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