The Book of Genesis
Genesis means “coming into being.” It is the book of beginnings because it refers to the beginning of so many features of the created order. It tells us of the beginning of (1) the Universe, (2) life, (3) the human race and human history, (4) the home and family, (5) sin, (6) the Jewish race, and (7) God’s scheme of redemption. But God Himself had no beginning since He is the eternal Supreme Being.
Central Theme:
Genesis provides us with the very critical understanding of who we are, how we got here, and why we are here. As our Creator, God has brought us into existence, made us in His image, and He is to be the focus, purpose, and meaning of our lives. Thus Genesis gives us the right way to view life, directing us to approach it correctly and with meaning.
Because Genesis tells about the entrance of sin into the world, the first book of the Bible also prepares us to understand the need for redemption and forgiveness. (Consider how Joseph is a type of Christ, as he delivered his family from famine, even though they had sold him into slavery years earlier.) In Genesis, God begins to unveil His grand plan to save man (3:15; 12:3; 49:10).
Outline:
| 1-2 | Creation |
| 3-4 | Sin introduced |
| 5 | Genealogies |
| 6-9 | The Flood |
| 10 | Genealogies |
| 11 | Babel |
| 12-25 | Abraham – His call (12); Lot (13-14); Covenant (15); Ishmael (16); Circumcision (17); Sodom/Gomorrah (18-19); Abimelech (20); Birth and offering of Isaac (21-22); Death of Sarah (23); Marriage of Isaac (24); Abraham’s death; birth of Jacob and Esau (25) |
| 25-36 | Isaac and Jacob – Trip to see Abimelech (26); Jacob blessed (27); Jacob flees to Mesopotamia and dreams (28); Jacob marries Rachel/Leah and prospers (29-30); Jacob returns to Canaan and meets with Esau (31-33); Shechem killings (34); Covenant renewed and death of Isaac/Rachel (35); Esau’s lineage (36) |
| 37-50 | Joseph |
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