Genesis: Beginning and Blessing

Preaching the Word

by R. Kent Hughes

The book of Genesis contains some of the most beautiful and well-known stories in the the garden, the flood, the tower of Babel, and the lives of the patriarchs. But these are more than just good stories. They lay the groundwork for God's relationship with humanity and for his plan for our salvation, making Genesis foundational to understanding everything else that happens in the Bible. Genesis reveals much about human nature and the nature of God. From the actions of the first man and woman, we see where our rebellious, sinful nature originates. And through the whole book we see the hand of a sovereign God who is loving and merciful, but also just and holy. Time and again in Genesis, God showers his grace upon undeserving humanity, giving us our first tastes of God's enduring faithfulness that shines throughout the entire Bible. R. Kent Hughes, respected pastor and author of many other commentaries in the Preaching the Word series, takes readers back to the beginning of the Bible and moves through Genesis with careful exegesis. He explores the superbly crafted structure of the book as well as the weighty themes it contains. For those who preach, teach, and study God's Word, this exceptionally detailed work will reveal much about the beginnings of God's great story.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christianity, Old Testament, Nonfiction, Religion

704 pages, Hardcover

First published October 26, 2004

About the author

R. Kent Hughes (DMin, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is senior pastor emeritus of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, and a visiting professor of practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hughes is also a founder of the Charles Simeon Trust, which conducts expository preaching conferences throughout North America and worldwide. He and his wife, Barbara, have four children and an ever-increasing number of grandchildren.

Reviews

[Jonathan Sussex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great commentary in a very readable format, the chapter lengths make it easy to read each in one go. He deals with some very difficult passages in the first eleven chapters in a very easy to understand way. What is always present is how he links the passages to Jesus and the Gospel, with helpful application along the way. This book has helped me to enjoy the rich tapestry of Gods word in Genesis, with reference to other old testament passages and the ultimate fulfillment of the Genesis promises in Jesus.

[Elly Hamby]

A ryan hamby rec. thanks husband (almost)

[Natalie Herr · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Used as a reference, did not read completely word for word.*

While there was some edifying and helpful commentary in this volume, I often found it lacking in nuance. I saw this most glaringly in the Genesis passages that deal with women’s issues.

I also found the language to take a lot of liberties for a commentary. There was a variety of descriptive language that I think was meant to enhance the reader’s imagination for the passage, but much of it was conjecture— many details were not backed up by the text. My preference is for commentators to say *maybe, might or possibly* when we don’t know for sure.

[Jeff Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic commentary. While I didn't agree with his take on creation (he leaves door open for theistic evolution), it is an overall wonderful resource, full of sound exegesis and relevant application.

[Kofi Opoku · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but it passes over some interesting episodes too quickly. I like the Preaching the Word series for its homiletical content.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read through this for over half a year as I studied for a sermon series on the book of Genesis. Out of all the commentaries that I referenced, Hughes' was the most helpful in giving a pastoral perspective (without being overly application driven) and connecting every passage to the gospel. I found it very valuable and will likely be consulting his other commentaries in the series in future sermon study.

[Tim Fritson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful and insightful from the pastoral-application side of our Genesis series. Not my strongest area of preaching at times, so this was super helpful at guiding and shaping my thinking in that realm.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear expostitory writing. Great ties to New Testament understanding of covenant theology.

[Aaron Beane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Jon Anderson]

Read for sermon prep on Genesis 1-5 during Ephiphany, Lent, and Holy Week 2022. Solid exposition

[Wassenario · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Loved working through Genesis. Great commentary

[B · Rating 1 out of 5]

I disagree with R. Kent Hughes' view of Genesis 6 that the sons of God are angels that came to earth and mated with the daughters of men. Rather than demon-possessed men or spiritual beings, the sons of God are from the godly line of Seth, while the daughters of men are from the ungodly line of Cain. This union produced wicked offspring and is an example for the exhortation found in 2 Cor. 6:14 to marry within the Christian faith and not be yoked to an unbeliever. Because of this discrepancy early in the book, I did not trust the rest of his exposition of Genesis; and therefore, I would not recommend this book.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started using this commentary series last year for my quiet times. It is different than the usual commentary, for it treats the Scripture passage as if it were the subject of a sermon instead of taking each verse and digging deep on it. That holistic approach really worked well for a morning devotional. The writer is very thoughtful, with contemporary examples and practical application. For Old Testament stories, it really helped me to see how to tie it to my daily walk.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me over a year to finish this book so it's obviously not a quick read or one that you just can't put down. I reads a lot like a text book but provides a lot of insight and has strengthened my understanding of the Bible as a whole.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very clear exposition of Genesis. It is helpful, easily understandable and faithful to the Biblical text. If you are looking for just one commentary on Genesis to aid your personal understanding of the book and help you apply Genesis practically to your own soul - this is the book to get.

[Victor B]

Excellent commentary on Genesis!