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The Epic of God: A Guide to Genesis
Genesis is a book of beginnings. It introduces us to several biblical themes, including God’s authorship of life. In a world that blames the Creator for disasters and credits luck or karma for life’s blessings, God’s people need reminding that he is crafting a wondrous story of redemption and grace. Within Genesis, we are called to play the part of faithful children so that we might overcome this world and inherit the one to come. In God’s story, we discover how to live out our own. THE EPIC OF GOD will guide you passage-by-passage through the book of Genesis in hopes of deepening your trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
396 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2012
12 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Michael Whitworth
43 books43 followersMichael Whitworth is the author of over forty books and commentaries exploring the depth and wonder of Scripture. A graduate of Freed-Hardeman University, he preaches for the Newport Avenue Church of Christ in Bend, Oregon. When he isn’t writing, he finds joy in simple things—reading a good book, capturing landscapes through his camera lens, or guzzling coffee (with a jar of M&Ms close by).
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 30, 2024
“In spite of paradise lost, the Epic of God continued to unfold undeterred on the stage of history.”
“Can God possibly work his plan through such dysfunctional families and moral scoundrels as the ones we encounter in Genesis? He can, and He does.”
“What a day, glorious day, that will be.”
I’ve read Genesis many, many times in my life. I love the story of creation and am always in awe reading about the Flood, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob/Israel, and Joseph. The true stories that were so powerful when I was young still stir feelings within me today, especially as you mature and see how it all relates to the coming of Jesus. But the “Epic Of God: A Guide To Genesis” by Michael Whitworth revealed many, many historical and cultural details that I didn’t know and now am so glad I did. Extremely well-researched while also being extremely readable, this was one book I am glad to have read while I read Genesis in its entirety again. If you plan to read Genesis, either for the first time or are reading it again, do yourself a favor and read it along with this great guide. It will make you hungry for more.
“Can God possibly work his plan through such dysfunctional families and moral scoundrels as the ones we encounter in Genesis? He can, and He does.”
“What a day, glorious day, that will be.”
I’ve read Genesis many, many times in my life. I love the story of creation and am always in awe reading about the Flood, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob/Israel, and Joseph. The true stories that were so powerful when I was young still stir feelings within me today, especially as you mature and see how it all relates to the coming of Jesus. But the “Epic Of God: A Guide To Genesis” by Michael Whitworth revealed many, many historical and cultural details that I didn’t know and now am so glad I did. Extremely well-researched while also being extremely readable, this was one book I am glad to have read while I read Genesis in its entirety again. If you plan to read Genesis, either for the first time or are reading it again, do yourself a favor and read it along with this great guide. It will make you hungry for more.
August 19, 2015
This is an excellent general commentary on Genesis. It does not go verse by verse, but more in a chapter by chapter format, honing in on the majority of key interpretive points. I used it in preparation for my preaching through Genesis, and found that Michael's insights were spot on. He does a commendable job of condensing the research into an easily readable and informative format. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to study Genesis, but especially those who do not have the means to read more detailed commentaries.
September 12, 2019
Excellent Study
Michael writes with a powerful and fresh perspective. The reader benefits from his thorough and scholarly research. Read multiple time, each time with a different goal. Read to be introduced to the powerful history of Israel. Then read to learn of the unique personal relationship between creation and creator. Then read to learn the important geneologies of the OT. Each time you will be Blessed!
Michael writes with a powerful and fresh perspective. The reader benefits from his thorough and scholarly research. Read multiple time, each time with a different goal. Read to be introduced to the powerful history of Israel. Then read to learn of the unique personal relationship between creation and creator. Then read to learn the important geneologies of the OT. Each time you will be Blessed!
May 5, 2023
Informative and easy to read
After reading several commentaries on Genesis this book surprisingly mention facts I ignored. Next time I read Genesis this book will enrich my study time.
After reading several commentaries on Genesis this book surprisingly mention facts I ignored. Next time I read Genesis this book will enrich my study time.
April 24, 2015
The Epic of God is a passage-by-passage guide through the book of Genesis. Up front it's a very in depth look at Genesis. In The Epic of God, Michael Whitworth divides the Genesis narrative in 15 chapters (379 pages). After the conclusion of every chapter the author includes "Talking Points" that are given in order to prompt more thought and consideration.
For me, it felt a bit overwhelming; because the entire book is just about the book of Genesis, obviously it's very detailed. Think of it like a school book, but fun and enjoyable to read. The authors style of writing is easy to read and has a nice flow.
The author covers all parts of Genesis, not skipping or breezing through versus. I did like how some parts in Genesis that could be considered "open to interpretation" the author would state "I think, or, In my opinion" etc, he doesn't force what he thinks upon you. He clearly states what he thinks in means, not, this is what it means.
Because of the information, this is definitely a book you want to read cover to cover, and not just skip through. All in all, out of five stars, 1 being hated it, 5 being loved it beyond words I give it a 3 1/2.
The Epic of God is a passage-by-passage guide through the book of Genesis. Up front it's a very in depth look at Genesis. In The Epic of God, Michael Whitworth divides the Genesis narrative in 15 chapters (379 pages). After the conclusion of every chapter the author includes "Talking Points" that are given in order to prompt more thought and consideration.
For me, it felt a bit overwhelming; because the entire book is just about the book of Genesis, obviously it's very detailed. Think of it like a school book, but fun and enjoyable to read. The authors style of writing is easy to read and has a nice flow.
The author covers all parts of Genesis, not skipping or breezing through versus. I did like how some parts in Genesis that could be considered "open to interpretation" the author would state "I think, or, In my opinion" etc, he doesn't force what he thinks upon you. He clearly states what he thinks in means, not, this is what it means.
Because of the information, this is definitely a book you want to read cover to cover, and not just skip through. All in all, out of five stars, 1 being hated it, 5 being loved it beyond words I give it a 3 1/2.
I received this book through Book Crash in exchange for an honest review. A positive review is not required or guaranteed, all opinions express are my own.
For me, it felt a bit overwhelming; because the entire book is just about the book of Genesis, obviously it's very detailed. Think of it like a school book, but fun and enjoyable to read. The authors style of writing is easy to read and has a nice flow.
The author covers all parts of Genesis, not skipping or breezing through versus. I did like how some parts in Genesis that could be considered "open to interpretation" the author would state "I think, or, In my opinion" etc, he doesn't force what he thinks upon you. He clearly states what he thinks in means, not, this is what it means.
Because of the information, this is definitely a book you want to read cover to cover, and not just skip through. All in all, out of five stars, 1 being hated it, 5 being loved it beyond words I give it a 3 1/2.
The Epic of God is a passage-by-passage guide through the book of Genesis. Up front it's a very in depth look at Genesis. In The Epic of God, Michael Whitworth divides the Genesis narrative in 15 chapters (379 pages). After the conclusion of every chapter the author includes "Talking Points" that are given in order to prompt more thought and consideration.
For me, it felt a bit overwhelming; because the entire book is just about the book of Genesis, obviously it's very detailed. Think of it like a school book, but fun and enjoyable to read. The authors style of writing is easy to read and has a nice flow.
The author covers all parts of Genesis, not skipping or breezing through versus. I did like how some parts in Genesis that could be considered "open to interpretation" the author would state "I think, or, In my opinion" etc, he doesn't force what he thinks upon you. He clearly states what he thinks in means, not, this is what it means.
Because of the information, this is definitely a book you want to read cover to cover, and not just skip through. All in all, out of five stars, 1 being hated it, 5 being loved it beyond words I give it a 3 1/2.
I received this book through Book Crash in exchange for an honest review. A positive review is not required or guaranteed, all opinions express are my own.
July 21, 2014
Whilst I think this is a fine, easy to read commentary on Genesis for the Lay Person, I think it is better suited as a devotional one (and not just for the beginner). I found quite a few illustrations and approaches that will be useful for Sermons, and I found the Author's approach quite good in helping my devotional meditations on Genesis.
Now I tend to lean towards Old Earth Creationist interpretation of Genesis, and whilst the Author takes a Young Earth view, I found him to be gracious and this in no way, for me, detracted from his coverage of Creation and the Flood.
I also applaud the Author for a good coverage of Genesis. Some who write on Genesis seem to fall into one of two "traps" - they get so involved with the first 11 Chapters that the rest of Genesis is just breezed through, or all the emphasis is on Abraham (and I do tend to think that Abraham is the focal point of Genesis) that everything else pales in comparison. I was pleasantly surprised with the coverage of Isaac. Whilst when I saw the chapter / section heading, I thought he was just going to breeze through Joseph and his brothers, I really enjoyed the coverage and it was quite well done.
So I would recommend that this book be read from cover to cover, rather than just as a reference, and that you consider adding it to your devotional reading :)
Now I tend to lean towards Old Earth Creationist interpretation of Genesis, and whilst the Author takes a Young Earth view, I found him to be gracious and this in no way, for me, detracted from his coverage of Creation and the Flood.
I also applaud the Author for a good coverage of Genesis. Some who write on Genesis seem to fall into one of two "traps" - they get so involved with the first 11 Chapters that the rest of Genesis is just breezed through, or all the emphasis is on Abraham (and I do tend to think that Abraham is the focal point of Genesis) that everything else pales in comparison. I was pleasantly surprised with the coverage of Isaac. Whilst when I saw the chapter / section heading, I thought he was just going to breeze through Joseph and his brothers, I really enjoyed the coverage and it was quite well done.
So I would recommend that this book be read from cover to cover, rather than just as a reference, and that you consider adding it to your devotional reading :)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews