I’ve decided on the direction in which I want to take my final paper for my Harvard class, but I need some advice on choosing which books to read and reference.

The basic assignment is to choose a pericope from Genesis and compare several ancient interpreters on the passage, paying special attention to the way in which their cultural context influenced their interpretations. I’ve received permission to take a slightly different route. I’ll be comparing 2 or 3 ancient interpreters with 2 or 3 modern interpreters, exploring how the interpretations have changed (or not changed, as the case may be), especially in light of new evidence and modern critical theory.

Here’s my problem: I’m not sure which interpreters to choose. The passage I will be looking at specifically is Gen. 18:16-33.

What are the best or most well-known modern (read: post-Wellhausen) commentators on Genesis? I need commentaries that have English translations, as I haven’t learned German (or any other modern language) yet. Also, if anyone has suggestions on the best ancient interpreters to choose, those would be welcome as well.

I’m pretty sure this is the passage I want to do, but as an additional point of advice, if anyone has thoughts on what they feel would be a better pericope for the route that I’m taking my paper in, feel free to suggest other options as well. My reasons for choosing this passage are pretty simple – basically I find the whole Abraham arguing with God thing fascinating. However, it may not be the best passage for what I’m looking to do, so I’m open to suggestions.