The Book Of | Genesis

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader? 

In Genesis the author goes into the genealogy of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. 

Adam's descendants are listed in Genesis 5. The descendants of Jacob are listed in Genesis 46:8-27. This suggests that the original readers would have taken an interest in these family histories because they were in the same family. 

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author? 

Moses is the most popular choice as the author of Genesis. Some references that support this are Gen.43:32 and 50:3. In the first reference the writer shows knowledge of Egyptian customs and that they would not sit at the same table as Hebrews. In the latter reference the writer sheds light on the mourning and embalming periods after Jacob's death. Moses grew up in Pharaohs household and would have had extensive knowledge concerning Egyptians and their customs. 

3.What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the "main idea?" 

A main theme in this book is God making covenants with His chosen ones. He makes a covenant with Noah in Genesis 6:18 and confirms it again and again in 9:9 and 9:12. In Genesis 17:4 we see God make a covenant with Abraham and He also confirms it again and again with Abraham. I love how God repeats Himself and never lets them forget. 

If I were to summarize this book into one sentence it would be: Genesis is about God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. 

4. What is the primary reason this book was written? 

The original readers were most likely descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This means that they were Israelites and were wandering through the desert at some point or still under Egyptian slave masters when they heard the Genesis account. 

The primary reason for this book, I think, is God assuring His chosen people that He is faithful. He has a plan for their lives and they can trust Him; no matter how dark or hopeless their situation seems. 

5. What does this book show about the character and nature of God? 

I discovered not just how merciful God is but how merciful He wants to be. In Genesis 18:25, Abraham pleads for the lives of the righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah. God seems to agree easily and Abraham doesn't shrink back from coming again and again to God. God's heart is with the Israelites and He is a God of comfort. In Genesis 46:3, the one time He speaks in the account of Joseph, He says to Jacob, "Do not be afraid…I will go with you…and I will bring you back." I love that He speaks to Jacob and comforts Him on His way to Egypt, telling Him that He will be with Joseph before He dies. 

6. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind? 

This book shows in Genesis 23 a foreshadowing of God's redemptive plan. In verses 12 + 13, just as Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac, God says "Don't lay a hand on the boy!…I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son," and Abraham sees a ram. He sacrifices the ram in his sons place and in verse 14, names the place Yahweh-Yireh, which means "the Lord will provide." God provided a sacrifice in our place; His only son Jesus. This is a beautiful picture for the Israelites of what He will do for them. 

7. Personal Application:

Throughout Genesis, I have really been struck by God's constant confirmation of His covenant. Genesis 17:4-8 is one place were He confirms it but I love how this particular time He says, "I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you." He is so loving and so faithful. He loves them; He doesn't want them to forget. Later on when there comes doubt and insecurity, He confirms it again and again. It comforts me and encourages me, because it is a timeless truth. God will always be my God and no matter what comes my way, He will always be there; loving me and showing me the way. 

8. Point of Passion:

I am very passionate about worship. About giving God praise and seeing His name exalted in churches and around the world. In Genesis 16:13 Hagar calls God "the God who sees me." She was put into a horrible position and fled, but God reached out to her and blessed her. She responded by calling Him a new name, which was inspired by the meaning of her sons name. Out of her blessing came her praise. So often it's easy to forget to praise and thank God in the good times, let alone the bad times. God is always worthy of our praise, no matter what is going on in our lives. Out of desperation and blessing comes intimacy with God.