Old Testament Survey I Genesis

Structure “These are the generations of” occurs 11 times, beginning with the generations of the heavens and earth in 2:4 (cf. 5:1; 6:9; 10:1; 11:10; 11:27; 25:12; 25:19; 36:1; 36:9; 37:2). “These are the generations of” occurs 11 times, beginning with the generations of the heavens and earth in 2:4 (cf. 5:1; 6:9; 10:1; 11:10; 11:27; 25:12; 25:19; 36:1; 36:9; 37:2). Another way to see the book: Another way to see the book: 1-11: Four key events: 1-11: Four key events: Creation (1-2) Creation (1-2) Fall (3-5) Fall (3-5) Flood (6-9) Flood (6-9) Babel (10-11) Babel (10-11) 12-50: Four key people: 12-50: Four key people: Abraham (12-23) Abraham (12-23) Isaac (24-26) Isaac (24-26) Jacob (27-36) Jacob (27-36) Joseph (37-50) Joseph (37-50)

Abraham’s Journeys

Major Themes Origins – of the universe and of the nation of Israel. Includes origin of: Origins – of the universe and of the nation of Israel. Includes origin of: Universe and Mankind Universe and Mankind Marriage Marriage Languages and nations Languages and nations Sin Sin Worship and faith Worship and faith The Sinfulness of Man The Sinfulness of Man Adam and Eve Adam and Eve Cain Cain Generation of the Flood Generation of the Flood Men at Babel and Sodom and Gomorrah Men at Babel and Sodom and Gomorrah Character of God Character of God His power in and over creation His power in and over creation His judgment against sin (flood, Babel, Sodom and Gomorrah) His judgment against sin (flood, Babel, Sodom and Gomorrah) His grace and compassion in being willing to save His grace and compassion in being willing to save His sovereignty in directing events His sovereignty in directing events

Major Themes Abrahamic Covenant Abrahamic Covenant Promises made in Gen 12 Promises made in Gen 12 Covenant formalized in Gen 15 Covenant formalized in Gen 15 Sign of circumcision given in Gen 17 Sign of circumcision given in Gen 17 Covenant affirmed to Isaac in Gen 26, then to Jacob in Gen 28 Covenant affirmed to Isaac in Gen 26, then to Jacob in Gen 28 God begins to fulfill his covenant promises by blessing Abraham personally, by blessing others who bless Abraham and his descendants, and by orchestrating events to fulfill His covenant promises. God begins to fulfill his covenant promises by blessing Abraham personally, by blessing others who bless Abraham and his descendants, and by orchestrating events to fulfill His covenant promises.

Purpose Statement The God who created the universe has chosen to bless and redeem sinful mankind through His covenant relationship with Abraham and his descendants. The God who created the universe has chosen to bless and redeem sinful mankind through His covenant relationship with Abraham and his descendants.

Interpretive Issues Creation theories Creation theories Gap theory – Proposes that God reconstructed the earth after the judgment resulting from the fall of Satan; takes “was” in Gen 1:2 to mean “became.” Gap theory – Proposes that God reconstructed the earth after the judgment resulting from the fall of Satan; takes “was” in Gen 1:2 to mean “became.” Since there was a long period between vv. 1 and 2, can still hold to 24 hour days in Genesis 1. Since there was a long period between vv. 1 and 2, can still hold to 24 hour days in Genesis 1. Poses the gap to reconcile Gen 1 with modern scientific theory. No evidence for such a gap either in Genesis or elsewhere in Scripture. Poses the gap to reconcile Gen 1 with modern scientific theory. No evidence for such a gap either in Genesis or elsewhere in Scripture. Day-age theory - Re-defines “day” as a “day-age.” Claims to interpret Gen 1 literally! Denies any interpretive value to Exod 20:8-11; 31:15-17 Day-age theory - Re-defines “day” as a “day-age.” Claims to interpret Gen 1 literally! Denies any interpretive value to Exod 20:8-11; 31: Day Creation 6 Day Creation 3 days of creating and separating: 3 days of creating and separating: Light from darkness Light from darkness Waters above from waters below Waters above from waters below Dry land from sea, vegetation Dry land from sea, vegetation 3 days of forming and filling 3 days of forming and filling Lights in the expanse Lights in the expanse Water creatures and birds Water creatures and birds Land animals and man Land animals and man

Interpretive Issues The Extent of the Flood The Extent of the Flood Local, known world Local, known world Worldwide Worldwide “Sons of God” in Gen 6 “Sons of God” in Gen 6 Kings Kings Godly line of Seth Godly line of Seth Angels Angels

Interpretive Issues Until Shiloh Comes (49:8-10) Until Shiloh Comes (49:8-10) Personal name Personal name A title A title “He to whom it belongs” “He to whom it belongs”

Next Time: Exodus