GENESIS INTRODUCTION
The Book of Genesis stands as a crucial cornerstone of faith. This inspired text holds immense significance for all people, providing a foundation for understanding the origins of humanity, the natural world, and the relationships between God and humankind.
Composed of fifty chapters, Genesis unfolds a grand narrative that encompasses the creation of the universe, the emergence of life, and the early history of humanity. It spans from the beginning of time to the migration of the Israelites to Egypt. Through a rich collection stories and genealogies, Genesis delves into fundamental questions about the nature of existence, the complexities of human nature, and the divine purpose behind the world.
At the core of Genesis lies the literal account of creation: the unveiling of the emergence of light, land, plants, animals, and ultimately, humans. It reveals God's divine plan and order through the themes of stewardship, responsibility, and the sacredness of life. The book further presents the narratives of notable figures such as Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and the Great Flood, and the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Through their stories, Genesis explores timeless concepts of faith, obedience, sin, redemption, and the covenantal relationship between God and humanity.
PURPOSE: To reveal the Sovereign’s creation of the universe and to call out a people to worship Him.
AUTHOR: Moses
ADDRESSEE: The Children of Israel
DATE: Approximately 1500 B.C.
SETTING: Middle East
KEY VERSES:
- Genesis 1:27, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
- Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”
- Genesis 12:2-3, “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
KEY PEOPLE: Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Joseph
BASIC STORYLINE:
The content of Genesis is viewed from the perspective of seven great stories.
- The Story of Creation (1:1-2:3), God acts sovereignly over His creation.
- The Story of Adam (2:4-5:32), God allows sin's consequences.
- The Story of Noah (6:1-11:32), God judges sin, spares the righteous, and confuses the proud.
- The Story of Abraham (12:1-25:18), God rewards a life of faith.
- The Story of Isaac (25:19-28:9), God's will supersedes man's will.
- The Story of Jacob (28:10-36:43), God works to transform lives.
- The Story of Joseph (37:1-50:26), God turns seeming defeat into victory.
CHAPTER CONTENT:
- General Creation
- Insight to Creation
- Man's Temptation and Fall
- Cain and Able
- Genealogy from Adam to Noah
- Building the Ark
- Worldwide Deluge
- The New World
- The Noachian Covenant
- Generations of Noah's Sons
- Confusion of Languages
- Abram's Call
- Lot's Departure
- Lot Abducted and Rescued; Melchizedek
- Son Promised to Abram
- Ishmael Born
- Abram to Abraham
- Intercession for Sodom
- Sodom Destroyed
- Abimelech
- Isaac Born; Ishmael Banished
- Isaac Offered
- Sarah's Death
- Rebekah
- Abraham's Death; Jacob's Birth
- Isaac in Gerar
- Esau's Birthright; Jacob's Blessing
- Jacob's Ladder
- Jacob's Marriages
- Jacob's Sons
- Jacob's Departure from Laban
- Jacob Becomes Israel
- Reunion of Jacob and Esau
- Shechemites
- Purging of Jacob's House
- Genealogy of Esau
- Joseph Sold Away
- Judah's Sons
- Joseph's Prison Ordeal
- Dreams of the Butler and Baker
- Pharoah's Dream; Joseph's Promotion
- First Trip to Egypt for Food
- Second Trip to Egypt for Food
- Benjamin Withheld
- Joseph Reveals Himself
- Israel Comes to Egypt
- Israel Protected; Famine Worsens
- Blessing of Joseph's Sons
- Israel Foretells His Sons' Futures
- Israel's Burial; Joseph's Death