Criteria which will assist users in determining which commentaries will be most helpful to them are necessary in view of the wide variety of volumes available.

Every layer of interpretation in the biblical materials must be sought out and recognized by the church as a basis for speaking to the contemporary world.

Whereas in modern times Genesis has been read in the light of Exodus, and creation has been understood in the light of redemption and the giving of the law at Mount Sinai, it now seems clear that one must reverse the order Exodus is to be understood in the light of Genesis and redemption and law in the light of creation.