Use of commentaries in Gen to Deut

You can *probably* do without the commentaries but depending on what age group you are teaching, you may find them helpful.  The author of the commentaries often retells the bible story by quoting a lot of the same scripture, which at times my children would say in a sort of complaining tone, “We just read that!”.  Other times the author gives added background info about the places/situation/people from the passages that may help your children understand the big picture a little more.  For example when you read Numbers 12 there is a chapter in the Numbers commentary explaining how Miriam and Aaron were grumbling against Moses’ leadership but it also had to do with his wife.  I won’t spoil it for you, but when you get there you can see the explanation for yourself.    We really understood the ‘love story’ of God and the chosen people (Israelites) a little bit better by following the story through the commentary.  I hope this helps.

I’m going to take an opposite viewpoint.  We are using the Exodus commentary right now.  My kids are 7 (nearly 8) and 6 1/2.  They are bored with it.  I find it interesting, but they do not.  Sure, they get it, they can tell me (sort of) what’s going on, but they do not find it interesting.  I don’t feel it’s written to their level of understanding.  It’s taking the big picture too much, IMO, and weaving too much into one small story for their little minds to comprehend it all.  The girls get confused by it, and I do feel it repeats itself a little too often.

Needless to say, we won’t be using the Numbers commentary.  Perhaps when they’re older, we may revisit it again and see what they think at that point.  But at this point, it’s just not working for us.

Sorry…  I know I’m feeling a little negative tonight, and I am very overwhelmed with schoolwork right now, so maybe not a good time to express my opinion.  🙂  (I think I need a nap.  LOL)  But we are going to finish up the Exodus commentary, but not use Numbers at this time.

HTH you a little bit,

Sara  🙂

That’s right, the commentaries might be a bit much for the younger grades. I would encourage you to read any online samples you can find in order to determine whether you think the commentaries will work well with your children. Usually Christianbook.com has a good sampling from these books. 

Another option you might consider is to read the commentary for your own enrichment, and then share only certain portions with your children that you think will help to clarify or add to their study.