The First Book of Moses, Called Genesis

THE BOOK OF BEGININGS

Title and Meaning: The word Genesis comes from the Greek Γένεσις, meaning origin or beginning. It fittingly describes the contents of the book, for Genesis is the book of beginnings; the beginning of creation, of humanity, of sin, of redemption, of nations, and of God’s covenant relationship with His people.

Theme: The great theme of Genesis is Beginnings, of the universe, of life, of humanity, of sin, and of God’s redemptive program through the chosen line. The book records the origin of all things and introduces the divine plan for human redemption through the promised seed.

Authorship and Date: Moses is the divinely inspired author of Genesis, as well as the other four books of the Pentateuch. The events recorded extend from the creation of the world to the death of Joseph, a period of approximately 2,300 years. The writing of Genesis likely occurred during Israel’s wilderness wanderings, around 1450–1410 B.C.

Purpose and Scope: Genesis is the seed-plot of the Bible. Every major doctrine of Scripture finds its germ or first mention here:

• The Doctrine of God (1:1)
• The Doctrine of Man (1:26–27)
• The Doctrine of Sin (3:1–7)
• The Doctrine of Salvation (3:15, the first promise of a Redeemer)
• The Doctrine of Faith (15:6)
• The Doctrine of Election (12:1–3)
• The Doctrine of Justification (15:6)
• The Doctrine of Divine Sovereignty (50:20)

Divisions of the Book: Genesis into two great sections:

1. Primeval History — The Beginning of the Human Race (Chapters 1–11)
   • Creation (1–2)
   • The Fall (3)
   • The Flood (6–9)
   • The Nations (10–11)

This section traces four major events: Creation, The Fall, The Flood, and The Dispersion.

2. Patriarchal History — The Beginning of the Hebrew Race (Chapters 12–50)
   • Abraham (12–25)
   • Isaac (26–28)
   • Jacob (29–36)
   • Joseph (37–50)

This section traces four major men: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Each reveals a distinct aspect of God’s covenant purpose and grace.

Christ in Genesis: Christ is the central figure of all Scripture, and in Genesis He is foreshadowed throughout:

• In Genesis 3:15, as the Seed of the woman who will bruise the serpent’s head.
• In Noah’s Ark, as a type of salvation through Christ.
• In Melchizedek, as the priest-king.
• In Isaac, as the sacrificed son.
• In Joseph, as the rejected and exalted savior of his brethren.

Genesis is more than ancient history; it is divine revelation. It presents the roots of God’s dealings with humanity and sets the stage for the entire biblical story of redemption. Understanding Genesis is essential to understanding the rest of Scripture, for here are found, the beginnings of all things except God Himself.

Timeline of Events

Creation and Early Humanity (Genesis 1–11)

Event	Description	Approx. Date
Creation	God creates the heavens and the earth in six days; rests on the seventh (Sabbath established).	c. 4000–4100 BC
Creation of Adam and Eve	Humanity made in God’s image; placed in the Garden of Eden.	c. 4000 BC
The Fall	Adam and Eve disobey God, eat from the Tree of Knowledge, and are expelled from Eden.	—
Cain and Abel	Cain kills Abel; sin spreads in humanity.	—
Descendants of Adam	Line from Adam to Noah (10 generations).	—
Enoch taken by God	“Enoch walked with God; then he was no more.”	—
Corruption of Humanity	“The sons of God” take wives; violence fills the earth.	—
Noah’s Ark and the Flood	God sends a flood to cleanse the earth; Noah, his family, and animals are saved.	c. 2500–2400 BC
Covenant with Noah	God promises never again to destroy the earth by flood; rainbow as the sign.	—
Tower of Babel	Humanity’s unity leads to pride; God confuses their languages and scatters them.	—

The Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12–36)

Event	Description	Approx. Date
Call of Abram (Abraham)	God calls Abram from Ur to Canaan, promising to bless all nations through him.	c. 2100 BC
Covenant with Abraham	God promises land, descendants, and blessing.	c. 2090 BC
Hagar and Ishmael	Abram has a son, Ishmael, through Hagar.	c. 2080 BC
Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah	God judges the cities for wickedness; Lot’s family rescued.	c. 2065 BC
Birth of Isaac	The promised son born to Abraham and Sarah in old age.	c. 2060 BC
The Binding of Isaac (Akedah)	Abraham tested; God provides a ram instead.	—
Death of Sarah	Buried in the cave of Machpelah.	c. 2020 BC
Marriage of Isaac and Rebekah	—	c. 2005 BC
Birth of Esau and Jacob	Twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah.	c. 2000 BC
Jacob’s deception and flight	Jacob obtains Isaac’s blessing; flees to Haran.	—
Jacob’s vision at Bethel	Dream of the ladder to heaven; God reaffirms covenant.	—
Jacob marries Leah and Rachel	Father of 12 sons (tribes of Israel).	—
Jacob wrestles with God	Name changed to Israel.	—

The Story of Joseph (Genesis 37–50)

Event	Description	Approx. Date
Joseph sold into slavery	His brothers sell him to traders bound for Egypt.	c. 1898 BC
Joseph in Egypt	Rises from prison to become Pharaoh’s second-in-command after interpreting dreams.	c. 1885 BC
Famine and family reunion	Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt for food; Joseph reveals himself.	c. 1875 BC
Jacob’s family settles in Goshen	About 70 people move to Egypt.	c. 1870 BC
Jacob blesses his sons	Prophetic blessings over the tribes of Israel.	—
Death of Jacob	Buried in Canaan.	c. 1850 BC
Death of Joseph	Joseph dies in Egypt, requesting that his bones be carried to Canaan.	c. 1805 BC