The Genesis Record: A Scientific and Devotional Commentary on the Book of Beginnings

by Henry M. Morris, Arnold Ehlert (Foreword)

Written by a creationist scientist as a narrative exposition rather than a critical verse-by-verse analysis, this unique commentary on the whole book of Genesis is equally useful to both the theologically trained and the layperson.

Genres: Christian, Science, Reference, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity, Creation Science

1084 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 1976

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.

Henry M. Morris (1918–2006) was an American engineer and young Earth creationist, widely regarded as the father of modern creation science. He founded the Institute for Creation Research.

Not to be confused with his eldest son Henry M. Morris III.

Reviews

[Joshua Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow...this devotional and scientific and historical commentary took me about 5 years to get through. But that included putting it down for about 1 year before I got married and then for 2 years while I lived "overseas" in Hawaii. This is a fantastic commentary with tons of great information about the culture, geography, and events that surrounded the development of the nation of Israel. I highly recommend that if you are a Biblical scholar, or try to be, like myself...pick it up and struggle through it like I did and you will find so many awesome things in it! I finally finished it by reading a couple of pages a day during my lunch break at work...every little bit counts!

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesus said that if you do not believe the words Moses wrte how will you believe what He says?

If you have a difficult time with "in the beginning God" creatd. Then we will have a difficult time knowing He can make us new creations.
Don't let the lies and science so called of today and the world trip you up. Grab this study and go verse by verse with the dependability of the WOrd of God witha good teacher and some wonderful proofs the Lord has given us that point to Him.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It is unlike any other commentary. At times, I felt as though I was reading a novel. This book made Bible characters and places more real to me. I felt sad when some of the characters died because I almost felt like I knew them. A must read for anyone studying Genesis or for someone who has grown bored with familiarity and needs a fresh perspective.

[Michael K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably THE most prolific book written on the Book of Genesis, in it's entirety! His book on the Genesis Flood was almost as many pages just focused on the Genesis Flood era. This book, however, was across the spectrum of the entire first Book of the Holy Bible. It was excellently written and researched with an immense amount of information that should keep you going back to it for reference purposes throughout your life! Excellent book to have on your shelf and very much so worth it to read and, perhaps, re-read a couple of times. If you are an avid reader of the Bible and a studier of it as well, you truly need this book.

[Laura Hodgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interesting. I can't believe I read the whole thing.

[Rod Innis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago but I do keep going back to it as I read the book of Genesis. It is easy to read but a lot of great information about the book of Genesis

[Tintinrulz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Genesis Record" by Henry M. Morris is an exhaustive commentary on the Book of Genesis as found in the Old Testament section of the Bible. The book tackles the many contexts contained herein: historical, cultural, theological, linguistic and even the scientific. For a book that's almost 40 years old, the scientific facts are surprisingly up-to-date (probably because he adheres strongly to a literal interpretation of Genesis). The only truly disputable theories presented are one or two historical geology-related facts and those related to the discussion of sky canopies before the Great Flood. My favourite section of this book were the chapters that covered Genesis 1-11. The rest of the book also includes many interesting and thought-provoking facts but is more devotional in nature. Included herein, you will find the complete Genesis text as found in the King James Version of the Bible. I'm not a fan of this particular translation but it provides a useful reference for study and Morris does extrapolate enough even to make sense of the more difficult passages. The author does speculate at times but it's within the context of what we're given - he always reigns in his speculations with great respect to Genesis. The only downsides are the adherence to the KJV translation, some out-dated science and several details related to the less savoury elements of Genesis (necessary but not Sunday School material).

Overall, I highly recommend "The Genesis Record" for those readers who wish to understand the Book of Genesis at a deeper level.

8.5/10

[John Rossitto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of having Dr. Morris as a professor at What is now San Diego Christian College.in the 1970s. I commit to focus on a book of the Bible each year, reading it over and over while reading commentaries. The Genesis Record was the last of the year. Knowing Dr. Morris, this is commentary reflects the scholarship of a godly man with the mindset of a scientist. Being one of the prime movers in the modern young Earth creationists, his insights on the first few chapters of Genesis reflect a literal translation. His perspectives on the patriarchs, their lives and decisions is most valuable. He offers a different perspective on the motivations of Jacob in the deception of Isaac. He offers a guidelines on the use of allegories that avoids confusion. This is foundational commentary on a foundational book.

[Larry Killion · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This is quite possibly the BEST Commentary on the Book of Genesis that you will find on the market today. I've rated it as 5 stars and marked it as one of my FAVORITES."

Larry K wrote this review Saturday, March 7, 2009.

[Terry Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I have read on the book of Genesis. I have taught Genesis for a local Bible College, and this was my go to book. This is a must have for a good Christian library.

[Jack Poland III · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Genesis Record might be the most fascinating piece of non-fiction I have ever read. It discusses the first 11 chapters of Genesis in fascinating detail, and brings the remaining 39 chapters to life like I have never before seen. The author writes in a scientific, historical, or spiritual manner where appropriate, but manages to tell the story in a narrative style that is engaging and entertaining. I found this book to be a scholarly work suitable as reference material, but it reads like a novel.

On the downside, the parts about the genealogies and origins of the various ancient nations seemed to drag on a bit. Also, being a Premillennialist, the author finds himself at odds with some Bible teachers that I trust and respect. He also takes a few liberties with things not specifically mentioned in scripture (i.e. Lot's wife's motivations for looking back), but those are minor complaints. The author never presents his opinion as Biblical fact, but he seems to have some very strong (but admittedly, extremely well informed) opinions at times. Suffice it to say that none of the "cons" about this book are "deal breakers" in my opinion.

Overall, I found this book to be an absolute page turner! The author's explanation of Creation, and his description of the lives of ancient humanity will stick in my mind forever. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the Book of Genesis.

[Steven Below · Rating 4 out of 5]

I once read a perspective on the importance of the book of Genesis, and how a person's weak point of view on It could lead to compromises that can jeopardize their foundational understanding of scriptural integrity. The Genesis Record will help foster some important critical thinking strategies about the importance of having a solid position in regards to origins and the assured nature of beginnings.

[Judith Gerhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend.

Could not put the book down. Totally awesome and informative in every way. I recommend this book to everyone wholeheartedly. This amazing record of Genesis will touch the hearts of many people who read it. I have already recommended this book to others and will buy more to give away. Excellent.

[Rita Schunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book walked me through Genesis verse by verse with great explanations and context. I know so much more about this amazing first book of the Bible.

[David Cowpar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great and really detailed commentary. I really enjoyed it.

[Michael Schmid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful, balanced and accessible study of Genesis, with a good balance between study of the text and devotional material.

[Kristin Radtke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a huge blessing to my weekly teaching on the book of Genesis. Dr. Morris is an exceptional expositional teacher of scripture.

[Rajesh Kashyap]

Great book to read

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this for a class, it was a hard read. I recommend to have an open mind and heart when reading this. : )

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary and thoughtful exposition of every verse in the Book of Genesis.

[Keith White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good commentary from a creation / Scientific point of view with devotional thoughts combined.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and insightful by hydrologist Dr. Henry Morris
Highly recommended!

[Barbara Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 2nd time of reading through this commentary on Genesis. It is very informative and looks at creation and the flood from a Christian scientific perspective.

[W. Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

scientific reading so not the easiest read but good to work on your believing in the creation and flood

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my Go To book for any study of Genesis. I’ve read it and studied it often over the past 2+ decades that I’ve owned it. It’s a MUST READ. If any topic in Genesis is confusing t you, this commentary can help shed light on it. Morris’ work, in this book and many others, has been greatly helpful as I dig for understanding of the science behind the fact that God created the world in six literal days.

[B. Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read for any person who wants to and needs to understand the book of Genesis. I was able to use much of the information to be able to add to my Bible study teachings. This takes you chapter by chapter, paragraph by paragraph through the book of Genesis in a way that is simple to understand.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Genesis Record is an excellent, well-written presentation of what the book of Genesis teaches us about Creation and the Flood. This book helped me learn to take Scripture at face value and to reject man-made ideas such as the "Gap Theory".

[Danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for learning how biblical apologists defended the book of Genesis near the beginning of the creationist movement written by one of the founders of the movement Henry Morris. Still a useful book, although some of the science is outdated.

[Tim Woody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both readable and good as a reference. He does great job on the creation narrative and one of the best exegetical treatments of Jacob. Although he does precisely what he warns against with Joseph. Readable 6/10 as a reference 8/10.

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent uncompromising Biblical narrative commentary on the first book, the foundational book, of the inspired Word of God - The Bible.

The author takes the reader verse by verse through Genesis providing information to fully understand this important, and often ignored, book of the Bible.