2 | GENESIS INTRODUCTION
( Ge 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 on to 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.
Dates Related to Genesis
Ishmael is born |
Isaac is born |
Isaac marries Rebekah at 40 |
Abram leaves Haran for Canaan |
Abraham is given the sign of the covenant |
Sarah dies at 127 |
Jacob and Esau are born when Isaac is 60 |
Abraham dies |
Age 75 |
Age 99 |
Age 137 |
Age 160 Age 175 |
Age 86 Age 100 Age 140