An overview of the book of Genesis

1. Genesis

2. Sections of Genesis
1. The Creation Account (1:1-2:4a)
2. Humankind and the Fall (2:4b-3:24)
3. Cain and Abel (4)
4. Noah and the Flood (6:1-9:17)
5. The Tower of Babel (11:1-9)
6. Abraham (12:1-25:18)
7. Jacob and Esau (25:19-36:43)
8. Joseph (37-50)

3. The Creation Account
Gen 1:1-2:4a
The creation account explains the origin of the world
and universe. Hebrews 11:3 gives evidence that everything
was created "Ex Nihilo", which is Latin for "out of nothing."
God spoke the words, and what he wanted existed. Many
debates have raged about how God created the world, how
long ago it was created, about evolution, about the apparent
age of the earth and the universe, and even more.

4. Humankind and the Fall
Gen 2:4b-3:24
Covenant is a particularly important
concept in the Old Testament. Some scholars
consider aspects of the creation account to be
similar to a covenant. In this way, the fall is
seen as humanity breaking the first covenant
with God.

5. Noah and the Flood
Gen 6:1-9:17
The account of Noah contains what is called the
Noaic covenant. It is significant because it is made with all
mankind. Many scholars, including myself, consider the
demands of the Noaic covenant to still be in effect, at least
in some sense. The main prohibition not to murder is
general to most ethical systems regardless. Perhaps this is
why this covenant is often overlooked.

6. Abraham
Gen 12:1-25:18
The story of Abraham is foundational to the Bible, and the
story has come to be foundational for the three major religions of the
world. In this large section of Genesis, Abram is called by God to be a
blessing to all the nation, and to bless all people through him. The
Abrahamic covenant is within this section in which God promises to
establish Abraham's descendants and bless the world through them.
This is also where the sign of circumcision is given to mark all the
people of God's promise.

7. Jacob and Esau
Gen 25:19-36:43
The next section deals with Abraham's two sons,
Jacob and Esau. These two have a difficult relationship, and
despite the circumstances of their births, God makes
promises to each other them. Jacob is the son through
which the covenant of Abraham would continue though. It
would be through his descendants that God would fulfill his
covenant to Abraham.

8. Joseph
Gen 37-50
The book of Genesis ends with the story of Joseph. Joseph is
the youngest of his brothers, but is the favorite of his father Jacob. For
this reason, as well as others, his brothers capture him and sell him to
slavery in Egypt. God works this out for good though. Joseph moves
from a prisoner in Egypt to being the second in command of the
Kingdom. Through this, Joseph's family is able to find food and
provision when a famine strikes the promised land where Jacob and
Joseph's brothers live.

9. Theology of Genesis
● The are a number of foundational aspects of theology in Genesis. The
creation account shows that God is our creator, and the Fall into sin shows
how sin entered our world. Immediately following the fall into sin is the
first mention of rescue from evil (Gen 3:15).
● The Second major covenant with God is made in the story of Noah. The
ethical imperative for all people not to murder is expounded here (Gen
9:6). His covenant also included a promise never to flood the earth like the
Great Flood ever again.
● The Third Major Covenant of the Bible involves God's promise to Abraham
(Gen 12:2-3; 15:7-21). This covenant was the start of God's promise to bless
all people and, as we know now, to bring reconciliation to sinners. The
following stories of Jacob and Joseph move the story along towards
Exodus and the story of God's "Chosen People."