Title: Briefly Biblical: A Concise Contemporary Commentary on Genesis King James
Version of the Holy Bible
Author:Deacon Jerry Shilling
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 9781796084412
Genre: Religion / Biblical Commentary / Old Testament
Pages: 124
Reviewed by: Barbara Bamberger Scott

Read Book Review

Author Jerry Shilling, an ordained deacon, has captured the essence of each of the 50
chapters of the biblical book of Genesis, offering fresh viewpoints.

Opening with the chapter Shilling named “Creation,” the author states that “for eons
untold, God was alone” but decided to create the heaven and earth as a place to let His
existence be known. He needed separation – of light and darkness, land and water.

Shilling encapsulates the story of Adam and Eve’s banishment from the garden as
“Choices, Changes, Consequences” and that of Noah as “A World in Rebellion.”
Several chapters are devoted to the story of Abram/Abraham, both his triumphs and his
weaknesses, and in each episode, Shilling finds both allegory and spiritual truth. Some
chapters of Genesis are less story-laden, such as Chapter 5, a genealogy from Adam to
Noah. But the author can see in it certain salient points to share with his readers: the
seed of Adam would eventually result in the birth of Jesus; all the generations died
except Enoch, who pleased God; and original sin “passes itself on” with the suffering
that it brings to all human beings. Genesis ends on a hopeful note, as Joseph has
returned to his family, forgiving his brothers and greeted by his father almost as
resurrected, and there is a hint that the new generations will be led to a promised land.

In an introduction and an afterword, two church leaders applaud Shilling’s work and
recognize his personal path, which he also addresses – from “miserable wretched
sinner” to a deacon of his faith and the author of this enlightening work. In it he uses an
interesting device, a gender-neutral format, so that examples may be masculine or
feminine; and he avoids all first and second person usage. Each chapter is short, under
two pages, with several headings, and each is, in essence, a mini-sermon, in which
Shilling has extracted lessons for modern readers from ancient, and sometimes
mysterious, biblical language and lore.

The overall effect is of an enthusiastic teacher sharing his love of subject matter. Bible
study groups will want to welcome this new voice and use Shilling’s book for
consideration and contemplation. Deacon Jerry Shilling shares great insight and
application of the Word of God.