Book of Genesis Summary
Genesis is the first book of the Bible and is also the first of the five books of the Law. These five books together are often called the Pentateuch. While the book of Job is believed to be the first Bible book written, the book of Genesis covers the earliest period in history.
Authorship is historically accepted as Moses even though the book never claims Moses as the author. Both the Old and New Testaments ascribe authorship to Moses. There is no reason or proof given as to why it should not have been Moses.
Here are some Old Testament references to Moses as the author of the Law: Joshua 1:7, 8; I Kings 2:3; II Chronicles 34:14; Nehemiah 8:1, 14; Nehemiah 13:1. In these passages there are phrases like, “as it is written in the law of Moses,” “a book of the law of the LORD given by Moses,” and “the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses.” The Old Testament clearly refers to the Law as having been written by Moses.
The writers of the New Testament also considered Moses to be the author. Luke 24:27, 44; John 1:45; John 5:45-47 and Acts 28:23 each talk about Moses as the author of the Law. Jesus refers to the Law when he uses Moses’ name in Luke 24:27. Acts 28:23 says Paul preached “out of the law of Moses.”
Circa 1440 to 1400 B.C. If it was indeed written first (before the exodus) then it was written around 1440 B.C. The exodus took place around 1440 B.C., however Genesis may have been written at a later date.
Purpose of Genesis
To provide a history of the beginning of all things and to show the origin of God’s people, the children of Israel. God had promised that the Redeemer would come from the people of Israel. Most of the major doctrines (teachings) in the Bible have their roots in the book of Genesis. While the doctrine may not be explained in the book, God provided information in the book of Genesis to introduce the foundation of the doctrines covered.
Beginnings, or Origins
Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” God presented as the Creator.
Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” God’s promise of a Redeemer or Savior.
Genesis 12:1-3 “Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” This is the Abrahamic Covenant where God promised to grow a nation through Abraham which would be the family of the promised Redeemer from Genesis 3:15.
Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph
The story of creation. The fall and punishment of Adam and Eve. Noah and the Ark; the story where God saved Noah and his family from a worldwide flood. God promised Abraham would be the father of a great nation, yet he had no son until he was over 100 years old. Isaac became that son and had two children of his own, one of whom was Jacob, later called Israel. Israel (Jacob) had 12 sons who became the 12 tribes of Israel. Almost 1/2 the book is the story of the 12 sons and how God preserved their family.
Outline of Genesis
Genesis can be divided in at least two ways. The first is through a historical division and another is through the main characters.
The first is dividing the book by historical periods:
- Ancient History (chapters 1-11)
- History of Israel (chapters 12-50)
A second outline division is through main characters:
- Adam and Eve (chapters 1-5)
- Noah (chapters 6-11)
- Abraham (chapters 12-23)
- Isaac (chapters 24-27)
- Jacob (chapters 28-36)
- Joseph (chapters 37-50)
Summary of Genesis
God created a perfect universe which was free from sin. He then created humanity for the purpose of having a personal relationship with Him. However, sin entered this perfect world through Adam and Eve. Eventually sin and corruption reigned until God destroyed humanity through a flood, saving only eight people (Noah and his family) in an ark. Because of God’s promise to Adam and Eve for a Redeemer in chapter 3 verse 15, He choose to build a nation through Abraham from which this Redeemer, or Messiah, would come. The promise of the Redeemer went through Abraham to Isaac, then Isaac to Jacob. Jocob’s 12 sons became the ancestors of the 12 tribes of Israel. One of the sons, Joseph, was used to preserve the family of Israel during a time of intense famine in the region. The book closes with Joseph having great power in the nation of Egypt. One quarter of the book is about Joseph and his brothers.