stories that have become too familiar from many readings.
I haven't yet read a book by Davis that was less than helpful in elucidating the Scriptures, and in spite of this book's relative brevity, it's well worth a read. And how I wish that he was preaching regularly in my church!
Re-read in Jan 2021 and again in December 2021
I haven't yet read a book by Davis that was less than helpful in elucidating the Scriptures, and in spite of this book's relative brevity, it's well worth a read. And how I wish that he was preaching regularly in my church!
Re-read in Jan 2021 and again in December 2021
February 9, 2017
Dale Ralph Davis smacks another ball out of the park with this recently published, 176 page paperback book. The chapters are around eight pages long, but easy to read, thus making this material delightful devotional reading on Genesis 12 through 25. The main points are set in bold, and the substance is nourishing, warm, instructive, substantive, biblical, sometimes delightfully counter cultural, and easy to follow. These are sermons Dr. Davis has preached at First Presbyterian Church (ARP) in Columbia, SC.
"Faith of our Fathers' is ideal for individual reading, group discussion, family devotions, and Adult Bible studies. Everyone who delves into the chapters will walk away glad they've read the book. I unreservedly and unhesitatingly recommend this book!
"Faith of our Fathers' is ideal for individual reading, group discussion, family devotions, and Adult Bible studies. Everyone who delves into the chapters will walk away glad they've read the book. I unreservedly and unhesitatingly recommend this book!
April 7, 2017
Dale Ralph Davis doing what he does best - preaching Old Testament narrative. Packed full of practical application. Down to earth. The sort of thing that when he says it, you wonder "Why didn't I see that?". Pithy and grounded in reality.
My main criticism is his reticence in preaching Christ from OT narrative. Whilst he does so in Genesis 15, this reluctance is nowhere clearer than in Genesis 22 - when Abraham is asked to sacrifice Isaac. For me this is a rich and powerful precursor and pointer to God the Father giving his own Son in our place. Davis doesn't see it that way - I think to the detriment of his readers.
Great views of God, great application to the reader, poor in its pointing us to Christ. Read and enjoy how Davis gets so much from meat from the passage, but supplement your reading with something that unpacks Christ in the narrative too.
My main criticism is his reticence in preaching Christ from OT narrative. Whilst he does so in Genesis 15, this reluctance is nowhere clearer than in Genesis 22 - when Abraham is asked to sacrifice Isaac. For me this is a rich and powerful precursor and pointer to God the Father giving his own Son in our place. Davis doesn't see it that way - I think to the detriment of his readers.
Great views of God, great application to the reader, poor in its pointing us to Christ. Read and enjoy how Davis gets so much from meat from the passage, but supplement your reading with something that unpacks Christ in the narrative too.
August 17, 2017
These are homiletical expositions, with more anecdotes than text-critical comments. Davis is very engaging and clear, and usually hits the mark in terms of finding the main point of the pericope. Unfortunately, he is far harder on Abraham than is warranted at a number of points. On his reading, Abraham's faith occasionally breaks through clouds of unbelief, rather than regularly shining, with brief moments of eclipse.
August 30, 2019
Outstanding expositions that focus on the theology of the text and practical application. Davis is kind of a quirky author: his choice of vocabulary and some of his illustrations are quaint (to say the least!). Nevertheless, he has an excellent eye for exegesis, well-honed homiletical skills, and a knack for uncovering some real theological gems. It is well worth reading.
January 12, 2022
Enjoyable. Instructive yet devotional.
December 16, 2015
Typical DRD. With lots of anecdotes and special insights, he opens up these chapters of Genesis to show us that they are not really about Abraham, but about our faithful God. Buy it and have your heart warmed!
October 31, 2017
This slim volume based on a series of expository sermons about the life of Abraham can be surprisingly insightful at times:
It contains the best explanation I have heard on Lot’s root sin when he departed from Abraham in the plains of Sodom.
It draws a surprising correlation between the story of Abraham and Abimelech and the doctrine of the indestructibility of Christ’s church through the ages.
It illuminates a connection I had never considered about how the redemptive story started—a miracle birth to a 90-year old woman—and its culmination with a miracle birth to a 14-year old virgin.
On the other hand, after reading Davis’ excellent commentaries on Judges and I & II Samuel, some of the chapters felt thin. He ignored a potentially interesting discussion on the verses in II Peter where Lot is credited as a righteous man. He did not address the episode in which Abraham’s servant appears to test God for a sign concerning Isaac’s bride-to-be. Some of the more interesting historical ramifications of Ishmael’s birth were not explored.
In the final analysis, I recommend this book for study but it is not Davis’ best work.
It contains the best explanation I have heard on Lot’s root sin when he departed from Abraham in the plains of Sodom.
It draws a surprising correlation between the story of Abraham and Abimelech and the doctrine of the indestructibility of Christ’s church through the ages.
It illuminates a connection I had never considered about how the redemptive story started—a miracle birth to a 90-year old woman—and its culmination with a miracle birth to a 14-year old virgin.
On the other hand, after reading Davis’ excellent commentaries on Judges and I & II Samuel, some of the chapters felt thin. He ignored a potentially interesting discussion on the verses in II Peter where Lot is credited as a righteous man. He did not address the episode in which Abraham’s servant appears to test God for a sign concerning Isaac’s bride-to-be. Some of the more interesting historical ramifications of Ishmael’s birth were not explored.
In the final analysis, I recommend this book for study but it is not Davis’ best work.
December 5, 2017
A great little trip through the Abraham narrative in Genesis. Dale Ralph Davis has a rare gift for combining excellent scholarship with mature spiritual application. Down to earth and readable yet distilling spiritual wisdom accrued over many decades of life and study. Sometimes the little stories and illustrations felt like a bit much for my taste.
Recommended for any and all readers.
Recommended for any and all readers.
October 2, 2018
As usual, Davis is a brilliant expositor who combines interesting anecdotes with spiritual perception into the text. He never fails to deepen your love for God.
February 7, 2020
Buy and read every published work by Dale Ralph Davis!
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January 24, 2022A fantastic series of expositions, just what I’d expect from Dale Ralph Davis.
January 4, 2023
My favorite commentator to date. Faith is not something we work up, it is something given.
September 19, 2024
Great commentary for pastors to use in sermon preparation. All of Davis' commentaries are concise, helpful, and memorable.
May 10, 2016
I have really grown to love Dale Ralph Davis as an expositor of Scripture. This short work is a wonderful exposition of the life of Abraham. Dr. Davis has a great ability to capture the essence of the text is memorable phrases and preaching points.
April 10, 2021
Excellent sermons and DRD is engaging as ever. One caveat in critiquing is the cessationist tendencies at points, such as "we don't need to hear from God in the way Abraham did," which is disappointing.
August 31, 2016
Another set of brilliant expositions - this time on the Abraham account in Genesis. Faithfully explained, encouraging & strengthening in their applications.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews