Introduction to Genesis

Genesis is about beginnings—of the world, of humanity, and of Israel. The book focuses on the early stages of God’s relationship with humankind, as He sets a plan in motion to redeem the world. God chooses Abraham—known as Abram at the time—and his descendants to participate in this plan. The thrilling stories of Abraham and his family make up the majority of Genesis.

Background

The name “Genesis” comes from the Greek word meaning “origins.” But there is great debate about the book’s origins and the rest of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible). While the text of Genesis does not identify its author, Jewish and Christian traditions ascribe the book to Moses (e.g., Luke 24:44). However, this does not necessarily mean Moses himself wrote the Pentateuch—it may simply be in the tradition of Moses, the first known writing prophet (Exod 20). The Pentateuch may use multiple sources, and multiple people may have added to it and edited it over time—with it reaching its final form in the fifth century bc. Even if Moses had a major hand in shaping this material, certain passages (such as the record of his death in Deut 34:1–12) indicate that it underwent at least some editorial revision.

Structure

Genesis can be divided into two sections. First, Genesis 1–11 is known as the primeval history; this section describes creation and its corruption by sin, with passages about humanity’s fall (Gen 3), Noah’s ark (chs. 6–9), and the tower of Babel (ch. 11). The second section, the patriarchal narratives (chs. 12–50), begin with God’s promise to Abram—to make him a great nation, bless him, and make him a blessing to the world (12:2). As the patriarchal narratives unfold, we discover how Abram and his descendants respond to this promise.

Genesis 1–11 serves as a literary prequel to the rest of the book and to the Pentateuch. Israel’s origin is set within the context of the origins of the universe, the earth, humanity, and separate people groups and languages. The section concludes with the introduction of Abram (11:27–32), the major character of the patriarchal narratives and the forefather of the Israelites. As a backdrop to the Bible’s message, Genesis 1–11 introduces us to God (known as Yahweh)—showing His power in creation and revealing His expectations for humanity.

In Genesis 12–25, God calls Abram to leave his home and move to a new land. God intends to show Abraham a land that he and his descendants will inhabit, the future land of Israel. God also promises that a great nation will descend from Abram and his barren wife, Sarai. As a sign of God and Abram’s special relationship—called a “covenant”—God changes the couple’s names to Abraham and Sarah (ch. 17). Holding onto a promise but still impatient, the couple decides for Abraham to have a son by Hagar, Sarah’s servant; the son is named Ishmael. In spite of this, Sarah eventually gives birth to the son promised by God, Isaac.

Isaac fathers twins, Esau and Jacob (25:19–36:43). Jacob—whose name God changes to “Israel”—has 12 sons, including Joseph. Through a series of challenging events, Joseph eventually claims a powerful role in Egypt’s royal court, and his family joins him in Egypt where, unfortunately, they will one day be enslaved (chs. 37–50; see Exodus).

At every stage of the story, characters take matters into their own hands and often suffer painful consequences, yet God remains faithful to His promises and His people, now known as Israel.

Outline

• Creation, sin, and the early history of the nations (1:1–11:32)

• The life of Abraham (12:1–25:18)

• The lives of Isaac and Jacob (25:19–36:43)

• The lives of Joseph and his brothers (37:1–50:26)

Themes

Adam and Eve’s choices compromised our ability to live in God’s image; Genesis tells the story of the beginning of God’s effort to renew His image in us. In Genesis, the people of Israel are selected to initiate God’s grand plan of salvation by being a blessing to the world—a plan that is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.

The major themes of promise and blessing run throughout the patriarchal narratives, as God’s promises are repeated to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Their failures send a clear message that God’s blessing is not because of any merit or righteousness on their own part; instead, God’s blessing reflects His desire to restore humanity to right relationship with Him. Genesis is the story of God calling people to turn from the sinful world and obey Him.

Further Reading

The Pentateuch