The book of Genesis is known as the beginning. Not only does genesis translate as “beginning,” but it is also the first story written, introducing the creation of this world and relationship with the Creator.
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Important themes in Genesis
Genesis starts with God creating. He created light, the sky, plants, time, animals, and finally man. God desires to have a deep and meaningful relationship with His creation, and placed man in the garden of eden. This was a place where God could meet with Adam and walk with him daily. But Adam sinned, and death entered the world through Adam. Adam’s own children would be guilty of murder, and eventually, the world would become so sinful that God would send Noah to build an ark. Now the world could start anew. But wait, man’s heart is still evil, and they want to build a tower to reach heaven. So God confused thier language.
Abraham was called by God and eventually, he would become the father of all nations, but only after he and Sarah were 100 years old. During this time, God established covenants with Him, some of which would be fulfilled when Jesus came. Abraham would make a few poor choices, like claiming that his wife was his sister (twice), but ultimately his faith was credited to him as righteousness. We see this when he was faithful in drawing the knife to sacrifice his son.
God spared Isaac, who would also make some poor choices (like sleeping with a prostitute who was actually his daughter-in-law). But ultimately the Messiah would come through this line. Isaac’s son, Jacob, also made some questionable decisions when he stole his brother’s birthright and married two sisters, favoring the children of one.
Here we find Joseph, who started off a little cocky, but quickly shows his devotion to God in everything he does. After being sold by his brothers, Joesph becomes a slave, goes to prison, and becomes second in command to Pharaoh. Because of God’s goodness, he prepared in advance for the Israelites to become a great nation and protected them in a somewhat unorthodox way.
The book of Genesis ends with Joseph’s reminder to his brothers that although they meant to harm him, God intended good from their actions, and God is ALWAYS in control.
Read all about a brief introduction to Exodus to continue this story.
The W’s of Genesis
Who wrote Genesis
Although the writer does not name himself, it is commonly held that Moses wrote the book, along with the rest of the Torah (the first 5 books of the Bible).
What it’s about
This book is all about Beginnings. It tells of the creation story and then tells the beginning of the Israelite genealogy. It tells why the Israelites are set apart from other nations.
When it was written
Genesis was likely written between 1405BC and 1445 BC. Or, in easier to understand language, it was written after the flood, but before Moses’ death.
When the story takes place
The book of Genesis covers more time than all the other books of the Bible combined. The first 11 chapters cover approximately 2000 years, while the remaining 39 chapters cover a mere 350. In contrast, the rest of the Bible covers 1650 years. Or, if you were to split the Bible evenly based on time gone by, you would have the first 11 chapters of the Bible spanning two thousand years, and the entire rest of the Bible also spanning two thousand years.
Where the main locations are
Genesis takes place in three different locations: Mesopotamia (1-11), Promised Land (12-36), and Egypt (37-50).
Why Genesis is important to study
This book serves to tell us that God created everything that ever was. But it also gives an account for the Israelite people of how they are set apart from other nations because the God that they serve is set apart from other gods.
How God demonstrates His Character to us through Genesis
God does not need to give a defense of Himself, because creation proclaims his glory (Psalms 19:1). He was before the beginning of all things, and He will be after all things end.
Additional Resources
I love using Blue Letter Bible for Bible Book Introductions and Outlines! I also love The Israel Bible for cultural background information. How to Read the Bible For All It’s Worth is a great resource if you need help reading the different generes found in the Bible. Old Testament Survey is a college textbook that may be too nerdy for most people, but I enjoy the in-depth look at every book of the Old Testament. (Note: this is a newer addition than the one I use).