From Eden to Egypt

Alex Duke takes us on a tour of Genesis, explaining both the text and its contribution to biblical theology. The writing is fresh, inviting, and captivating. A perfect guide for those who desire to know the message of the book in the Scriptures that is foundational for the entire biblical narrative. * THOMAS R. SCHREINER, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, and associate dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary *
Genesis is a beautiful, rich, and foundational book in Scripture. But it's also daunting and, for most people, difficult to understand. Alex Duke's From Eden to Egypt walks readers through Genesis in a way that's approachable, relatable, and--dare I say--even fun! Whether you're a church leader teaching through Genesis, a student looking to better understand God's Word, or simply someone curious about a pivotal but often misunderstood book of the Bible, From Eden to Egypt is a fantastic resource. * BRETT MCCRACKEN, senior editor, The Gospel Coalition; author, The Wisdom Pyramid<\ *
Genesis is an amazing book, and Alex Duke truly succeeds in bringing it to life for the everyday man like me. This book is proof that theology books can be a rip-roaring good time. I pray that more theologians learn to write like Alex so that more Christians will take up and read. * SEAN DEMARS, pastor; host, Room for Nuance podcast *
I promise you, you've never read a book like this one! Alex Duke's mind is a storm--a whirlwind of cultural references, quips, quotes, and commentary that he somehow marshals into a force for spiritual good. In a single chapter Alex takes his readers on a journey from the Michael Scott Paper Company to Mosaic authorship of Genesis to Marty McFly to Melchizedek to Will Smith punching Chris Rock in the jaw to the Seed of the Woman crushing the head of the Seed of the Serpent. And yet Alex never meanders, never feels lost, and he never wastes your time. Each chapter feels like watching a gymnast flip a million times in the air and then somehow stick the landing. From Eden to Egypt is my favorite type of biblical commentary. It's that rare book that is simultaneously entertaining and edifying. I was spiritually challenged all while chuckling and chortling my way through the book. The whole thing feels slightly unhinged and yet entirely bolted to the text of Scripture. If you struggle to love the Bible pick up this book. By the end you'll love the Bible (and its Divine Author!) so much more than when you began. * SAM EMADI, co-host of the Bible Talk podcast, Senior Pastor, Hunsinger Lane Baptist Church in Louisville, KY *
Many people equate Bible commentary with unpleasant medicine, but Alex Duke wisely adds spoonfuls of sugar in From Eden to Egypt. His tour of Genesis is perfect for both seekers and suspicious people who think the Bible is for suckers. It's also enjoyable and instructive for longtime churchgoers and Sunday school teachers. * MARVIN OLAKSY, executive editor for News and Global, Christianity Today *
Moses is a master storyteller, and Genesis is his masterpiece. Alex Duke does this inspired book justice as he zooms in on overlooked clues and zooms out to behold the progress in God's plan of redemption. Whether you think you already know everything about Genesis or you don't know your Joseph from your Jacob, this book will help you see the divine in the details. * COLLIN HANSEN, vice president for content and editor in chief, The Gospel Coalition; author, Timothy Keller *
One of the greatest challenges the church faces today is the crisis of Bible illiteracy. The church has never had greater access to our sacred text, yet we are paying less and less attention to it. There is no greater antidote to Bible illiteracy than the Bible itself and resources like this. If you want your church to grow in Bible literacy, then start with From Eden to Egypt: A Guided Tour of Genesis. * JT ENGLISH, lead pastor, Storyline Church; author, Deep Discipleship *
The Bible is not boring, but sometimes we forget that. And by 'sometimes' I mean almost daily. Sure, we say it's important (we've got copies on the shelf to prove it!), but the truth is we are intimidated--especially in the Old Testament--by its ancientness and complexity and size. Do I need a theology degree to understand this? In a word: no. Alex Duke is a normal person who has written, for normal people, a brilliant book about the Bible's first book. If you can track with Genesis, you will be positioned to treasure the rest of the story. Alex's writing fizzes with humor and verve--and remarkable insight. So, assuming you're a normal person, open these pages and revisit Genesis with him. I promise you missed stuff last time around. * MATT SMETHURST, lead pastor, River City Baptist Church, Richmond, VA; author, Tim Keller on the Christian Life and Before You Open Your Bible; cohost, The Everyday Pastor podcast *
The Bible is weird and books about it are generally boring enough to induce coma. But I didn't fall asleep once while reading Alex Duke's guide to Genesis--easily the Willy Wonka-est book in the whole Bible. Like all the best tour guides, this author is a little demented. Is he on something? Maybe! Read this and see for yourself. * HARRISON SCOTT KEY, author, How to Stay Married; winner, Thurber Prize for American Humor *
The whole storyline of the Bible is embedded in Genesis, even if only in seed form. That's why From Eden to Egypt is such a tremendous resource and can help you better understand the entire Bible in all of its richness and beauty. Alex Duke writes with clarity, pastoral insight, and even humor in such a way that makes for a great read. * MATTHEW J. HALL, provost, Biola University *