Author: Moses.

Date: Prior to the children of Israel taking possession of the Promised Land (as Moses died on Mt. Nebo , before they entered into Canaan .

Theme: The title of the book describes the contents of the book itself, ‘Genesis = the book of origins or beginnings.

The general outline of the book is two fold:

 I. The first eleven chapters are devoted to the origin of the world and all that is in it.

 II. The remainder of the book is devoted to patriarchal history (the origin of the nation of Israel ).

Within the confines of this outline, the sovereignty of God permeates the book from start to finish (a divine revelation of the great “ I Am ”). In addition, the Divine to human relationship is established within the book (covenants, statutes, commands, morality, etc…).

Key Word: Beginnings.

Key Note: The first Messianic Promise ( 3:15 ).

Synopsis:

• History of creation 1-2 .
• History of primeval man 3-11 .
• History of the chosen family 12-50 .

Characters of Note:

•  Adam (sin).

•  Enoch (walked with God).

•  Noah (found grace in the eyes of the Lord).

•  Abraham (a divine call and promise).

•  Jacob (the prince of God).

•  Joseph (the Lord was with him).

Note: Two things to keep in mind as you read this book; it is written to the children of Israel who have been in captivity in Egypt for many years. They would need to be educated concerning their origin, their destiny, and their God. Second, is the masterful theme of how all men have come to need a Savior! The Bible's first book opens with man made perfect, only to sin and be ruined ( chap.3 ). The first look at a plan of salvation ( chap.12:3 ). Finally, the Bible closes with the coming of the promised Redeemer and paradise regained ( Revelation 22:14 ).

 

Much more can be added to this preparatory thought; however, it is our desire to keep them brief and easy to digest.