Genesis: Meditations on Moses’ Mosaic

By Pastor Mark Driscoll Mars Hill Sermon and Study Series

www.marshillchurch.org

Introduction to Genesis ...... 5 Answers to Common Questions about Genesis ...... 7 How to Read Genesis ...... 27 Answers to Common Questions about Creation ...... 31 Key New Testament Connections to Genesis ...... 55 Commentary and Study Tips ...... 63 Bible Questions for children from Genesis ...... 181 Resources for further study ...... 187 Acknowledgements

Thanks to:

The Mars Hill staff, for stressing me out with tight but needed deadlines.

Roger Friend, for building my home study and enabling me to research and write efficiently.

Jen Dwyer, for hours of tireless copyediting; my rough drafts can be really rough.

Jill House, for designing and laying out this book so beautifully.

Graham Stinson, for consulting and overseeing the aesthetic of our publications.

Bill Nieman, for getting the book printed quickly and keeping costs low.

Mars Hill, for someone to teach.

The First Day of Creation God, (Genesis 1:1-5) for creation, covenant, and blessing

2 3 An Introduction to Genesis

ur faith does not a very small Bible study in 1996 begin with the glori- and when our church was small ous truth that Jesus I often met with people to an- Christ died for our swer their questions. But, as our sins. Rather, it begins with the church has grown from a few declaration in Genesis 1:1 that, dozen to a few thousand people “In the beginning God created I am no longer able to meet with the heavens and the earth.” people as I once did, but I still Arguably, there is no book hope to answer their questions. which is more important to our Therefore, much of this book will faith than Genesis as in many simply be answers to the most ways it is itself a tree of life upon common questions that I receive which the rest of biblical fruit about the book of Genesis and I hangs. In its pages we encoun- hope they are beneficial to you. ter God our Creator, meet our Lastly, I would like to thank first parents, witness the fall of the elders of Mars Hill Church humanity into sin, hear the first for their great service to and promise of Jesus’ coming to partnership in the gospel of conquer the Serpent, behold Jesus Christ. I am very blessed the first death as consequence by them to have both the time for sin, see the judgment of sin and resources to study so that in the Flood, and see God’s I can preach, teach, and write grace in the calling to Abraham most effectively. Additionally, I and working through his family am grateful that they are willing to bring forth Jesus Christ as to fund the publication and dis- the blessing to all nations of the tribution of theological literature earth. to our church so that the gospel This book is my attempt to of Jesus Christ might advance in help our church study Genesis our city and beyond. most effectively. In it I hope to introduce you to the book of Genesis, including its great The Fourth Day of Creation themes and truths to better pre- (Genesis 1:14-19) pare you to study the book for yourself. Our church began as

4 5 Answers to Common Questions about Genesis

tylistically, Genesis Pentateuch. The remaining four is one of the finest books of the Pentateuch, Exodus pieces of literature through Deuteronomy, focus on that has ever been written as the life of Moses and account for evidenced by the fact that its about 75% of the content of the stories, images, and metaphors Pentateuch. The men are an inter- remain perennially popular some esting juxtaposition as Abraham three and a half thousand years did not have the law but obeyed after they were penned. Practi- it by faith, while Moses did have cally, Genesis is one of the most the law but was punished for painfully honest accounts ever not obeying it in unbelief. Each written about the life of a single of the books in the Pentateuch family over many generations. was penned by Moses roughly Historically, Genesis provides 1400 years before the birth of for us the account of the origin Jesus Christ. To help you better of everything from Creation to understand the book of Genesis humanity, sin, sex, family, death, I will briefly answer some of the and Resurrection. Theologi- most common questions about cally, Genesis reveals God as the book. But, I would stress that personal through His intimate reading comments about Gen- involvement in the lives of His esis, mine included, are at best covenant people by loving them, a supplement to simply reading protecting them, leading them, Genesis repeatedly and prayer- forgiving them, protecting them, fully for oneself. and disciplining them. Genesis, the book of beginnings, What is Genesis? is the first book of the Pentateuch, The name of the Bible’s first which means five-part book that book, Genesis, is taken from also includes Exodus, Leviticus, its first words, “…In the begin- Numbers, and Deuteronomy which ning…” are often referred to in Scripture as Genesis is a book about God. one book (e.g. II. Chr. 25:4, 35:12; And, while this simple premise The Sixth Day of Creation Ezra 6:18; Ne. 13:1; Mk. 12:26). might seem self-evident, it re- (Genesis 1:24-28) Genesis accounts for about mains a fundamental truth that is 25% of the content of the often overlooked by its critics. In

6 7 Genesis God is revealed as our How is Genesis arranged? • Genesis 28:10-36:43 God ever, Genesis does not record Creator who judges human sin Genesis is brilliantly arranged ac- elects and protects what happened in eternity past as but sustains people and Creation cording to multiple compositional • Genesis 37-50 God is the Moses chose not to tell us about by His grace. Genesis is also forms. I will share a few of them Sovereign who accomplishes such things as the creation of clear that God is not responsible with you to assist you in getting His purposes despite human sin angels, fall of Satan, or what the for human sin because He is an understanding of the layout of eternal God was doing before perfect, holy, good and all that this great book. Is Genesis a myth? Creation. Therefore, it would be He originally created was made First, Genesis 1-11 records Some critics have postulated a mistake to view Genesis 1 as “good” including the man and God calling Creation into ex- that Genesis is not literal history the beginning of history as it is in- woman whom He declared to istence, and Genesis 12-50 but rather a myth, like a legend stead an explanation that creation have been made “very good”. records God calling people into or fairy tale, intended to com- comes from God and was made Two primary names for God ap- covenant relationship. municate ideals but not meant to habitable for human life. pear throughout Genesis which Second, both the major and be taken literally as fact. But, this But, before Creation and man- have lead some Bible critics to minor sections of Genesis are in- hypothesis has a number of flaws kind there was history indepen- conclude that multiple authors troduced by the refrain “This is the that I will briefly mention. dent of creation; before energy, penned the book which is inac- account of…” The major sections First, the concept of myth or time, space, or what we know of curate. Rather, when Genesis beginning with this refrain are legend is completely foreign to as the material world was brought uses the name Elohim it often found in 2:4, 6;9, 11:27, 25:19, Hebrew thought and life. Second, into existence, God existed. refers to God in general relation- 37:2. And, the minor sections Genesis is consistently orga- And, the rest of Scripture gives ship with all nations, including within the larger sections that nized around historical places, us some clues as to that part unbelievers. And, when Genesis begin with this refrain are found in events, and people (including of history in eternity past which uses the name Yahweh it often 5:1, 10:1, 11:10, 25:12, 36:1. many lengthy genealogies) which preceded human life. refers to God in His special Third, Genesis is arranged ac- is completely unlike the telling of In Genesis 1:26 we read, “Then covenant relationship with His cording to the revelation of God a myth. Third, when the rest of God said, “Let us make man in people. as is outlined below: Scripture, particularly the teach- our image, in our likeness…” Here Genesis is comprised of various ings of Jesus, speak of people, is a reference to the Trinity which types of literature, including nar- • Genesis 1-2 God is the Creator places, and events in Genesis is the one and only God who ex- rative, poetry, law, and genealogy. • Genesis 3:1-6:4 God is the just they are treated as straightforward ists equally as the three persons And, the events in Genesis span judge of sinners and savior of fact and not myth. Therefore, the of Father, Son, and Spirit. And, such a lengthy time period (rough- His people concept of Genesis being a myth it is this personal Trinitarian God ly 2000 years) that it may cover • Genesis 6:5-11:9 God is an imposition on the book by its who existed in eternity past be- more history than the entirety of punishes sin and rewards critics that is not warranted from fore the creation of the world or the rest of the Bible. Lastly, Gene- repentance the book itself or the rest of Scrip- humanity in a perfect and har- sis is a selective theological telling • Genesis 11:10-25:18 God ture which points back to Genesis monious relationship of love and of history intended to not give us calls people into covenant and as literal historical fact. communication. This is important an exhaustive history as much as a promises to bless them to note because other religions theological lesson through histori- • Genesis 25:19-28:9 God What happened before Genesis? that wrongly do not believe in the cal people and events recorded as provides for His people to fulfill Genesis records the beginning of Trinity are prone to believe that interpreted facts. His promises Creation and human history. How- God made mankind because He

8 9 was lonely, insufficient, and long- of the world and mankind in Moses gave you circumcision masterpiece that some have ing for relationship. But, the Bible eternity past God the Father, God (though actually it came from the speculated that it could not have teaches that God is not with any the Son, and God the Spirit dwelt patriarchs but was recorded by been penned by a “primitive” man need and is a personal God com- together in glory and love. Ad- Moses), you circumcise a child such as Moses, or by any single plete with love and relationship in ditionally, God the Father chose on the Sabbath.” Packed into this author. And, while the arrogance His very nature. God the Son to execute the plan verse we discover that circumci- to believe that a man who lived In the New Testament we do of salvation by coming to earth to sion as was instituted in Genesis thousands of years ago could not get some glimpses into what pre- die for the sins of His people and 17:12 by the Patriarch Abraham possibly have the kind of insight ceded Creation in eternity past rescue us from Satan, sin, and was written by Moses as the next that we see surrounding us as through the words of Jesus, Paul, death. And, this plan of salvation verse of John 7:23 calls Genesis well educated people remain and Peter. that was executed by the Son the “Law of Moses”. Therefore, fools without wisdom is laugh- In John 17:5 Jesus says, “And was devised by God the Father Moses is the author of the first able, there are at least two rea- now, Father, glorify me in your before Creation and before we book of the law, Genesis. Lastly, sons to believe that the one man, presence with the glory I had with sinned. In this we see that though John 1:17 echoes this saying Moses, could and did in fact write you before the world began.” God is not responsible for human “For the Law was given through Genesis. First, Acts 7:22 says In John 17:24 Jesus says, sin, He also was not taken by Moses…” “Moses was educated in all the “Father, I want those you have surprise when our first parents Lastly, throughout the Penta- wisdom of the Egyptians and was given me to be with me where I sinned, but rather foreknew it teuch there are undoubtedly a powerful in speech and action.” am, and to see my glory, the glory would occur and had already few sections that were not origi- Therefore, Moses was not only you have given me because you devised a plan to remedy our sin nally penned by Moses for two well educated but also a brilliant loved me before the creation of by redeeming us through Jesus. reasons. First, the Pentateuch oc- and courageous man, the kind of the world.” casionally mentions other books man capable of writing Genesis. Ephesians 1:4 says, “For he Who wrote Genesis? that contained true information Second, II Peter 1:20-21 says, chose us in him before the cre- An academic debate has raged which may have been included “Above all, you must understand ation of the world to be holy and over the authorship of Genesis. in the inerrant books of the Bible that no prophecy of Scripture blameless in his sight…” And, to answer the question it is (e.g. Genesis 5:1; Exodus 24:7; came about by the prophet’s own I Peter 1:20 says, “He was best to learn from Jesus because Numbers 21:14; Joshua 10:13). interpretation. For prophecy never chosen before the creation of the He is the most preeminent and Second, some sections of the had its origin in the will of man, world, but was revealed in these trustworthy teacher by virtue of Pentateuch simply could not have but men spoke from God as they last times for your sake.” His deity, sinless life, and perfect been penned by Moses, such as were carried along by the Holy II Timothy 1:9b says, “…grace instruction. Jesus did teach that the account of his own death and Spirit.” And, in Deuteronomy was given us in Christ Jesus Moses was one of the authors of burial in Deuteronomy 34 which 34:9 we also read that Moses before the beginning of time…” Scripture (Mark 7:10). Additional- was likely added by Joshua who was filled with the Holy Spirit Titus 1:2 “…a faith and knowl- ly, Jesus taught that Moses wrote was also a Spirit inspired author which was passed from Moses to edge resting on the hope of the Law which included the book of Scripture. Joshua. Therefore, since Moses eternal life, which God, who of Genesis in John 7:19a when the prophet was filled with the does not lie, promised before the He said, “Has not Moses given Why was Moses able to write Spirit of God he was able to beginning of time…” you the law?” And, in John 7:22 such a masterpiece? know things (e.g. the creation of Therefore, before the creation Jesus said that “Yes, because Genesis is such a rich literary the earth) that can only be discov-

10 11 ered by divine revelation, and able land, and seed are most promi- ing others in Genesis include the were speaking to the people. to record them faithfully by God’s nent. And, the minor themes of following: They were greatly disturbed be- power. good and evil, children, walk- cause the apostles were teaching ing with God, and worship are • Laban was blessed by Jacob’s the people and proclaiming in Je- Who originally received Genesis? less prominent though still very presence (30:27) sus the resurrection of the dead.” Genesis was originally written important. • Potiphar was blessed by And, this is what Paul teaches some 1400 years before the birth Joseph’s presence (39:26) in Galatians 3:14 saying, “He of Jesus for the people of God Blessing • The prison warden was blessed redeemed us in order that the who had been enslaved for four First, the word “bless” and its de- by Joseph (39:20-23) blessing given to Abraham might hundred years in Egypt, passed rivatives appear over eighty times • Egypt was blessed by Joseph come to the Gentiles through through the Red Sea, received throughout the book of Genesis during the 7 year famine Christ Jesus, so that by faith we the Ten Commandments at the which is more often than any oth- (47:13-26) might receive the promise of the Sinai Covenant, and spent forty er book of the Bible. Therefore, • Other nations were blessed by Spirit.” years wandering in the wilderness it seems best to consider God’s Joseph (41:56-57) as consequence for their sin. This blessing as the primary theme of • Jacob blessed Pharaoh Covenant nation of perhaps a few million the book of Genesis. In Genesis (47:7-10) Second, the theme covenant is people included worshippers of God’s blessing includes such • Jacob blessed Joseph’s two central to Genesis. Covenant is God who were both Jewish and things as His presence, children, sons Manasseh and Ephraim the word God uses to explain people from other nations that possessions, long life, friends, (48-49) His relationship and promises to also desired to worship their and the ability to persevere and such men as Adam (Hosea 6:7; God (Exodus 12:38). Genesis, prevail. Throughout Genesis the The New Testament picks up Romans 5:12-21; I Corinthians however, was also intended to opposite of the blessing is the this theme of blessing and con- 15:21-22), Noah (Genesis 6:18, be read by other generations curse which comes in response nects it to Jesus Christ who is 9:9-17), Abraham (Genesis of people as itself infers. For to sin and includes separation ultimately the blessing promised 12:2-3, 17:2-21, Exodus 2:24), example, throughout the book of from blessing and the Blessor, to all nations of the earth. This Moses (Exodus 34:10, 34:27-28; Genesis Moses takes the time to and judgments such as famine, is what Luke records in Acts Leviticus 24:45), and David (II explain to future readers such as oppression, and exile. 3:25-4:2 which says, “And you Chronicles 7:18, 21:7). us portions of the story that we God told Abraham that he are heirs of the prophets and of The Bible also speaks of may not fully understand because and his descendants would be the covenant God made with covenant relationships not just we do not share some of the ex- blessed by God so that they your fathers. He said to Abra- between people and God, but periences of his original audience could bless the other nations of ham, ‘Through your offspring all also people and people (e.g. I (e.g. Genesis 13:10, 35:19). the earth (Genesis 12:2-3). And, peoples on earth will be blessed.’ Samuel 18:3; II Kings 11:4; II God’s people were then sup- When God raised up his servant, Chronicles 23:1-3; Nehemiah What are the major themes in posed to mediate God’s blessing he sent him first to you to bless 1:5; Psalm 55:20; Jeremiah 34:8- Genesis? to others, a fact which is most you by turning each of you from 15). Perhaps the most sacred There are numerous thematic clearly seen in Joseph who is the your wicked ways.” The priests human covenant is the covenant threads that weave Genesis great blessing to many nations in and the captain of the temple of marriage (e.g. Proverbs 2:16, together. However, the major the closing chapters of Genesis. guard and the Sadducees came Malachi 2:14b). themes of blessing, covenant, Examples of God’s people bless- up to Peter and John while they

12 13 The Hebrew word for covenant Ps. 25:10; Jer. 11:2-10; Heb. from the land of the Garden of his Egyptian maidservant Hagar. is berit. A covenant is a particular 10:29). Eden. Adam’s son, Cain, works Caught in the middle are a minor- relationship that binds people Therefore, God’s covenant with the land (Genesis 4:2), and the ity of racially Jewish and racially together as one (God and people, His people is one of the dominant land cries out to avenge Abel’s Arab Christians. or people and people) by prom- themes that emerges in Genesis blood after his murder (Genesis At issue is Genesis 12:7 which ised terms. Biblical covenants and continues throughout the rest 4:10-12). Noah is then born as a says, “The LORD appeared to are often sealed with ceremonies of Scripture. And, while modern comfort from the toil of the land Abram and said, “To your off- that include the shedding of Christianity speaks of a personal (Genesis 5:28-29) and a man of spring [seed] I will give this land.” blood to show the solemnity of relationship with Jesus, which is the soil (9:20) who builds an ark So he built an altar there to the the covenant and to foreshadow necessary, Genesis also high- to save himself and his family from LORD, who had appeared to Jesus shedding His blood to lights the covenant relationship the flooding of the land. him.” The question from this text secure our New Covenant salva- we have with God as part of His In Genesis there is also the is simply, who is the seed/off- tion. Throughout the covenants redeemed people and not merely Promised Land which God spring that the Promised Land between God and the elect the an individual who lives and wor- promised to the offspring/seed was pledged to by God? Is it the recurring theme is that He will ship in isolation from the rest of of Abraham (12:7, 13:15, 13:17, Jews? Is it the Arabs? Is it the be their God and they will be His God’s people. Lastly, it is through 15:7, 15:18, 17:8, 24:7, 26:3, Christians who are descendants people because He will send His covenant that God seeks to 28:13, 28:15, 35:12, 48:4, of Abraham by new birth and not Jesus to forgive their sins which is restore humanity and Creation 50:24). And, surrounding the merely by birth? the essence of the New Covenant back to its original state and His question of who has the right to And, rather than running (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Matthew original intentions through the possess this piece of land has headlong into muddied current 26:28; Luke 22:20; Romans redemption of both mankind and been an intense theological, political debates about the Middle 11:27; I Corinthians 11:25; II the rest of Creation. political, and military conflict that East we will be well served to Corinthians 3:6; Hebrews 7:22; rages in the Middle East to this keep reading the Bible to see 8:8-13; 9:15; 12:24). Land day. On one side of the conflict who this seed of Abraham in fact In each covenant there is a Third, an additional theme that are racial and cultural Jews who is. First, the seed was first men- “head” who is responsible for the appears throughout Genesis is range from spiritually Jewish to tioned in Genesis 3:15 as Jesus oversight and execution of that land which is spoken of by various atheists who claim that the land is who would defeat Satan. Second, covenant. In the New Covenant words on some 400 occasions theirs because they are the “seed the seed in Genesis 12:7 is sin- this head is Jesus Christ (Colos- throughout Genesis. Curiously, in of Abraham” through Abraham’s gular and not plural meaning that sians 1:18, Colossians 2:10, an interesting play on words the wife Sarah. And since the land it refers to the individual person Colossians 2:19; Ephesians first man is Adam, and the ground was promised to Abraham and Jesus just as it did in Genesis 1:10, Ephesians 1:22, Ephesians is called adama as there is a close his “seed” (or offspring as some 3:15 and not the collective plural 4:15, 5:23). And, in each cov- relationship between the ground Bible translations say) they “seeds” which would refer to the enant there are terms that include and the man who was made from believe that it rightfully belongs nation of Israel as it does in Gen- consequences for sin which is the dust of the ground. Addition- to them. On the other side of the esis 13:13-17 using the word the violation of the covenant (e.g. ally, the man was made to work conflict are racial and cultural offspring in the NIV translation, Deut. 29:1-29; Joshua 7:11- the land, but the ground was Arabs who are generally Moslem. and 15:13-18 using the word 26, 23:16; I Kings 8:23; I Kings cursed on account of the man’s They likewise say that they too “descendants” in the NIV transla- 11:11; II Kings 17:35-38, 6:14; sin, and the man was expelled are Abraham’s “seed” through tion instead.

14 15 Therefore, the current debate land to dishonor Him. and war over the land in the Lastly, God is clear that all Middle East is being fought by land, including the Promised Jews and Arabs who, for the most Land, is ultimately His and to be part, do not love Jesus (who is given by Him alone to whomever the seed/offspring of Abraham He pleases. In Exodus 19:5-6 promised in Genesis) and have God said, “Now if you obey me wrongly interpreted the Bible fully and keep my covenant, then to believe that they are God’s out of all nations you will be my covenant people who have a right treasured possession. Although to the Promised Land. In fact, the the whole earth is mine, you will Promised Land belongs to Jesus be for me a kingdom of priests alone because He is the seed/ and a holy nation.’ These are the offspring of Abraham to whom it words you are to speak to the was promised. Israelites.” And, in Jeremiah 27:5 And, while this interpretation God said, “With my great power may seem scandalous and shock- and outstretched arm I made ing it becomes clear if we set our the earth and its people and the politics aside and continue to read animals that are on it, and I give Paul’s Holy Spirit inspired interpre- it to anyone I please.” tation of who this offspring/seed In summary, the Promised of Abraham is. In Galatians 3:15- Land in the Middle East belongs 16 it says, “Brothers, let me take to Jesus and in the end He an example from everyday life. Just will share it with His covenant as no one can set aside or add to people who trust Him by faith a human covenant that has been and love Him by grace (Psalm duly established, so it is in this 37:9; Matthew 5:5). Anyone who case. The promises were spoken is not in covenant relationship to Abraham and to his seed. The with Jesus as the covenant head Scripture does not say “and to will not in the end dwell in the seeds,” meaning many people, but Promised Land, even if Abraham “and to your seed,” meaning one is their father, because they person, who is Christ.” instead will dwell in the fiery tor- Therefore, the seed/offspring ments of Hell. of Abraham to whom the Prom- ised Land was pledged is simply Seed The Fall of Man Jesus and not any nation of Fourth, the word “seed” is also a people who do not worship Him primary theme that appears nearly (Genesis 3:1-6) as God but would like to use His 60 times in Genesis and only

16 17 about 170 times in the other 38 Jesus Christ is the promised seed Children and Jacob all building altars to Old Testament books combined. of Abraham through whom all na- Sixth, in Genesis 1:28 we read, worship God (Genesis 12:7-8, The word can be interpreted tions of the earth will be blessed. “God blessed them and said to 13:18, 22:9, 26:25, 35:1-7). a number of ways, most often Therefore, Jesus is the promised them, “Be fruitful, increase in Additionally, Noah also offered a dictated by the context in which seed of Abraham and blessing to numbers, fill the earth…” And, sacrifice in worship to God upon it appears. Correspondingly, in the nations of the earth. from this one couple all human exiting the Ark once the flood had the New International Version of beings trace their family origin be- receded (Genesis 8:18-21). the Bible the word is translated Good and Evil ginning with the growth of human descendants, offspring, seed, Fifth, the themes of good and life through Genesis as dem- What are some of the literary children, family, grain, semen, line, evil are woven throughout Gen- onstrated in the family genealo- patterns in Genesis? and people. It can also be used esis and it is clear that good gies. Genesis is careful to state, Moses who authored Genesis in a singular sense (e.g. Genesis comes from God and evil comes however, that when children are provides for us some literary 21:13), or plural sense (e.g. Gen- from Satan and sinners who born it is by God’s gracious provi- patterns that will helps us make esis 28:14) much like our English rebel against His creation and sion of blessing (e.g. Genesis sense of the book if we are at- word sheep. In Genesis there is commands. The themes of good 4:25, 21:1-2, 25:21, 30:22-24). tentive to them. Therefore, the generally a correlation between and evil are typified in the ap- Throughout Genesis children following literary patterns that I a seed and that which produced pearance in Genesis 2:9 of the are an important theme which is will briefly mention are given to it which explains why plants and tree of good and evil. To study also highlighted by the lengthy help inform both your reading and trees make their own kind (e.g. the themes of good and evil genealogies. studying of Genesis. Genesis 1:11-12), and chil- throughout Genesis the follow- dren throughout the book often ing verses will be helpful; 1:10, Walking with God Prominent names often appear resemble their parents in attitude 1:12, 1:18, 1:21, 1:25, 1:31, Seventh, walking with God is a together and action. 2:9, 2:17, 3:5, 3:22, 4:7, 6:5, theme that is important to Genesis. Throughout Genesis it is common Ultimately, all of the promises 8:21, 13:13, 37:2, and 39:9. Throughout Genesis we discover to find prominent names spoken and blessings of Genesis given And, in beautiful literary fashion that not everyone walks closely with of together in couplets. Examples to Abraham and his many seed Moses resolves the conflict God. Indeed, whole generations include, Adam and Eve, Cain and (those who like him worship God between good and evil in the such as Noah’s, as well as whole Abel, Abraham and Lot, Isaac and by faith) are fulfilled in Jesus who final chapter of Genesis where cities such as Sodom and Gomor- Ishmael, Esau and Jacob, and is the singular seed of Abraham. we read of God being sover- rah, do not walk with God. But, Joseph and his brothers It is Jesus who is the promised eign over evil in Genesis 50:20 Genesis is careful to make note of seed of the woman in Genesis where Joseph informs his broth- those people who did walk closely Names of key people often 3:15. In Matthew 1:1, 17 Jesus is ers that God used their evil for with God such as Enoch (5:24), describe much of their life described as the seed of Abra- His good saying, “You intended Noah (6:9), and (Abraham 15:6). Throughout Genesis it is also ham through the family line of His to harm me, but God intended it common that people’s names are mother Mary. In John 8:48-59 for good to accomplish what is Worship indicative of their life as God sov- Jesus claims to be the God of now being done, the saving of Eight, the worship of God is an ereignly bestowed their names. For Abraham and therefore greater many lives.” important feature noted through- example, Adam means mankind, than Abraham. And, in Galatians out the book of Genesis. Ex- Eve means giver of life, Cain means 3:16 Paul emphatically states that amples include Abraham, Isaac, wanderer, Enoch means dedication

18 19 or consecration, and Isaac means Creation, the Flood, and destruc- • Jesus taught that Lot who is Scriptures that testify about me laughter. Therefore, as you study tion of Sodom and Gomorrah. spoken of in Genesis 11:27 yet you refuse to come to me Genesis it will be helpful to get a However, the greatest teacher through Genesis fourteen and to have life.” And, in John 5:46 Bible dictionary and examine the who has ever lived, Jesus Christ, again in Genesis 19 did in fact Jesus said, “If you believed Mo- meaning of the names of the promi- consistently referred to the exist in Luke 17:28-32 ses, you would believe me, for he nent people in Genesis. Genesis account of people and • Jesus taught that Abraham’s wrote about me.” events as historically accurate. sons Isaac and Jacob, the Following His Resurrection, Like father, like son Some examples are listed below: patriarchs who appear in Luke 24:27 records an occasion Another literary pattern throughout Genesis 21 and continue to where Jesus opened the Old Tes- Genesis is that sons often follow • Jesus taught that the Creation loom throughout Genesis, did tament to teach about Himself say- both the good and bad patterns account of Genesis 1-2 was in fact exist in Matthew 8:11 ing, “And beginning with Moses of their fathers. For example, both accurate in Luke 11:50 and Luke 13:28 [this included Genesis] and all the Abraham and Isaac pretend that • Jesus taught that the first Prophets, he explained to them their wife is their sister (Genesis marriage account of Adam and In summary, it is impossible for what was said in all the Scriptures 12:10-20, 20:1-18, 26:1-35). Eve recorded in Genesis 2:24 someone to simultaneously claim concerning himself.” Likewise, in Likewise, Abraham and Isaac both was accurate in Matthew to be a Christian and disbelieve Luke 24:44-45 in speaking to His had a dispute with the people in 19:4-5 and Mark 10:6-8. the book of Genesis because to disciples we read that, “He said to Gerar over the ownership of a • Jesus taught that the Genesis 4 do so they would need to also them, “This is what I told you while well (Genesis 21:22-34, 26:17- account of Cain’s murder of believe that Jesus was at worst a I was still with you: Everything 25). And, both Abraham and Abel was accurate in Matthew sinful man who taught lies, or at must be fulfilled that is written Isaac entered into covenants with 23:35 and Luke 11:51 best an ill informed imperfect man about me in the Law of Moses Abimelech (Genesis 21:22-34, • Jesus taught that the flood who simply made honest mistakes [this included Genesis], the 26:26-31). Also, Jacob’s sons recorded in Genesis 6-9 was in his Bible teaching. Prophets and the Psalms.” Then trick the trickster (Genesis 27:1- indeed accurate in Matthew he opened their minds so they 29), and Lamech is a murderer 24:37-39 and Luke 17:26-27. Where is Jesus in Genesis? could understand the Scriptures.” descended from the first murderer • Jesus taught that Abraham who Some people prefer the New Simply, when Genesis is rightly Cain (Genesis 4:1-24). Ultimately, looms large throughout Testament to the Old Testament interpreted it reveals Jesus to us. the pattern of children being like Genesis beginning in 11:26 did because they wrongly believe that Therefore, to help you see Jesus their parents is a foreshadowing actually exist in John 8:56 only the New Testament is about in Genesis I would like you to note to the New Covenant in which • Jesus taught that circumcision Jesus. However, it was Jesus Him- the following references to Jesus God the Father adopts us into His instituted by Abraham and the self who taught that the Old Testa- in Genesis: family and shapes our character to patriarchs in Genesis 17:12 ment was primarily about Him. be like Him one we are born again. was factual in John 7:22-23 In John 5:39-40 while arguing • in Genesis 3:15 Jesus is • Jesus taught that the with the theologians in His day referred to as the male seed What did Jesus teach about the destruction of the cities of Jesus chastised them saying, (also translated offspring) of the events in Genesis? Sodom and Gomorrah “You diligently study the Scrip- woman who would crush Satan Opponents of the accuracy of recorded in Genesis 19 did tures [Old Testament] because and in Galatians 3:16 Paul Genesis are prone to concentrate in fact occur in Matthew 10:15, you think that by them you pos- makes it clear that Moses was their criticism on such events as 11:23-24 and Luke 10:12 sess eternal life. These are the speaking of Jesus

20 21 • in Genesis 9:27 Noah Jesus Christ. In any event, His life as a burnt offering will be so plenty. At his coming prophesies that God would we can reasonably assume which is for sin. According the harvest will be so abundant tent with (meaning to come and that at the very least to John 8:56-59 and Hebrews that people will wash their dwell with) his son Japheth and Melchizedek pointed to Jesus 11:17-19 this foreshadowing garments in wine, people’s in John 1:14 we see that Jesus Christ. was fulfilled in Jesus eyes will be dark from drinking ultimately fulfilled this prophecy • in Genesis 16:7-16 the angel • in Genesis 22:11-18 the angel much wine, and their teeth when He became a man and (meaning messenger) of the (or messenger) of the Lord white from drinking much milk. pitched His tent among us Lord came and spoke to Hagar, spoke to Abraham blessing him According to Numbers 24:17; • in Genesis 12:1-7 God she called that messenger and promising to make his Hebrews 1:8; and Revelation promised Abram that he would God, and the angel did not seed/offspring (Jesus) a 19:15-16 this Last Days’ king is have a singular seed/offspring rebuke her for worshiping Him blessing to the nations of the King Jesus that would be a blessing to all which indicates it was probably earth. This angel appears to the nations of the earth and this Jesus be Jesus because He says that In summary, the picture that descendant of Abraham is • in Genesis 18:1-33 three men Abraham was obeying Him and emerges of Jesus from Genesis Jesus according to Matthew visited Abraham who bowed that He would bless Abraham is a man born of a woman who 1:1-2 down to one of the men and • in Genesis 28:10-22 Jacob had would crush Satan, dwell with • in Genesis 14:18-23 Abraham called him Lord. Abraham then a dream that Heaven opened His people on the earth, be a encountered Melchizedek who ate with the men before having up to him with a stairway blessing to the nations of the was the first priest in the Bible a lengthy conversation with connecting Heaven and earth. earth, rule as a priest, speak as and also a king. Since Hebrews them about the fate of the And Jesus taught in John 1:51 God’s messenger, judge sinners 7:1-28 says he had no parents, sinful city of Sodom which one that Jacob’s dream is fulfilled in righteously, willingly lay down His no beginning or end, was a of the men who is referred to Him life for sinners, come down from Gentile and not a Jew, and as the Lord stated He was • in Genesis 32:22-32 Jacob Heaven, be the One whom believ- was greater than Abraham going to destroy in judgment. wrestled with God which was ers wrestle with, and rule over all many Bible teachers have This likely means that Abraham likely Jesus of Creation as the King of Kings. believed that Melchizedek was was speaking to Jesus and two • in Genesis 49:8-12 Jacob’s actually an appearance of angels family grew to twelve sons, How are Moses and Jesus Jesus before His birth to Mary • in Genesis 22:1-19 we see but it was his fourth son, Judah, connected? as Jesus is both our High Priest the shadow of God the Father whom God chose to continue In addition to the prophetic and the King of Kings. and God the Son as Abraham’s the messianic line through promises about Jesus penned And, while it is possible that firstborn son Isaac was born because he repented of what by Moses throughout the Pen- Melchizedek was an miraculously years after the he had done to his brother tateuch, including those listed appearance of Jesus before promise of his birth was given, Joseph by asking to be taken above from Genesis, Moses and his birth (a Christophony), the that the father loved his son in place of his youngest brother Jesus are also connected theo- Bible simply does not make this and was to be sacrificed Benjamin. This promised ruler logically and relationally though clear so we cannot be where the temple was built will bring so much prosperity they are separated by some 1400 dogmatic on this point as it and Jesus was killed by that men will tie their donkey years. Theologically, Moses was also may have been a man, an carrying His wood on His own to a vine without worrying the author of the Law, also known angel, or a type foreshadowing back and willingly laying down about damaging it since they at the Pentateuch. And, Jesus

22 23 said He came to fulfill the Law of write straight lines with our as a seemingly regular man in a what the Apostle Paul taught Moses (Matthew 5:17) crooked sticks. Examples include simple town. throughout the New Testament Relationally, while on earth Abraham who pimped his wife In the New Testament the as in Romans 4:3 and Galatians Jesus brought Moses down from Sarah to Pharaoh to save his own significance of Abraham can 3:6 where he quotes Genesis Heaven (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark skin, Jacob who was a trickster, hardly be overstated. In the great 15:6 to establish his doctrine of 9:1-8). And, in this wondrous the drunken Noah, and seemingly chapter on faith, Hebrews 11, justification by faith. Likewise, moment Jesus was transfigured vain Joseph. Therefore, because roughly 1/3 of the entire chapter Jesus’ brother James also quotes upon a mountain as Moses had of the honesty of Genesis we is dedicated to him (11:8-19). Genesis 15:6 to establish that been upon Mount Sinai while can see ourselves in the lives it In Genesis 15:6 we read that faith produces good works just receiving the 10 Commandments exposes and take hope in the fact “Abram believed the Lord and he like Abraham’s faith showed forth in Exodus 34:29-35. that by God’s grace we too can credited it to him as righteous- in his willingness to sacrifice his be in covenant relationship with ness.” This very important verse son Isaac in Genesis 22. There- Who are the major characters Him even though we are equally establishes that salvation and fore, Paul argues that everyone is in Genesis? undeserving of such kindness. righteousness come not by hu- saved by faith after the pattern of Generally speaking, Genesis 1-11 As we read Genesis we realize man merit, but rather solely by Abraham in Genesis, and James covers the more universal events that God’s intention to bless the faith in God who gives salvation teaches that if we truly have faith of Creation, Fall, Flood, and Babel nations of the earth had to begin and righteousness as a gift of like Abraham our life will include while Genesis 12-50 focus in the with someone somewhere. And, grace. This concept is exactly visible good works as his life did. history of one family descended God chose Abraham and what from Abraham whom God entered we now know as Israel as the per- a covenant relationship with. This son and place where He would seeming disconnect between begin His work of redemption on Genesis 1-11 and the family of the earth. This does not indicate Abraham in Genesis 12-50 is that a particular man or piece of intentional as Moses is seeking to land, are in any way superior to portray Abraham as the beginning the other men and places in that of a new humanity in covenant day. Quite to the contrary, we relationship with God. know nothing of Abraham’s life In Genesis 12-50 fourteen before God called him other than chapters are about Abraham, the fact that he was a seemingly three and one-half are about very normal Gentile living near Isaac, eight are about Jacob, Babylon (Acts 7:2), and that the and the final fourteen are about Promised Land is not as lovely or Joseph. And, while God clearly desirable as many other parts of loved and blessed this family the earth. But, God started His Genesis painfully portrays their work of redemption humbly with imperfections and sins to demon- a simple man in a simple place in strate the grace of God to endure the days of Abraham much like with us, and power of God to He later did when Jesus was born

24 25 How to Read Genesis

his chapter will be woven throughout the book will significantly shorter than be ignored and the meaning of the other chapters be- the book lost altogether. And, if cause I want to stress the impor- the book is read by imposing any tance of simply reading the book theological system upon the text of Genesis prayerfully, carefully, rather than seeking the intended and repeatedly for oneself. While meaning of Moses who God the reading of commentaries and inspired to write the book then will related materials such as this book will likely fail to allow the book to can be very helpful to the stu- inform our doctrine. dent of Genesis, nothing is more important than simply reading the Principle #2 – Genesis is to be book for oneself multiple times. read eschatalogically In reading Genesis it is important Genesis opens with the words to understand some of the most “In the beginning…” which leans common features about the literary into the future anticipating the composition of the book. There- last days and end of history as we fore, the following principles will know it. And, nearing the end of be helpful in assisting you to ex- Genesis in 49:10 we read about tract the most meaning from your the coming of King Jesus who in prayerful reading of the book. the end will rule over all nations of the earth and establish His eter- Principle #1 – Genesis is to be nal kingdom. Therefore, Genesis read chronologically which is the book of Creation It is very important to note that beginnings points forward to the Genesis unfolds as a narrative book of Revelation which is the written in chronological order with book of the last days and new only a few minor possible excep- Creation ruled over by King Jesus. tions. For example, the geneal- ogy of Genesis 10 is placed Principle #3 – Genesis is to be before Genesis 11 for theological read poetically reasons and is not in chrono- Genesis is comprised of narrative, Cain Kills His Brother Abel logical order. If this simple fact law, genealogy, and poetry. And, (Genesis 4:8-15) of chronology is overlooked then sprinkled throughout the book the cause and effect correlations are poetic images that require

26 27 imagination to fully appreci- a handful of people and places. mean that you should too simply born first God chose Jacob in ate and understand. Examples Genesis warrants this kind of because it’s in the Bible. Rather, Genesis 25:23). Simply, in Gen- include God “seeing” the good- reading because it simply does we must be careful to determine esis men matter. ness of His creation (1:2, 1:10, not speak about a wide number which stories are prescriptive 1:18, 1:21, 1:25, 1:31), God of people and places such as the examples for us to follow such Principle #7 – Genesis is to be making man with His hands (2:7), great nation of Texas which does as trusting God by faith like read meditatively a talking serpent (Genesis 3:1), not appear anywhere in the book. Abraham, and which descriptive According to Deuteronomy 6:1- God “walking” with Adam in the And, the primary people in the stories are frightening examples 9 the wisdom of the Pentateuch garden (3:8), Abel’s blood crying book revolved around the family for us not to follow such as Adam in general, including Genesis in out from the ground (4:10), Noah line of Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Eve trusting Satan over God. particular, is not just to be written “walking” with God (6:9), God Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. on tablets of stone or scrolls of “smelling” Noah’s sacrifice (8:21), Principle #6 – Genesis is to be paper but also on the heart of God as a shield (15:1), Ishmael Principle #5 – Genesis is to be read patriarchally those people who love God. And, described as a “wild donkey” of a read descriptively In Genesis, man was made first the writing of God’s Word upon man (16:12), and Jesus portrayed In the Bible some texts are and given dominion over all Cre- our hearts is accomplished as we as a king by a “scepter” and prescriptive, meaning they tell us ation and woman was made to meditate on Scripture throughout “staff” (49:10). what we should do. Examples help him (2:15-18; cf. I Corinthi- our day thereby allowing the Holy It is important to note that simply would include the biblical com- ans 11:8-9; I Timothy 2:13). Also, Spirit to impress His wisdom because Moses occasionally mand that Christians love one God calls the human race “man- upon us. Therefore, it is important writes in poetic imagery does not another, children obey their kind” because it began with the for you to not only read Genesis mean that he is being allegorical or parents, and not steal. The Bible creation of a man as the head of repeatedly, but also memorize mythical. Rather, Moses is commu- also includes descriptive texts the human race (Genesis 5:1-2). those verses that stand out to you nicating in a figurative literal fashion that tell us what someone did Additionally, throughout Genesis and take time throughout your because he is a gifted writer who and leaves it up to the reader to it is the men who are dominant, day to contemplate the themes, understands that sometimes an determine if they should do the though the women are promi- images, and verses that God image or metaphor communicates same. Examples would include nent. Particularly, the numerous burdens you to better understand. a truth in the most clear, powerful, Lot’s daughters getting him drunk genealogies throughout Genesis And, the memory verses sug- and memorable way. to have sex with him, Dinah’s are traced through the male line gested for you in this booklet will brothers slaughtering a town of in recognition of the headship of also be helpful to you. Principle #4 – Genesis is to be men for the rape of their sister, men over their families. Addition- read narrowly and Judas hanging himself. ally, the genealogies are generally Genesis is not a record of world Therefore, as you read Genesis traced through the firstborn son history. Rather, it is a selective it is important to determine what though sometimes another son is and theologically arranged history Moses the author of Genesis is chosen either because the oldest of primarily a family of people trying to teach you through the son sinned grievously (e.g. Cain and a piece of land. Therefore, narratives he writes. And, just killed Abel and so Seth passed as you read Genesis it is impor- because Cain killed Abel, Noah him over in Genesis 4:1-25), tant to see the book through a and Lot get drunk, and Abraham or because of God’s sovereign narrow lens focused close up on tries to murder his son does not choice (e.g. though Esau was

28 29 Answers to Common Questions about Creation

oday a debate rages the Biblical account of Creation about the question came under continual attack of origins and where which caused some Christians Creation and humanity came to seek to reconcile science and from. Much of the passion which Scripture. And, when done rightly surrounds this question is be- science simply operates by the cause the question of origins has order God placed in Creation implications on everything else. and therefore points back to Him For example, Genesis says that so there need not necessarily be there was a beginning to history a bifurcation between science which means there will be an end. and Scripture. But, in an effort Genesis says that creation comes to accommodate bad scien- from God which means it belongs tific hypothesis that had gained to God. Genesis says that people credence some relatively new come from God which means that interpretations of Genesis 1-2 people will stand before God in and view of Creation emerged. the end. And, today there is a mountain Within Christianity there had of books written on these issues, not been a widespread debate some of which I have included on the nature of Creation until in the back for further study in the sixteenth century. Nor was addition to some helpful websites there much of a debate about the on the matter. In this brief book length of the six days of Creation I will seek to briefly address only until the nineteenth century. This a handful of the more common is because if someone simply questions regarding Creation. read the account in Genesis 1-2 Lastly, I would like to stress and primary summary accounts that Genesis was not written with throughout the rest of their the intention of being a scientific Bible (e.g. Exodus 20:11; Psalm textbook. Rather, it is a theologi- 136:1-9) they would likely be- cal narrative written to reveal the lieve that God made Creation out God of Creation which means of nothing in six literal twenty-four its emphasis is on God and The Prophecy of the Flood hour days. not Creation. Because of this, (Genesis 6:13-22) But, with the rise of modern Hebrews 11:3 says “By faith we science and evolutionary theory understand that the universe was

30 31 formed at God’s command, so Psalm 19:1 and Romans 1:20 otherwise be possible had we The below views of Creation that what is seen was not made declare, Creation is a sermon evolved from impersonal matter fail both philosophically and bibli- out of what was visible.” preached by God to us about • God is gracious as He blesses cally. Pantheism/Panentheism Genesis is far more concerned His attributes and nature. And, His creation, including the man both have a god that is part of with the questions of who made as we read the opening pages and woman the creation, making it impossible Creation, how He made Creation, of Genesis we see the following • God is a King who rules in for Him to be the creator. Their and why He made Creation than aspects of God: dominion over all Creation god remains either transcendent when He did. Therefore, as Gali- (Other) or immanent (Personal), leo said the “Holy Ghost intended • God is eternal and exists before What are some of the primary but not both. He is unable to rule to teach us how to go to heaven, the rest of Creation which He non-Christian views of God’s the creation He is part of. Matter not how the heavens go.” makes relationship to Creation? is usually an illusion; matters of Therefore, at Mars Hill we want • God is independent while the In addition to the biblical account evil and good are seen as relative, to be clear that there is a dis- rest of Creation is dependent of Creation there are innumer- and part of the same god nature. tinction between debates within upon Him able other attempts to answer Other systems of belief struggle Christian theology, and debates • God is living and life comes how Creation and mankind came with how the universe is created. that are not Christian. For exam- solely from Him into being. I will briefly chart and Naturalism and/or Materialism ple, godly Bible believing and Je- • God is so powerful that He explain the five most popular non- leave us with an infinite regress of sus-loving people can and should could make Creation out of Christian hypothesis and their cause and effect, or the incredu- graciously debate and discuss nothing by Himself shortcomings. lous doctrine that everything we what Genesis 1-2 means with- • God is transcendent and out viewing one another in the separate from His creation same light as non-Christians who • God is beautiful and Creation hold to atheistic evolution. This reflects His beauty Thought Central Idea Emphasis is because there is an enormous • God is orderly and His creation God creates but is not difference between discussing reflects His order and remains Deism present in the workings of God’s transcendence what the Bible says, and ignoring orderly until sin brings chaos His creation. it altogether. It is in this spirit of • God is the creator and all else Pantheism God is part of His creation. God’s personal immanence loving dialogue about Scripture that exists is His creation that I will seek to answer the most • God is sovereign and can do Panentheism/ All in God. All is one. God’s transcendent nature common questions about the exactly as He pleases Monism Genesis Creation account. • God is a prophet who shapes Process God is in process, growing in Creation by the sheer power Theology/Open God’s personal nature knowledge with His creation What does the Creation of His Word, perhaps even Theism account in Genesis 1-2 reveal singing creation into existence about God? • God is good as everything He Matter comes forth from While the facts of Creation in makes He declares good natural processes, without Matter is either eternally aid from any supernatural existent, or it comes into Genesis 1-2 are important, at • God is personal and because Naturalism entity. In this worldview, effect “ex nihilo” (out of least as important is what those we are made by Him we have matter and life are created nothing). facts reveal about God. As personhood which would not by chance.

32 33 see came out of nothing with no because of its length and racist time from one kind of animal View #1 – Historic Creationism causal force or purpose. overtones. Evolution seeks to to another yet does not have In this view Genesis 1:1 records Evolutionary theory recog- explain the origin of life apart from the transitional forms between the making of all of creation by nizes that man came from matter God. As Christians we are free species that would God out of nothing, or “ex nihilo”, already existent on the earth, but to accept the seemingly self- demonstrate this has actually through a merism of “heavens it is unable to determine how that evident fact of micro-evolution occurred and earth” which means the sky process took place. Biblically, that species can and do adapt to • it has been unable to replicate above and land below, or totality we realize that God’s power was their environment. However, as evolution after over 100 years of creation. Since the word used able to do what is naturalistically Christians we are not free to ac- of attempts to do so for “beginning” in Genesis 1:1 impossible: bringing forth life from cept the yet unproven and highly is reshit in Hebrew which means lifeless matter. God created the suspect thesis of macro-evolution Because of these reasons, as an indefinite period of time it is substance (matter) of the uni- that one species can evolve into well as the clear conflict with possible that all of Creation was verse ex nihilo, or out of nothing. another species entirely. Scripture, Christians should reject completed over an extended pe- The biblical Creation story tells And, though it reigned as the macro-evolution as both flawed riod of time (anywhere from days us that an eternal, necessary first dominant paradigm for over 100 science and aberrant theology. to billions of years). Then Genesis cause (God), created the uni- years Darwin’s theory of evolu- 1:2 begins the description of verse, and all that is in it. The law tion has recently come under What are the various Christian God preparing the uninhabitable of causality demands that all ef- intense criticism by both Chris- views of Creation? land for the creation of man- fects (matter) need a cause, and tian and non-Christian scientists Among Bible believing Jesus-lov- kind. And, the preparation of the that these changes take place who prefer what has come to be ing Christians there are at least uncultivated land for and creation in the current space dimension known as “intelligent design”. six primary interpretations of the of Adam and Eve occurred in six in which we live. God is eternal The reasons for the decline of Creation account in Genesis 1-2. literal twenty-four hour days. This (Psalm 90:2) and is subsequently confidence in macro-evolution are Among the elders at Mars Hill view leaves open the possibility apart from His creation as the many, but the following are some we find the first two positions to of both an old earth and literal six necessary first cause. of the most implausible faith leaps be the most persuasive biblically. days of Creation. of macro evolution which seem- But, we would like to stress that What are some of the problems ingly require at least as much faith our Christian brothers and sisters View #2 – Creationism with atheistic evolution? as believing in an eternal God: who hold the other views listed In this view God created the Charles Robert Darwin (1809- below are welcome at our church. entire universe, including Adam 1892) was an English naturalist • it postulates that the world Or only request is that the Chris- and Eve, in six literal twenty four who founded the modern theory sprang into existence from tians in our church would not hour days. This view is almost of evolution. He published this nothing for no reason, or that become divisive over this matter always accompanied with a belief proposal in 1859 in the book matter is basically eternal and and seek to make their view the in a young earth as it seeks to be “The Origin of Species by Means has no origin but cannot explain litmus test for Christian ortho- faithful to the Biblical text while of Natural Selection, or the Pres- how or why this occurred doxy. As Paul says, we now see not giving much credence to the ervation of Favoured Races in • it postulates that impersonal only in part and one day in Jesus’ scientific claims of such things as the Struggle for Life.” His lengthy matter created personal people presence we will know in full and an old earth. original title is often shortened • it postulates that species all be in complete agreement on to “The Origin of Species” both evolved over long periods of this and other matters.

34 35 View #3 - Gap Theory Forming In this view Genesis 1:1 explains a first Creation that happened Day 1 – light and darkness perhaps billions of years ago. Day 2 – sky and waters Then, a catastrophic event, likely separated the fall of Satan from Heaven, Day 3 – dry land and waters left the earth in the destroyed separated condition of Genesis 1:2. God responded to this disaster by Filling recreating the earth again a few Day 4 – sun, moon, stars thousand years ago in six literal (lights separated in Heaven) days and repopulating the earth Day 5 – fish and birds as is recorded in Genesis 1:3-27. According to this view the earth Day 6 – animals and man is old from the first Creation, and plants and trees mankind is young because of the recent Creation. The problems with this view include the fact But, there are some problems that nothing in the Bible speaks with this view. Most obviously, of two creations, and at the end Exodus 20:11 clearly states that of the six days of Creation God the six days of Creation are literal declared all that He had made saying, “For in six days the Lord “very good” which does not cor- made the heavens and the earth, relate with the claim that the earth the sea, and all that is in them, had been destroyed and made but he rested on the seventh day. “very bad”. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” View #4 – Literary Framework View View #5 - Day Age View In this view Genesis 1-2 is in- In this view God created the uni- tended to be read as a figurative verse, including Adam and Eve, in framework explaining Creation six sequential periods of time that in a topic and not sequential are not literal 24 hour days. The order. In this view the six days of problem with this view is that the Creation listed in Genesis 1 are six days of Creation are seeming- also to be interpreted metaphori- ly clearly literal days as will be fur- The Covenant of the Rainbow cally as not literal 24 hour days. ther explored in the next section. The Literary Framework view is Also, Exodus 20:11 clearly states (Genesis 8:20-22, 9:11-13) outlined as follows: that the six days of Creation are

36 37 literally saying, “For in six days not through a long evolutionary ation, intelligent design postulates Those Christians who argue the Lord made the heavens and process detached from God. that the only reasonable explana- for a metaphorical view of the the earth, the sea, and all that Second, evolution teaches that tion for biological origins and de- six days of Creation rightly point is in them, but he rested on the one species evolves into other velopment is to recognize that life out that the word used for day in seventh day. Therefore the Lord species while Genesis 1 says on our planet was designed in a Hebrew, “yom”, often refers to blessed the Sabbath day and that each species had offspring purposeful manner by an external an extended period of time that made it holy.” “according to its kind” (e.g. 1:21, designer. Their findings directly is more than a literal 24 hour day 1:24, 1:25) and not another kind refute the teachings of Darwin- (e.g. Psalm 20:1; Proverbs 11:4, View #6 - Theistic Evolution as evolution postulates. Third, the ism which attribute the organized 21:31, 24:10, 25:13; Ecclesias- In this view God essentially rest of Scripture portrays God as complexity of life to time and tes 7:14). But, if we set science began Creation and then pulled continually involved in the details chance. In this way, intelligent aside for a moment and simply back from working directly in of Creation including making design is in many ways helpful to read the Scriptures it is apparent Creation to instead work through the grass grow (Psalm 104:14; and compatible with the Christian that the six days of Creation in the process of evolution. The only Matthew 6:30); feeding the birds belief in creation by God, though Genesis 1 are literal 24 hour days exception would be God involv- (Matthew 6:26); and feeding the not all intelligent design theorists for the following reasons: ing Himself again directly in the other creatures (Psalm 104:21, are Christians. making of human life. For the 25-30). This portrait of God from • Each day is numbered so that most part, this view accepts the Scripture clearly does not paint Are the 6 days of Creation there is a succession of days hypothesis of evolution but seeks Him as remote and involved in literal 24 hour days? which makes it clear that these to insert God as the creator of Creation only indirectly. While the six Christian views of are literal days, and each day matter and overseer of the evo- Creation listed above are pos- is spoken of having “morning lutionary process. This view also What is Intelligent Design? sible, the question remains which and evening” which is the believes that species evolved Unlike creation science which is probable. And, to answer that common vernacular for a day over a long period of time which begins with the Bible and then question we have to deal with the (Genesis 1:5, 1:8, 1:13, 1:19, requires an old earth. seeks to connect the teachings of very important issue of whether or 1:23, 1:31). The biblical problems with Scripture with science, intelligent not the six days of Creation listed • In Exodus 20:8-11 God says theistic evolution are many. First, design seeks to primarily deal in Genesis 1 are in fact literal “Remember the Sabbath day Genesis 1 repeatedly states with matters of science. But, their 24 hour days or not. If someone by keeping it holy. Six days you that Creation and its species findings point to the fact of an believes that the six days of Cre- shall labor and do all your work, came into existence because intelligent designer, or Intelligent ation are literal 24 hour days then but the seventh day is a “God said” and not because of Designer, who has purposefully they must accept one of the first Sabbath to the LORD your evolutionary process. Addition- arranged creation. Therefore, in three views of Creation (Historic God. On it you shall not do any ally, Genesis 1 also continually many ways intelligent design is Creationism, Creationism, Gap work, neither you, nor your son states that after God commanded compatible with Christian faith Theory) and if they do not believe or daughter, nor your Creation to come into existence and a bridge between disciplines that the six days of Creation are manservant or maidservant, “and it was so” which shows that of theology and science. literal 24 hour days then they can nor your animals, nor the alien God’s commands brought about As its’ name would indicate, in- accept one of the last three views within your gates. For in the instantaneous response of telligent design studies the signs of Creation (Framework View, Day six days the LORD made the Creation coming into being and of intelligence. By examining cre- Age View, Theistic Evolution). heavens and the earth, the

38 39 sea, and all that is in them, but contradiction to the clear teach- arrived at by starting with the ge- In the end, it must be admitted he rested on the seventh day. ings of Scripture we must side nealogies in such places as Gene- that the age of the earth is simply Therefore the LORD blessed with Scripture because it is our sis 5 and 10 to add the number of not stated in the Bible and it may the Sabbath day and made it source of highest authority. years between Adam, Noah, and be young or old. And, both young holy.” Simply, God says that Abraham to arrive at the total num- and old earth advocates are He made Creation in six days How old is the Earth? ber of years creation had been in inferring from the Bible a posi- and on the seventh day He The general scientific consensus existence. But, they have at least tion which the Bible simply does rested. Additionally, His work based upon radiometric dating is three assumptions that may make not clearly state. It must also be and rest is to be the precedent that the earth is very old, perhaps their findings faulty. First, they admitted that the age of the earth for us and explains why we even 4.5 billion years old. Some assumed that the genealogies in is not of great concern in the have a seven day week with a Christians have sought to refute Genesis were strict chronologies Bible as Augustine rightly said it Sabbath day. this finding by declaring that the and assumed that there were no is not a scientific textbook seek- universal flood in Genesis 6-9 other generations that existed, an ing to answer the ever changing Should science or Scripture altered the earth’s geology so assumption that even conserva- inquiries of science, but rather hold priority? greatly that the earth now ap- tive Bible scholars such as former a theological textbook seeking The great theologians of the pears old. But, non-Christian sci- Princeton professor B.B. Warfield to reveal God and the means by Protestant Reformation coined entists have countered by arguing doubted. Second, they assumed which He saves us. the Latin phrase “Sola Scriptura” that they also have tested rocks that Creation began in Genesis which means that Scripture is the and meteors that have come from 1:2 and overlooked the fact that Why does the earth appear old? sole locus of our final authority. the moon and landed on the earth Genesis 1:1 could be a brief The question persists as to why Simply put, there is nothing we which also date to the same age summary of a number of additional the earth appears to be old and are to believe above the Bible. as the earth, roughly 4.5 billion years, perhaps even billions as the many solutions have been offered This, however, does not mean years old. Many Christians have word for “beginning” there in the including the following. that as Christians we should disregarded radiometric dating as Hebrew is a very broad word refer- practice “Solo Scriptura” which flawed and inaccurate. ring to various periods of time that #1 Though the earth appears means that we only read the Bible The apparent old age of the preceded the six days of Creation old to most scientists it is in fact and reject any information that earth causes many Christians in which the already made earth young and the scientists are sim- is not directly from the Bible. If concern as Genesis seems to was prepared for the creation of ply mistaken. we held to “Solo Scriptura” then indicate that the earth is com- mankind. Third, they assumed that we could not study anything but paratively young, perhaps 6,000 Genesis 1:5 speaks of the first #2 The earth appears old because the Bible and I would have to, for to 20,000 years old. For example, day of Creation, when it is perhaps it was made mature like Adam example, put down my Chilton’s the year 2004 is actually year best translated “one day” and not was and did not evolve over time manual when tuning up my old 5,764 of Creation according to day one of history. If this is the but gives the appearance of being truck and try and take my auto traditional Judaism. In the seven- case, which Exodus 20:11 seems aged. For example, if Adam had repair cues from Deuteronomy. teenth century Archbishop James to indicate, then their counting chopped down either the tree of Therefore, as Christians we are Ussher dated Creation at 4004 from the first day forward is off life, or the tree of good and evil free to explore all areas of study, B.C. which would make the earth because they wrongly assumed a spoken of in Genesis 2 he would including science. But, when the roughly 6,000 years old. first day that may have in fact been have likely found tree rings as the findings of any discipline stand in This date of a young earth was preceded by many other days. tree was made mature.

40 41 #3 The flood in Genesis 6-9 uni- the state of Creation in Genesis versally covered the earth which 1:2 does not mean that there was compressed the geological layers unformed matter that God made and rearranged the topography creation out of, but rather that so greatly that the earth appears the earth was not yet in a state to be old and have developed that could accommodate human over a long period o time. life. When this same phraseol- ogy is used in other Scriptures #4 The earth is in fact old and the (e.g. Deuteronomy 32:10; Isaiah days mentioned in Genesis 1-2 45:18) it refers to a barren waste- are not literally 24 hour days but land unfit for sustaining human rather extended periods of time. life. This may mean that God cre- ated the earth over an indefinite #5 The earth may be, or likely is period of time that could in fact old, as Genesis 1:1 explains an in- have been billions of years which determinate period of time during would explain the seemingly old which God made creation out of age of the earth. Then, in six literal nothing. This is supported by the days God prepared the earth for Hebrew word for beginning which the creation of mankind and on is “reshit” that can mean anything the sixth day made the first man from days to billions of years as and woman. While our elders are it is a general word (e.g. Genesis split on this view, I personally find 10:10; Job 8:7; Jeremiah 28:1). it quite compelling for two rea- Genesis 1:2 begins the account sons. One, it permits an old earth of the preparation of the land for while maintaining a literal six day human history on the earth in six interpretation of Genesis 1. Two, literal days. The strength of this it was the most common view of argument is that in Genesis 1:1 early Christians such as Augus- Moses used the Hebrew word tine that did not fall out of favor “bara” for creation which means until the rise of modern science. God’s orignal creation which was then prepared for human What is ex nihilo? habitation. Moses then uses the Ex nihilo is Latin for “out of noth- Hebrew word “asah” for the six ing” and is commonly used to days of Creation which means to explain how God made creation The Tower of Babel prepare and form the earth that out of nothing. The Bible teaches He had already made but was not that God made creation ex nihilo (Genesis 11:1-9) yet habitable for mankind. This in Hebrews 11:3 which says, is because the language used of “By faith we understand that the

42 43 universe was formed at God’s • Psalm 33:6 By the word of the is his name.” And, as Francis Matthew 3:16-17, 28:18-20). command, so that what is seen LORD were the heavens made, Schaeffer has pointed out regard- Therefore, when Genesis says was not made out of what was their starry host by the breath of ing this verse we are made by a that God is the creator, it speaks visible.” This doctrine is important his mouth loving and personal “He” and not of the entire Trinity. Likewise, the because it negates the possibil- • Psalm 33:9 For he spoke, and an impersonal unloving “it”. rest of Scripture also teaches that ity of evolution and there having it came to be; he commanded, The final act of creation in Gen- each member of the Trinity was been an eternal universe, or some and it stood firm. esis 1-2 is the making of our first involved in Creation as the follow- form of matter out of which cre- • Psalm 148:5 Let them praise parents, Adam and Eve in Gene- ing verses show: ation was made. Also, it means the name of the LORD, for sis 2:7 and 2:22. Genesis artfully that the state of Creation as he commanded and they were paints the creation of the man • The Father created (Psalm “formless and empty” in Genesis created. and woman who are God’s image 19:1; Acts 17:28; I Corinthians 1:2 cannot refer to some matter • II Peter 3:7 By the same word bearers on the earth as a very 8:6) that God used to make creation the present heavens and earth special and personal event done • The Son created (John 1:1-3, out of, but rather that “formless are reserved for fire, being by God’s metaphorical hands as 10, 14; Colossians 1:16-17) and empty” simply means that the kept for the day of judgment He was intimately and delicately • The Spirit created (Genesis earth was created from nothing and destruction of ungodly men. involved in the knitting together of 1:2; Job 26:13) but was not yet formed in such a human life. Psalm 139:13 echoes way that it could sustain human Indeed, Genesis 1 portrays the sanctity of human life made by Why did God make Creation? life and was therefore empty of God’s Word as the most power- God’s hand saying, “For you cre- The Bible lists a number of rea- human life as Augustine taught. ful force in all of creation. Therein, ated my inmost being; you knit me sons for God’s making of cre- God’s word brings order, makes together in my mother’s womb.” ation. Included among them are Where did creation come from? things good, creates an environ- the following: Genesis 1:1 portrays God creat- ment in which life can exist, sepa- Was the entire Trinity involved in ing all of creation from nothing. rates things, comes with unparal- making creation? • God made creation to glorify Therefore, Creation came not leled authority, and accomplishes Genesis 1:1 teaches that God Himself (Psalm 19:1) from pre-existing matter but rather exactly what God intended for made Creation, saying, “In the • God made creation to show out of nothing. it to. Therefore, we are to not to beginning God created the heav- forth His love (Psalm 136) What God had made from dismiss or distort God’s Word as ens and the earth.” Genesis 1:26 • God made creation for Himself nothing was then prepared for the Serpent sought to entice our reveals that this God is the Trinity (Colossians 1:16) human habitation by the powerful first parents to. saying, “Then God said, “Let us • God made creation to show us word of God. Genesis 1 paints In summary, God brought cre- make man in our image, in our His attributes (Romans 1:20) God as a prophet with the contin- ation out of nothing and prepared likeness…” • God made creation to worship ual statement, “And God said…” it for us because He cares for The Christian doctrine of the Him (Revelation 4:11) in 1:3, 1:6, 1:9, 1:11, 1:14, 1:20, us. Because of this in Jeremiah Trinity is that there is one God (II 1:24, 1:26. 10:16 we read “He who is the Chronicles 15:3; Jeremiah 10:10; How are men and women differ- The rest of Scripture echoes this Portion of Jacob is not like these, John 17:3; I Thessalonians 1:9; I ent than the rest of creation? fact of Creation being prepared for for he is the Maker of all things, John 5:20-21). And, this one God In our day a pagan environmen- us by God’s powerful word as the including Israel, the tribe of his is three equal persons; Father, talism that essentially worships following examples prove: inheritance- the LORD Almighty Son, and Spirit (e.g. Isaiah 48:16; creation as divine often fails to

44 45 distinguish between human life The great theologian Helmut of human nature. Those who do What is the cultural mandate? and animal life. But, the Bible Thielicke once said that history not read the Bible and take it to The cultural mandate was clearly distinguishes between the is in many ways like a good play. heart are prone to ignoring the originally given before the Fall two without dishonoring creation When going to a play one gener- complex dilemma of our dignity (Genesis 1:26-28, 2:15), and and the animals which the man ally asks certain questions such and depravity by favoring one as- later repeated to Noah after the and woman were made with as who wrote the play, who is the pect of our nature at the expense Fall and the Flood as it was still dominion over to steward. hero, who is the villain, and what of the other. in effect (Genesis 9:7). In the In Genesis 1:26-28 (cf. James is the plot? And, upon answering Genesis 1-2 clearly states that cultural mandate we see that the 3:9) we see the reason for human these questions we are able to we were made between God and first ruling unit was a family which dignity is simply because we were make sense of and enter into the the animals as lower than God later became the foundational made by God in His image. Ad- story in a meaningful way. Like- but higher than animals. Genesis ruling unit for the governments ditionally, we see that both men wise, each day people are born also states that our position be- of church and state. The cultural and women have equality and onto the stage of history where tween these two is indeed closer mandate was given to the man dignity because they are both im- they will say their lines and act to God than the animals because and the woman and included age bearers of God. This image of out their part without any concept we bear His image and were the command to have children, God that mankind bears makes us of who the Author of life is, what handcrafted by Him. Yet, there is expand across the earth and distinct from and superior to the great cosmic struggle they find a propensity for those who do not represent God by ruling and serv- rest of creation, including animals. themselves in, who the Hero and heed the insights of Genesis to ing so that a culture that glorified As we read the opening chap- Villain are, and how they relate to either elevate us to god-like great- God would be cultivated. ters of Genesis we also dis- the plot of which they are a part. ness as the highest and greatest Because of this cultural man- cover that men and women were And, apart from revelation we being capable of living well and date men and women continue to created for four relationships. are left with meaningless lives in doing good completely in and build societies and cultures today. First, we were made to have a which we seek to either do some- of our good and glorious selves. But, because of sin and the mar- spiritual relationship with God. thing significant to be a hero, or Conversely, others are prone ring of God’s image non-Christian Second, we were made to have lose hope and simply accept that to describe us as nothing more societies and cultures show forth a psychological relationship with we are villains and live amidst that than yet another animal incapable both the greatness and wretch- ourselves. Third, we were made brutally despairing truth. of self control, beauty, truth, or edness of mankind. However, to have social relationships with Yet, as we read the Bible we goodness. An example would Christians are supposed to carry other people. Fourth, we were uncover the source of both our include Freud who reduced us to forth the cultural mandate as made to have an environmental dignity and depravity. As the mys- essentially slaves to our animal- the church building a kingdom relationship with nature. tic Thomas Merton rightly said, istic urges for such things as sex counter culture that honors God, As a result of our sin, the image we are all angels and demons and food which drive our actions. obeys His Word, and expands and likeness that we bear persists wrapped up in meat. Indeed, we But, Genesis alone untangles His fame. but is marred by sin. Subsequent- were made in the dignified image the great puzzle of our dignity ly, as we read the effects of the of God. But, we have descended in Creation and depravity in sin Was anything made not good? Fall we see theological problems, into the depraved pattern of by pointing us to Jesus who in In Genesis 1 God declared what psychological problems, social Satan. Therefore, we are simulta- dignity died for our depravity and He made “good” except the problems, and environmental neously both great and wretched rose to redeem us as new cre- making of the man and woman problems that follow in our wake. which is the perplexing dilemma ations with our dignity restored. which He declared to be “very

46 47 good”. The only thing that we And, His definition of one man and What is the Fall? up to function as their own gods are told is not good before sin one woman eliminates the alterna- Genesis 3 records the fall of without need for the real God. and the Fall is Adam being alone tives such as bestiality, homosexu- mankind from a sinless to a sin- In this way, Moses is showing (Genesis 2:18). And, while this ality, and polygamy. At the first ful state. The scene opens with that in a sense we have killed does not infer that there was sin wedding God in His sovereignty Adam and Eve living in a perfect ourselves by disobeying God in in God’s original Creation, it does brought the woman to the man, environment that was made for a way that is not entirely unlike state that even in a sinless state gave her away as her father, and them by God to meet their every suicide. we were made with the need for officiated the ceremony as their need. However, the serpent (or The account further shows that human contact, friendship, and pastor. Upon seeing his bride for Satan in Rev. 12:9, 20:2) tempt- Eve sinned first as Adam stood love. And, though Adam had God the first time Adam responded to ed Adam and Eve by twisting passively by and watched his wife above him, and Creation beneath her beauty by singing her a beauti- God’s Word. commit the first sin against God. him, he lacked an equal to be in ful song. Poetically, the words of Eve spoke with Satan, though Their sin immediately separated community with that would enable Adam singing to his bride on their she was deceived by his clever them, bringing shame, distrust, him to function like the Trinity in wedding day are the first recorded arguments (Genesis 3:13; II and separation. Adam was the partnership as “one”. words of any human being, and Corinthians 11:1-4; I Timothy 2: representative and father of all God’s answer to Adam’s lack have caused some theologians 13-14). And, though Satan is a mankind, and when he sinned was the making of Eve as Adam’s to speculate that perhaps we all liar (John 8:42-47), he accused and fell out of favor with God so wife and helper (Genesis 2:19- sang until sin entered the world God of being the liar. did every person who would ever 25). It is important to note that and we descended from poetry to Satan then tempted the couple live (Romans 5:12; I Corinthians Eve is not denigrated as a helper prose. according to a pattern he contin- 15:21-22). Now, every person as God is also referred to as our Genesis 2:24 then explains how ues to use in our day (Genesis since Adam and Eve is a sinner, helper (e.g. Psalm 10:14, 118:6-7; a man can overcome this state of 3:6, cf. John 2:16 cf. Gen. 3:6, both by nature and choice (Ro- Hebrews 13:6). The first woman being single which is not good. Matt. 4:3,5,9) mans 3:23; Psalm 53:3; Isaiah was taken from the side of the First, a man should leave home 53:6, 64:6; I John 1:18). man, which beautifully illustrates and be his own man. Second, a 1. He tempted the lust of bodily Graciously, God immediately that she belongs alongside him in man should marry a woman he desire - “good for food” began pursuing the sinners call- partnership and not behind him loves who loves Him and loves 2. He tempted the lust of visible ing out for the man by name and in denigration, or in front of him the Lord. Third, their marriage sight - “saw the fruit” holding him accountable for the in domination. It may also explain should be consummated by sexual 3. He tempted the lust of pride– sin in his family. But, rather than why cuddling alongside her man intimacy as they spend the rest “desirable for gaining wisdom” repenting the man and woman is the favorite pastime of many a of their life becoming “one” as sought to excuse and blame their bride as it for her a sort of home- the Trinitarian God is “one” in Adam and Eve sinned by par- sin. Adam sought to blame both coming. And, though the woman Deuteronomy 6:4. This process is taking of the tree of the knowl- God and Eve for the sin, while was taken from the man, in the repeated by both Jesus and Paul edge of good and evil which was Eve went with the perennially sexual consummation of the mar- throughout the New Testament the one and only tree they were popular argument that “the devil riage the two again become one. as the pattern God intends for forbidden to partake of (Genesis made me do it.” Importantly, it was God who prospective marriage and sexuality 2:16-17). In doing so they were In the Fall we see the reversal created the covenant of marriage, to follow (Matt. 19:5, Mk. 10:7-8, seeking wisdom apart from God of the male-female roles and the thus He alone defines what it is. Ephesians 5:31). and proudly setting themselves genesis of the chauvinism and

48 49 feminism that have plagued us Did animals die before the Fall? ever since. Adam failed to lead In Genesis 2:17 God told the and so with what were likely good man that if he sinned he would intentions Eve stepped up to fill die. But, nothing is said of the the void in well-intended naïveté. possible death of animals before But, though Eve sinned first God the Fall so we do not know if ani- held Adam responsible as the mals died before the Fall, though head of his family by calling out it is possible. The command for his name to give an account for the man to work the ground may the sin in his family, chastising infer that at least plant life may Adam for listening to his wife have died before the Fall thereby when he should have listened to accounting for man’s work. The God, and pronouncing a death man, however, was kept alive by sentence on Adam and all of his eating from the tree of life in the descendants for the original sin. garden (Genesis 2:9) and once God then justly punished sin. he sinned was cast away from the First, God punished the Serpent garden and therefore eventually and promised that one day Jesus died. But, at the end of history we would crush him on the cross see that the new Creation again (Colossians 2:13-15), and ulti- has the tree of life so that God’s mately defeat him at the Second people may partake of it and live Coming (Revelation 20:10). Sec- forever (Revelation 22:1-2) ond, God punished the woman by increasing her pain in childbirth What about dinosaurs? and noting that she will desire When it comes to explaining to rule over her husband as she the apparent existence and now had in the original sin but that he extinction of dinosaurs there are would ultimately be the dominant generally two answers. Those head as God intended. Third, who believe in a young earth God punished the man by curs- believe that the dinosaurs were ing the ground under him which among the animals Adam named makes the man’s job incredibly in Genesis 2:19-20 and that they more difficult. And, though the were wiped out in the Flood of man came from the ground it is Genesis 6-9. Those who hold the ground that will defeat him in an old earth position generally the end as the men now die and believe that the dinosaurs lived God's Promise to Abram return to the earth. and became extinct before Adam was ever born. (Genesis 12:1-8)

50 51 Who did Cain marry? • God prearranging marriages Ishmael in Genesis 21:8-14 Sexual sins Adam and Eve were the first are found with Adam and Eve in • the occurrence of a second • lust is described in Genesis people in human history and their Genesis 2:18-25, and Isaac marriage is explained in 35:22 where Israel’s son son Cain married somebody but and Rebekah in Genesis 24:1-67 Genesis 23:1-2 and 25:1 when Reuben slept with fathers nobody is certain who she was • romance in marriage is found after Sarah died Abraham concubine Bilhah or where she came from. Some between Isaac and Rebekah in married Keturah • adultery appears in Genesis have postulated that maybe God Genesis 24:67, and Jacob and 39:1-23 where Potiphar’s wife made her as He did Eve. But, Rachel in Genesis 29:20 Parenting seeks to seduce Joseph who the Bible simply does not say • the disaster of polygamy is • the tragedy of sibling rivalry resists her advances this and if this were true then found with Lamech and Adah is recorded in Genesis 4 where • rape occurs in Genesis 34:1-2 she would have been a sinless and Zillah in Genesis 4:18-24, Cain killed his brother Abel where Shechem raped Dinah woman not descended from Jacob and Mahalath and other • the grief of barrenness • a false accusation of rape is Adam and therefore she would wives in Genesis 28:46-49, is common throughout the recorded in Genesis 39:1-23 have never died and be alive and and Jacob and Leah and Rachel patriarchs including Sarai in where Potiphar’s wife well today to tell us exactly what in Genesis 29:14-29 Genesis 11:30, 16:1-2; wrongfully accused Joseph of happened. So, it seems most • tragic love triangles are seen Rebekah in Genesis 25:21, and raping here which leads to his probably that Cain simply mar- with Abram and Sarai and Rachel in Genesis 29:31 imprisonment ried his sister which would make Hagar in Genesis 16:1-16, and though God eventually • incest occurs with Lot and his them a sort of type for hillbilly Jacob and Rachel and Leah answered each of their prayers daughters in Genesis 19:30-38, rednecks. and maidservants Bilhah and and enabled them to conceive and Judah with his daughter in Zilpah in Genesis 29:31-30:24 • the hardship of single parenting law Tamar in Genesis 38 Why is sex and sexual sin so • examples of disobedient is told in the story of Ishmael • homosexuality is culturally prevalent in Genesis? marriages between believers being raised by Hagar and God embraced and widespread In his very insightful book “The and unbelievers is found to be without the involvement of his in Sodom and Gomorrah as Genesis of Sex: Sexual Relation- widespread in the days of Noah father Abraham in Genesis recorded in Genesis 19:1-92 ships in the First Book of the Bi- in Genesis 6:1-2 21:8-21 ble” O. Palmer Robertson does a • a mismatched marriage that wonderful thematic study on such caused his parents Isaac and topics as marriage, parenting, Rebekah much grief was the and sexual sin. And, Genesis is union between Esau and Judith indeed replete with many real life and Basemath in Genesis examples of such issues because 26:34-35 it is an honest book it speaks of • the sad account of a loveless the beauties and tragedies of hu- marriage is noted in Genesis man intimacy. 29:31 where Jacob loved his wife Rachel and not his other Marriage wife Leah • the first marriage with Adam • the pain of divorce is told when and Eve is in Genesis 2:18-25 Abraham sent off Hagar and

52 53 Key New Testament Connections to Genesis

enesis is indeed the nature (Psalm 51:5, 58:4) and first book of the Bible, also separated from God be- but indeed it is not the cause of our own sin. But, Jesus only book of the Bible. Therefore, has redeemed all that Adam had it is important in clearly under- lost through His perfectly sin- standing Genesis to connect less faithfulness and death in our it to the teachings of the New place as a substitute for our sins. Testament to aid us in making Therefore, through faith in Jesus sense of both the Old and New we move from being under the Testaments as they are simply condemnation of Adam into the two hands serving the same God salvation of Jesus who is the sec- together. Therefore, to help you ond Adam (I Corinthians 15:20). see the correlation of Genesis and the New Testament I will con- What is the theological correla- nect Genesis to Jesus and Paul tion between Moses, Abraham, who dominate the New Testa- and Paul? ment, and the great themes of While Moses is the towering gospel, worship, incarnation, and author in the Old Testament, Paul redemption. is the towering author in the New Testament. And, while Paul is Adam and Jesus widely known as the great mis- In the New Testament the first sionary bringing justification by man Adam figures very heavily faith to the non-Jewish Gentiles in Paul’s teaching about Jesus the truth is that he learned both Christ. Paul goes so far as to his mission and message from portray all of mankind as simply Moses great book of Genesis being either under Adam or under which he meticulously studied as Jesus (Romans 5:12-21; I Cor- a Jewish rabbi. And, the correla- inthians 15:45-49). Adam is our tions between the lives of Abra- original covenant head (Hosea ham and Paul are simply stunning. 6:7) whose sin implicates us as First, In Genesis we see that his descendants who would have the formation of the Gentile Abram Receives the First Promise likewise sinned had we been in nations precedes the calling (Genesis 15:1-6) his position. Therefore, we are of Abraham so that the people each conceived with a sinful who are to be reached for God

54 55 precede God’s missionary Abra- area of Babylon which likely indi- animals, and creatures that move had destroyed all of the sinners ham. Likewise, in Paul’s day the cates that Abraham was not only a along the ground, and birds of but himself and some family mem- Gentile nations preceded him. Gentile when God saved Him, but the air-for I am grieved that I have bers Noah was keenly aware that Second, God called Abraham also a despised Babylonian. All of made them.” Simply, everyone on he was as sinful and deserving of to bless the Gentile nations of this is to show that God indeed the earth in that day was evil all death as those who had perished the earth by bringing them the loves all nations of the earth and the time – including Noah. in the flood and needed atone- knowledge of God as a mission- can save anyone anywhere and it But, in Genesis 6:8 we read, ment and grace to cover his sin. ary. Likewise, God called Paul to was this insight that transformed “But Noah found favor [grace] in Likewise, Paul’s gospel through- bring the gospel of Jesus Christ Paul to preach the gospel of free the eyes of the LORD.” This is the out the New Testament is that no to the Gentile nations in accor- grace to all peoples. Amazingly, first occurrence of the Hebrew one is righteous, no one seeks dance with Jesus’ restatement had the non-Christian Paul met word for grace in the Bible and God, and no one deserves to of the call of Abraham (Genesis Abraham before he was called by what it tells us is that Noah was be saved from God’s just wrath. 12:3) in the Great Commission God as a Gentile and circumcised sinful like everyone else, but that But, God in His kindness gives (Matthew 28:18-20). himself to become a Hebrew Paul God gave Noah grace while the grace to some people that makes Third, some Bible teachers would possibly have killed Abra- rest of humanity received God’s them righteous, saves them from suggest that Paul’s missionary ham as a godless pagan enemy of justice in the Flood. His just wrath, has Jesus’ death journeys even follow the route of God in the name of being a faithful In Genesis 6:9 we then read, atone for their sin thereby making the Gentile nations mentioned son of Abraham. “This is the account of Noah. them blameless before Him, and in Genesis 10 which may further Fifth, Paul got his gospel of Noah was a righteous man, enables them to walk with and indicate that Paul saw his Chris- free grace and salvation by faith blameless among the people worship God humbly. tian ministry as a continuation of alone not solely from the writings of his time, and he walked with Sixth, in Genesis 28:3 we read, the ministry of Abraham. of the biblical prophets as is often God.” In what sounds to be very “May God Almighty bless you and Fourth, before his conversion taught because the prophets Pauline, Moses tells us that Noah make you fruitful and increase to the worship of Jesus Paul had got their insights from reading was totally depraved, but that your numbers until you become a prided himself in being a Jew the Law/Pentateuch, and Paul God gave grace to Noah and community [church] of peoples.” descended from Abraham and received his insights from reading saved him from judgment, and it In this verse God’s intentions not a Gentile like those people both the Law and the Prophets. was God’s grace that made Noah from Abraham is that there would he despised (Philippians 3:2-11). And, in the Flood account of a righteous man, covered his be a community/church (the But, Abraham was not a Jew but Noah in Genesis 6-9 we find that sins to make him blameless, and word here is the Hebrew word rather a Gentile whom God raised contrary to much popular opinion enabled him to walk with God. for church) of peoples from many up to be the beginning of a new Noah was not spared from the At the end of the flood in Gen- nations.” This same idea is again nation founded upon the 12 tribes flood because he was a righteous esis 8:20 we see that the first stated in Genesis 35:11, and of Israel that was supposed to man. In Genesis 6:6-7 we read, thing Noah did after exiting the 48:3 further showing that God worship Jesus and be a missionary “The LORD was grieved that he Ark was to worship God for His wanted the nation of Israel that team sent into the earth just like had made man on the earth, and grace and offer a burnt offering came from Abraham to be a team Jesus’ 12 disciples. Furthermore, his heart was filled with pain. So sacrifice of atonement for his of missionaries bringing the good in Stephen’s great speech in Acts the LORD said, “I will wipe man- sin which prefigured the atoning news of God to the nations of 7:2-4 we find that God called kind, whom I have created, from death of Jesus Christ for Noah’s the earth so that there would be Abraham from the geographic the face of the earth-men and sin. Simply, upon seeing that God a universal church comprised of

56 57 the tribes, tongues, and peoples ation of the world God’s invisible Creation and Worship futile and their foolish hearts of the earth as we see worshiping qualities--His eternal power and The concepts of Creation and were darkened. Although they Jesus in Heaven in the book of divine nature--have been clearly adoration, or worship are closely claimed to be wise, they Revelation. seen, being understood from linked in Scripture simply be- became fools and exchanged Lastly, Paul echoed God’s in- what has been made, so that men cause we were created for the the glory of the immortal God tentions to have a church of many are without excuse.” purpose of glorifying God by wor- for images made to look like nations worshiping Jesus from Accordingly, Creation is a shiping Him. The following New mortal man and birds and Genesis in Romans 16:25-27 sermon preached by God to all Testament verses help to connect animals and reptiles. Therefore writing, “Now to him who is able people that reveals something of the great themes of Creation and God gave them over in the to establish you by my gospel and His essence through His works in worship, often doing so by show- sinful desires of their hearts to the proclamation of Jesus Christ, the same way that artwork reveals ing that Creation is evidence of sexual impurity for the according to the revelation of something of the artist. Or, as God’s love. degrading of their bodies with the mystery hidden for long ages John Calvin spoke of “the world one another. They exchanged past, but now revealed and made as a mirror in we ought to behold • Psalm 136:1-9 “Give thanks the truth of God for a lie, and known through the prophetic writ- God.” And, because we are a to the LORD, for he is good. worshiped and served created ings by the command of the eter- thread in His tapestry of Creation His love endures forever. Give things rather than the Creator-- nal God, so that all nations might we are without excuse as every- thanks to the God of gods. who is forever praised. Amen.” believe and obey him—to the thing from the dirt we walk upon to His love endures forever. Give only wise God be glory forever the air we breathe and beauty we thanks to the Lord of lords: His • Revelation 4:11 “You are through Jesus Christ! Amen.” delight in are gifts He has given. love endures forever. to Him worthy, our Lord and God, What is perhaps most striking who alone does great wonders, to receive glory and honor Creation and the Gospel about Paul’s words is that Cre- His love endures forever. who and power, for you created all Likely after meditating on the ation clearly and plainly reveals by his understanding made things, and by your will they opening chapters of the book God the Creator. Indeed, our in- the heavens, His love endures were created and have their of Genesis, the Apostle Paul ability to see God proves that by forever. who spread out the being.” penned his magna opus, the book sin we have all been blinded and earth upon the waters, His love of Romans. And, to begin his are in need of a miracle of grace endures forever. who made the Paul further argues that the articulation of the gospel of Jesus to enable us to see God through great lights-- His love endures opposite of worship is not athe- Christ he curiously spoke of God what has been made. And, once forever. the sun to govern the ism, but rather idolatry as we His as Creator. this miracle of redemption, or day, His love endures forever. creatures become so delighted Romans 1:18-20 says, “The what Paul calls remaking us as a the moon and stars to govern with what He has made that we wrath of God is being revealed new creation, is wrought our eyes the night; His love endures willingly choose to worship cre- from heaven against all the are opened to see the revelation forever.” ation rather than Creator. There- godlessness and wickedness of of God through His creation. And, fore, everyone is a worshiper men who suppress the truth by to aid our sight God has also • Romans 1:21-25 “For devoted to someone or some- their wickedness, since what may given us the light of His Word to although they knew God, thing and either giving themselves be known about God is plain to illuminate our darkness and teach they neither glorified him as to God the Creator, or some them, because God has made it us how to see Him in all that was God nor gave thanks to him, aspect of His creation which is plain to them. For since the cre- made good. but their thinking became akin to thanking a brush rather

58 59 than a painter for the strokes on a Creation and Incarnation curse and redeeming of creation story told in beginning-middle-be- canvas. Examples would include While some religions and phi- will happen at the end of history ginning format. The opening book the rampant godless pagan eco- losophies (e.g. Buddhism and when Jesus returns to usher in the of the Bible, Genesis, begins with spirituality which treats creation Greek mythology) are prone to new Heaven and new earth (Isaiah two chapters of Creation, fol- as a sacred god of greater value see matter as less than good, 65:17; Revelation 21:1), that will lowed by a chapter of judgment than human life, and the incessant Christianity simply does not. This include the tree of life from the for sin. Likewise, the closing book enjoyment of gifts such as food, is because after God made the Garden of Eden (Revelation 22:2; of the Bible, Revelation, closes drink, and friends without thank- heavens and the earth He repeat- cf. Genesis 2:9, 3:22, 3:24). with two chapters of new creation ing the Giver. And, at the end of edly called His creation “good” in Lastly, in this way the Bible is a preceded by judgment for sin. the tether of rebellion, Paul says Genesis 1. And, though creation in the following verses of Romans has strained under the curse 1, we find sexual perversion of imposed upon it by God because all sorts, including lesbianism of Adam’s sin ever since, God and homosexuality. Simply, those the Son was humble enough to who worship creation instead of incarnate into human history, live Creator are prone to eventually amidst His creation as a man, die worship the most beautiful aspect at the hands of the people He of creation, the human body, made, and rose to conquer Satan, which unlike the rest of creation sin, and death (Philippians 2:5- God shaped with His own hands 11). And, in Jesus’ incarnation we and covered after sin entered the see His love for us through His world. humble willingness to incarnate However, those who worship as a man and identify with us in creation are not well-intentioned our humanity to reconcile us back seekers who have strayed from to God who is our Creator. the path of truth. Rather, God the Spirit who alone knows the Creation and Redemption human heart declares in Romans As a consequence of Adam’s 1:18-19 that those who worship sin, creation was cursed by God creation instead of Creator have (Genesis 3:17-19). Today, Paul willingly suppressed the truth, says that creation is yearning for and exchange the clear truth of its redemption by Jesus (Romans divine revelation for the fog of 8:19-25) who was its Creator (I human speculation. Summarily, Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16). non-Christians are, frankly, willful This redemption of all creation is rebels who continue to worship made possible by Jesus’ death as they were made to, but refuse on the cross (Colossians 1:20; II to worship God alone in favor of Corinthians 5:17-21; Ephesians idolatry. 1:7-10). And, this lifting of the

60 61 Commentary and Study Tips

Creation Days 1-5

Scripture to Read: Genesis 1:1-25

Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Commentary:

rilliantly, the Bible mankind from nothing. opens with the One Therefore, in the creation ac- True Eternal God as count we see that God made both the author and subject of creation and then prepared it for history and Scripture. Conse- mankind. This is further taught in quently, everything else in human Genesis 1:2 where the creation history and Scripture is depen- is explained as being formless dent upon God and only good and void. Unfortunately, this verse when functioning according to has often been misinterpreted in His intentions for it from creation. light of Greek cosmology which We then read about the begin- believed that the world began as ning of history which leans into chaos (matter that was not gath- the future when history will end ered and organized) that became and be replaced by the eternal cosmos (ordered creation). Some state of God’s new creation. Christian commentators have In Genesis 1:1 the word used then taken this errant Greek view for creation is the Hebrew word to teach that God made creation “bara." Throughout the rest of from existing matter which would Genesis 1:1 the Hebrew word negate the fact that He made used for create is “asah” which creation ex-nihilo and contradict means to make something suitable Hebrews 11:3. such as making one’s bed which Subsequently, Genesis 1:1 The Sacrifi ce of Isaac is not creating from nothing, but explains God creating the heav- rather making it suitable for use. ens and the earth which is a way (Genesis 22:2-12) The only other things “bara’d” are of saying everything from the human beings when God “bara’d” skies above to the earth below,

62 63 or simply everything like saying why He made creation (for His Creation Day 6 from top to bottom or head to glory and our good), and much toe as the statement is likewise less on when this occurred. Scripture to Read: used throughout Scripture to What is clear from the first Genesis 1:26 – 2:4a mean (e.g. Isaiah 44:24, 65:17; five days of creation is that God Revelation 21:11). But, God’s prepared creation for human life Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: creation was not yet ready for hu- in five literal twenty-four hour Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the man life as Genesis 1:2 states, as days. And, He prepared creation image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” do other Scriptures that use the for us as a prophet solely by the same language to speak of bar- power of His Word as noted with Commentary: ren wilderness unfit for sustaining the repeated phrases “And God human life (e.g. Deuteronomy said…” and “Let there be/Let n Genesis 1:1 we rizes the creation of the man and 32:10; Isaiah 45:18; Jeremiah the…”. Creation then obeyed discover that God made woman with the first poetry in 4:23-28). God’s command as is repeatedly everything from nothing. the Bible. In Genesis 1:28-30 This creation account occurred noted with the phrase, “And it In Genesis 1:2 we are told that God then gave to the man and at some point in history past, was so…” God then repeatedly creation was not yet ready for hu- woman the cultural mandate to though the text simply does not pronounced the perfect and sin- man habitation. And, in Genesis fill the earth with offspring that tell us when as the Hebrew word less nature of His creation in the 1:3-25 we see God’s careful and build a God glorifying culture in Genesis 1:1 for beginning is phrase, “And God saw that it was loving preparation of our planet and rule over the earth as God’s “reshit” which means an indefinite good…” Lastly, the Genesis ac- for human life in five literal days. representatives. God then speaks period of time. Therefore, Gene- count of creation was most likely Then, in Genesis 1:26-2:3 the in Genesis 1:31 declaring the sis 1:1 leaves open both the pos- revealed to Moses directly by the sixth day of creation occurs as creation of the man and woman sibilities of a young and old earth same Holy Spirit which was pres- God makes the first man and as “very good” as opposed to as the focus of the Scripture is on ent in Genesis 1:2. woman, our parents Adam and the other days of His work which who made creation (God), how Eve. In Genesis 1:26 we read, God simply called “good”. He made creation (from nothing), “Then God said, “Let us make In Genesis 2:1-4a God then man in our image, in our like- rested on the seventh day from His ness…” which is a reference to six days of work to enjoy His handi- the Trinity. We then see that men work. And, this pattern of six days and women were both created as of work and one day of worshipful Study Tips distinct though equal by virtue of rest becomes the pattern for the • Note each of the five days of creation in your Bible. the fact that they both bear God’s seven day week and the Sabbath • Note each of the occurrences of the phrase “And God said…” image and likeness which are day as one of the 10 Command- • Note each occurrence of the phrase “Let there be/Let the…” synonymous terms. This image of ments in Exodus 20:8-11. • Note each occurrence of the phrase “And it was so…” God that mankind bears places • Note each occurrence of the phrase “And God saw that it them lower than God in creation, was good…” but much higher than animals who • Note what you learn about God’s attributes from these verses. do not bear the image of God. Genesis 1:27 then summa-

64 65 Adam and Eve

Study Tips Scripture to Read: • What does it mean that we bear God’s image? Genesis 2:4b-25 • What do these verses teach about the value of animal life compared to human life? Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: • What do these verses reveal about God’s intention for children? Genesis 2:24 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother • What is the cultural mandate and what does it say about and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” Christian involvement in making culture? • What do these verses reveal about God? Commentary: • What does God’s preparation of creation for us reveal about His heart toward us? hese Scriptures further as a home to our first parents and elaborate upon Genesis the prototype for the man and his 1:26-2:4a by giving descendants to cultivate the rest greater details about the creation of of creation to resemble through Adam and Eve. First, that the man their work. Second, in the garden was made before the woman and was the tree of life which sustained appointed as the primary leader, a Adam and Eve’s existence and fact that Paul builds the doctrine may indicate that mankind was not of male eldership in the church made eternal but rather kept alive as upon in I Timothy 2:11-13, and also long as they obeyed God and had serves as beginning of male head- access to this tree which appears ship in the family. Second, the man again at the end of Revelation in and woman were handmade in a Heaven. Third, also in the garden personal way by God unlike any- was the tree of the knowledge of thing else in creation. Third, God good and evil that was in the middle breathed life into the man which of the garden and forbidden for made him a living person and ex- consumption by God under penalty plains why we have personhood as of death and used by God to test it was a gift from the personal God their faith in Him. and not the work of impersonal In addition to the making of the matter working through implausible man and woman, these verses also evolutionary chance. inform us of the marriage and the In addition to the making of the man and the woman. And, since man and the woman, a number of this is the first and only marital additional facts are given about the and sexual relationship before sin environment God had spent five entered the world it is perfect and days preparing. First, a beautiful therefore the prototypical pattern garden cultivated by God was given for us to follow.

66 67 First, though all of creation was was God who brought the woman The Fall declared to be good and very to the man and gave her away as good in Genesis 1, the only thing her father, and also officiated their Scripture to Read: which is declared to be not good wedding ceremony as their pastor. Genesis 3:1-24 is Adam’s state as an unmarried Fifth, it was God who created mar- single man. Simply, Adam could riage as a union between one man Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: not reflect the image of God that and one woman which negates Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between he was created in by himself but homosexuality, bisexuality, bestial- your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” needed a wife as his equal to ity, and polygamy. Sixth, it was God represent the Trinitarian nature of who established the three-fold Commentary: God upon the earth. This fact is process by which a man is to take inferred in the text as the man and a wife that is repeated by both Je- his chapter is one of effect become His peer and gods woman were declared to be “one” sus and Paul as leaving home, then the most important in themselves. Eve believed Satan which is the Hebrew word “ehad” getting married, and lastly enjoying all of the Bible as it ex- over God and chose pride over that is used in Deuteronomy 6:4 to sexual intimacy (cf. Matthew 19:5; plains the source of and solution humility by partaking of the tree of also speak of the one God in three Mark 10:7-8; Ephesians 5:31). for sin and death. The scene is the knowledge of good and evil in persons. It is also echoed in I Cor- Seventh, it was God who created the beautiful and perfect garden sin against God. inthians 11:7-9 which states that sexuality and intended for it to be made by God for our first parents Tragically, we further read that woman was made for man in a way good, pure, and without shame to live in together without sin and while all of this occurred Adam that man was not made for woman. within the marriage covenant. its many effects. stood by silently, failing to lead Second, Eve was made to be Upon seeing his bride Adam But, the entrance of the his family in godliness. And, Adam’s helper which is not a deni- burst into poetic song to Eve. Serpent marks the beginning of Adam then joined his wife in sin gration of Eve’s equality, since God Since these are the only recorded chaos in creation. The Serpent which brought shame, distrust, is also called our helper (Psalm words we have of any human being is Satan according to Revelation and separation between Adam 10:14, 118:6-7; Hebrews 13:6). before sin entered the world some, 12:9 and 20:2. Satan began by and Eve, and between our first Third, the woman was made from have speculated that perhaps we tempting Eve to mistrust God’s parents and God. Adam was the the side of the man where she was were made to sing throughout life, Word by changing its meaning, representative and father of all made to dwell as his equal, lover, like a musical, but because of sin just as He did when likewise mankind, and when he sinned and friend and in lovemaking the have descended from poetry to tempting Jesus in Matthew 4:1- and fell out of favor with God so two become one again. Fourth, it prose. 11. Rather than rebuking Satan, did every person who would ever Eve entertained his lies (John live (Romans 5:12, I Corinthians 8:42-47) and was subsequently 15:21-22). Consequently, every Study Tips deceived by his crafty arguments person since Adam and Eve, • What does God’s creation of human life reveal about His loving (II Corinthians 11:3; I Timothy other than Jesus, is a sinner, both care for us? 2:14). Satan became so bold by nature and choice (Psalm • According to these verses what are the duties of a man? as to accuse God of being a liar 51:5, 58:3; Isaiah 53:6, 64:6; • According to these verses what are the duties of a woman? and tempting the pride of Adam Romans 3:23; I John 1:18). • What did you learn about marriage from these verses that and Eve by declaring that if they God then came looking for the encouraged and/or troubled you most? Why? disobeyed God they could in man, holding him responsible for

68 69 the sinful condition of his family be under their dominion as God as its head. And, rather than re- is with the rebellious man who is penting of his sin, Adam essen- likewise supposed to be under Study Tips tially argued with God by blaming His dominion. Adam was then • Read Ezekiel 28:12-19 and Isaiah 14:12-19 to gain further Eve for his sin, and blaming God given the privilege of naming his insight on the origins and fall of Satan. for making Eve. Eve, too, failed to wife as he did the animals, calling • Read I John 2:16 to discover the three ways that Satan tempts repent of her sin and blamed the her Eve which means “life-giver.” us to sin which are also the same ways he tempted Adam and Eve. Serpent for deceiving her. God then dealt graciously and • Read Romans 5:12-21 to note the effects of Adam’s sin. God then cursed the parties kindly with the man and woman • Because of Adam’s sin in Genesis 3 the Bible teaches that involved as penalty for their sin. though they had sinned. God everyone who descends from him is a sinner both by nature The serpent was cursed for what lovingly clothed Adam and Eve to and choice (e.g. Psalm 51:5, 58:3; Isaiah 53:6, 64:6; Romans he had done and told he would protect them. God also banished 3:23; I John 1:18). What does this mean and why does it be defeated one day by the the couple from the tree of life or matter that we understand the origins and remedy for sin from “seed” of the woman who is Je- they would have lived forever in Genesis 3? sus according to Galatians 3:16. sin with no hope of redemption. • Read Colossians 2:13-15 and Revelation 19:11-21 and Theologians have long called the Today, though we still bear 20:7-10 to see how Jesus defeated Satan on the cross and promise of Jesus in Genesis 3:15 the image of God, it is marred will destroy Him in the end. at the protoevangelion (first gos- and twisted by our pride and sin pel), as God preaches the gospel which accounts for the tragedies for the first time, whereas His and evils in the world that pro- angel will the last time (Revelation ceed from us. Our only hope is 14:6). redemption through Jesus who The woman was given in- is God that became a man to live creased pain in childbirth and without sin in our place, die in our God notes that she would place, and rise as the pattern for struggle with the feminist ten- our future. One day the seed of dency to rule over her husband rebellion in us from Adam will be rather than submit to his leader- forever removed as we re-enter ship as God intended (note that the second Eden in the new cre- the language her for Eve’s desire ation that will exceed that place to rule over Adam sinfully is the in which Adam and Eve enjoyed same as sins desire to rule over perfect communion with God. Cain in Genesis 4:7). The man’s work became toil for him because God cursed the ground. This means that as men seek to work their jobs and pay their bills they will continually be as frustrated with that which is supposed to

70 71 Cain and Abel his heart, namely sin. Cain was that God and people respond to jealous of his brother (I John Cain throughout the remainder of Scripture to Read: 3:12) and sought to worship God Genesis 4 I believe the context Genesis 4:1-26 apart from faith (Hebrews 11:4). of 4:13 makes it most likely that Therefore, this section of Genesis Cain indeed repented of his sin Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: reveals to us that true worship for three reasons though admit- Genesis 4:26b “At that time men began to call on the name of the LORD.” must proceed from the heart of tedly the text is not clear on this someone whose faith is in God matter. One, God gives Cain Commentary: otherwise all of their actions are an grace by sparing his life and offense to God in the same way sending him to live in a city of his episode of Genesis trol his anger lest it consume him that a loving father is not pleased refuge (Deuteronomy 19:1-14). shows how quickly and lead him into sin. with an unrepentant and stub- This seems unlikely if Cain not and tragically the sin And, commentators have bornly unfaithful and unloving hard only murdered his brother but of Adam and Eve spread to their been perplexed to understand hearted child that seeks to ma- then also lied to God about it and sons. Importantly, this text also why God rejected Cain’s offer- nipulate and appease him with a whined about being punished shows us that the first children in ing. Some have speculated that token gift (Proverbs 15:8, 21:27) without having repented. Two, the history of the world were born Abel’s gift was an animal fit for Cain yielded to his anger which God placed a mark on Cain to after the fall which means that sacrifice, while Cain’s gift was not God had warned him to control notify others not to harm him. every human being but Jesus was and thereby and unfit gift which and murdered his own brother, And, though we have no idea thereafter conceived with a sin explains why it was rejected by Abel. And, like his father Adam, what this mark may have been, it nature without exception. God. But, the text does not say when confronted by God he in effect branded Cain as God’s The account opens with Eve there was anything wrong with fails to repent and instead seeks possession to be spared harm. likely boasting that though she either gift for four reasons. First, to cover his sin. God, however, Again, this kind of loving provision brought sin and death into the they brought “offerings” and named Cain’s sin as He had his seems unjust unless Cain indeed world, she was also going to fix not sacrifices as the text clearly father Adam’s and Cain respond- repented. Three, the chapter it through birthing her son Cain states. Therefore, Cain’s offering ed to God’s rebuke in Genesis concludes by declaring that the which she wrongly thought would was appropriate. Second, both 4:13. And, how one interprets people in that day began calling fulfill the promise of redemption men brought their offerings to this verse determines how the on the name of the Lord which through a son from Genesis 3:15 God which is appropriate. Third, rest of the chapter is to be under- seems to indicate that they were that was intended for Jesus to the men both brought offerings stood. simply following Cain’s example fulfill many years later. The broth- in keeping with their employment, In Genesis 4:13 Cain is as he is the focus of that chapter. ers Cain and Abel worked as a which is also appropriate. Fourth, either whining to God about the In summary, it seems possible farmer and herdsmen which are the men both brought “firstfruits” punishment for murdering his that Cain began as a sinful man both honorable trades. which means it was the first and brother which God relented to who sought to worship God with The brothers both brought offer- best of their possession. and spared his life. Or, Cain was a proud heart and murdered his ings to the Lord, but the Lord re- Indeed, the problem with Cain’s lamenting the burden of his sin, or own brother who worshiped God jected Cain’s offering but received offering was not what he brought repenting of his sin by declaring with a pure heart. But, when con- Abel’s. This greatly angered Cain to worship in his hands, but rather it was more than he could bear fronted by God face to face Cain and the Lord warned Cain to con- what he brought to worship in to live with. In light of the way repented of his sin crying out to

72 73 God that he could not bear to live Cain may be the Old Testament Noah’s Ark under the pain of what he had equivalent of the Apostle Paul done and God therefore forgave who like Cain worshiped God Scripture to Read: him, spared his life, and pro- with a proud heart, murdered his Genesis 5:1 – 7:1 tected him for the rest of his days Jewish brothers who worshiped in love. God also lovingly gave God with a pure heart, but was Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: Cain’s mother Eve another son, brought to repentance through a Genesis 6:8-9 “But Noah found favor [grace] in the eyes of the LORD. Seth, for Cain to have in place face to face encounter with Jesus This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless of Abel. And, men began calling and went on to tell his story of among the people of his time, and he walked with God.” on the God of Cain because his redemption as a great evangelist story of God’s lovingly gracious compelling other men to also Commentary: forgiveness and blessing to even call on the name of the Lord in the worst of sinners compelled forgiveness of sin as he had. od’s calling Noah to build The primary theological point of them to seek the Lord. In this way the Ark begins with the the genealogy is to simply show lengthy genealogy of Ad- that every generation and person am’s descendants until the birth descended from Adam were sin-

of Noah. The time span covered ners who lived and died without Study Tips in this genealogy is at least 1600 exception in rather monotonous • To gain further insight on Cain and Abel it will be helpful years, and may be even longer if and unspectacular fashion. The to look up Jude 11; Hebrews 11:4; and I John 3:12. there are gaps in this genealogy genealogy opens with the first • Do you think it is most likely in Genesis 4:13 that Cain with some generations missing as man, Adam, who was made and lamented the punishment for his sin, or lamented the there are in other biblical genealo- blessed by God who named the pain he had brought upon himself by his sin? gies (e.g. compare Genesis 11:31 race “man” as Adam was made • What other Scriptures about the two topics of worship and Luke 3:36). Both traditional first as the head of the human and a pure heart help to shed light on why Cain’s Judaism and Christianity begin- race. Subsequently, this geneal- offering was rejected by God? ning in the seventeenth century ogy as well as the others in the • Why are our motives equally important to God as our with Archbishop James Ussher Bible are all patriarchal, meaning actions? have sought to total the lifes- they trace the family line through pan of each person listed in this the men as they are the head of genealogy and work backward their family in each generation. to creation which is then dated The genealogy does include at at 4004 B.C. which would make least two curious features. One, the earth roughly 6,000 years old. the man Methuselah lived 969 But, this means of seeking to date years which is apparently longer the earth is uncertain for reasons than anyone else ever has. And further explained in “How old is in 5:22-24 we discover a brief the earth?” in the chapter titled biography of seemingly the only “Answers to Common Questions godly man who lived during this About Genesis.” span of over 1600 years. Two, we

74 75 are told that Enoch “walked with that they have been joining him. therefore He would limit their “Nephilim” is again used to refer God” which means that he had Perhaps one of the most com- days to 120 years. Two possible to an apparently giant race of a lifestyle of worshipful obedi- mon and peculiar interpretations explanations exist for the meaning people which have caused many ence to God and was history’s is that the sons of God were of this verse. One, God promised to speculate that the Nephilim first prophet who predicted the angels who came down to marry to no longer allow people to live mentioned in Genesis 6:4 were coming flood (see also Hebrews and have sex with earthly women. as long as they had previously (as likewise an entire race of men 11:5-6; Jude 14-16). Enoch is But, this interpretation fails for listed in Genesis 5) and instead who called NBA centers “shorty”. also the only man in the geneal- at least three reasons. One, the determined that no human being But, the Nephilim in Genesis are ogy that did not die but was forthcoming judgment for sin in would live beyond the age of 120. not the same people mentioned spared death (like Elijah who is the flood was on people and not Curiously, the first man to die in Numbers, and Genesis does the only other man in the Bible angels. Two, Jesus clearly taught at this age was Moses (Deuter- not tell us that they were large in that did not die). In Enoch, Moses that angels simply do not marry onomy 34:7) and today even the stature. It does, however, tell us is showing us that the only way (Matthew 22:30; Mark 12:25). longest living people die around that they were large in fame and to avoid death and experience Three, Jesus taught that in the this age. Two, I Peter 3:20 says, reputation saying, “They were the eternal life is to “walk with God.” days of Noah which Genesis 6 “…God waited patiently in the heroes of old, men of renown.” The genealogy ends in 5:32 for describes people were simply days of Noah while the ark was Therefore, the Nephilim were sim- a lengthy excurses on Noah, and getting married, which means that being built. In it only a few people, ply some of the great unbelieving then picks up again in 9:28 with people were simply marrying one eight in all, were saved through men of that day who, perhaps, the genealogy of Noah’s death another and that is all is meant by water…” And, if Peter is referring were celebrities like many ath- and the birth of his sons. Genesis 6 (Matthew 24:37-39). to the 120 years then God prom- letes, rock stars, politicians, and Genesis 6 raises three of the To answer this question we need ised His judgment through the business leaders in our day. most difficult questions in all of go no further than the teachings flood and then waited patiently And, in Genesis 6:5-8 the Genesis. They are the marriage of of Moses and Jesus. In Genesis for 120 years to provide people fourth question of why God the sons of God and daughters of 5 we are given the genealogy of an opportunity to repent of their chose Noah to build the Ark is men, the meaning of 120 years, the sons of God as that is the line sin, which apparently no one did, given. I would stress that you will the Nephilim, and why God chose of the covenant people and they and Noah time to prepare for the need to read this section of your Noah to build the Ark. I will seek simply married the daughters of flood and build the Ark. If this Bible very closely as the story of to answer each of them briefly men who were the unbelieving interpretation is correct, and I Noah is widely misunderstood. and also encourage you to study families in that day. Therefore, personally believe that it may be Tragically, the story of Noah is them for yourself. among the great sins in the days but cannot be certain, then Noah commonly told that in the days The first question is what does of Noah which grieved God also preached during this 120 of Noah all the men were wicked Genesis 6:1-2 mean by saying was the prevalent intermarriage year period (2 Peter 2:5) though except for Noah who was a righ- that the sons of God married between God’s men (the sons of people were so wicked that they teous man that God saved from the daughters of men? Later in God) who took unbelieving wives declined God’s invitation to for- His judgment in the flood. The Genesis Noah gets drunk and (the daughters of men). giveness. application of this telling of Noah from reading some of the an- Genesis 6:3 then raises the In Genesis 6:4 the third ques- is that there are good people and swers to this question provided second question of this section tion from this section arises, bad people and that God loves by Bible commentators one is by saying that God would not namely who were the Nephilim? and saves the good guys but given the distinct impression allow human sin to continue and In Numbers 13:33 the word kills the bad guys so we should

76 77 be good guys so that God will here for the first time in the Bible that was some 1,400,000 cubic who believed that God would love and save us. But, this false and is echoed repeatedly by Paul feet, shaped like a modern day bring the flood even while others teaching about Noah is antitheti- throughout the New Testament in battle ship, and big enough to continued in sin without repen- cal to the rest of Scripture and is his teaching on salvation by grace house some 522 modern day tance. And, upon completing the simply not what Genesis 6:5-8 through faith alone. Because railroad box cars. construction of the Ark, Noah says. Therefore, it is impera- everyone was a sinner in Noah’s Noah obeyed God’s com- placed his family on the Ark with tive for you to closely read what day, just like everyone is a sinner mands and built the Ark, likely the animals God had commanded Genesis says paying attention to in our day, God had no good per- with only the help of his sons. him to and waited for God to fulfill the intentional theological order son to work through to accom- Hebrews 11:7 says that Noah did His promise of judgment. of events to properly understand plish His plan of redemption and so in holy fear as a man of faith what Moses is teaching. so God worked, as He always First, Genesis 6:5-7 states the has, by saving an undeserving total depravity of everyone on the sinner through grace thereby earth with one of the most nega- enabling them to live a righteous Study Tips tive declarations about human sin life as is taught in the next verse. • What is a patriarch? in all of Scripture. We are told Genesis 6:9 then explains the • What other Scriptures can you find which echo the universal that God saw that every person effects of God’s grace to Noah and total nature of human depravity that is explained in was only evil all the time. God saying, “This is the account of Genesis 6:5-7? was grieved that He made man- Noah. Noah was a righteous man, • Compare Genesis 6:5-8 with Paul’s teaching in the New kind because they filled His heart blameless among the people Testament that we are saved by grace to good works in with pain. This statement does of his time, and he walked with places like Ephesians 2:8-10. Why is it vital to the gospel include Noah who was simply God.” that we recognize that Noah was not a godly man of his own one of the sinfully wicked men on Indeed, Noah was a blame- effort who was chosen by God to build the Ark because he the earth who grieved God. less and righteous man who like was a holy man apart from God’s grace? Second, Genesis 6:8 then ex- Enoch “walked with God”. But, • What does it mean that Enoch and Noah walked with God plains the process by which God Noah was only this sort of man (see Hebrews 11:5-7; Jude 14-16 for further insight)? chose to save and bless Noah. because God saved him by grace It says, “But Noah found favor and empowered him to live a new [grace] in the eyes of the LORD.” life of obedience to God by that Noah did not begin as a righteous same grace. man, but rather he began as a Once made a believer by God’s sinner as bad as anyone else grace, God began to speak di- on the earth in his day. The only rectly to Noah and give him com- difference between Noah and mands to obey. God informed the other sinners who died in the Noah that He planned to end sin flood of judgment was that God by killing all of the sinners through gave grace to Noah. Beautifully, an enormous flood as judgment the word favor is the Hebrew on sinners. God then gave Noah word for grace which appears orders to build an enormous Ark

78 79 The Flood

Scripture to Read: Genesis 7:1 – 8:22

Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: Genesis 8:20-21 “Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.”

Commentary:

fter Noah was saved by But, upon further inspection God’s grace, built the there are at least four reasons Ark according to God’s why a less than universal flood instructions, and loaded his family are possible. First, the land is on board with the animals as God spoken of some 400 times in commanded him, God then sent Genesis and means everything what was likely the first rain ever. from the entire planet earth, to re- The rain continued for forty days gions of the earth, to local areas. until it covered the land drown- Therefore, in stating that the flood ing all of the sinners under God’s covered the land could mean any- righteous judgment. The only thing from the known world in that people spared in the flood were day to the entirety of planet earth. Noah and his family because, as For example, in Genesis 8:8-9 Genesis 6:8 stated, God gave Noah sent a dove out of the Ark them grace. looking for dry land and we are The size of the flood has been told that the dove examined all of widely debated and the two pri- the land which obviously did not mary answers have been a local mean that the dove flew around flood limited to the general area in the entire globe examining every which Noah lived, and a universal inch in search of dry land amidst flood covering the face of the the flood. Isaac is Deceived by Jacob entire planet. And, at first reading Second, since the account of the account of the flood certainly the flood was likely handed down (Genesis 27:21-30) appears to be universal in nature from the eyewitness account of covering the entire planet. Noah it is possible that Noah

80 81 did not know what was going out across the entire earth, the on across the earth, but rather majority of the earth was not only aware of what he could see inhabited. Therefore, to accom- Study Tips with his own eyes. If true, this plish God’s purpose the flood • Do you believe the flood covered the entire earth, or was to would mean that when the text simply needed to be big enough some degree smaller than completely universal? states that the flood rose above to cover all of the people who • In light of Genesis 6:5-7 and II Peter 2:4-9 why did God the mountains it may refer to the lived on the earth. Subsequently, send the flood? highest mountains in that region whether the flood was universal • What does the flood reveal about the inevitable fate of those which would make the flood or simply covered the area in who persist in sin without repentance? bigger than a local flood but not which everyone lived it was big • According to Romans 3:21-28 (especially 3:25) how is the necessarily universal. enough to accomplish God’s pur- Old Testament act of atonement ultimately applied to Jesus Third, the book of Genesis was pose of putting an end to all sin Christ? written to the few million people and sinners except Noah and his • According to I John 4:7-21 (especially 4:10) how is Jesus’ who were essentially refugees family who were saved by grace. atonement related to Gods love and ours? wandering in the wilderness After the flood subsided and between Egypt and the Promised God dried the ground, Noah and Land. And, since to them the to- his family exited the Ark. Then, tality of the known world was their Noah did a remarkable thing that region of the earth it is certainly we must be careful to note and possible that they would have un- appreciate. In Genesis 8:20 we derstand the discussion of land to read, “Then Noah built an altar to refer to the land they were seek- the LORD and, taking some of all ing to find as their home. Fourth, the clean animals and clean birds, if the flood was not universal then he sacrificed burnt offerings on it.” it is likely that there could have After recognizing the devas- been animals that lived outside tation that God wrought upon of the area covered by the flood the earth Noah was convicted that lived despite the flood. And, of his own sin knowing that he those animals could have over too should have been killed like time returned to the land and help everyone else. So, he offered a replenish the animal life which burnt offering for the atonement ended in the flood along with the of his sin (e.g. Leviticus 1:4; Job animals spared on Noah’s Ark. 1:5). God was so pleased with The question remains, how Noah’s offering of atonement that big was the flood? And, I would He responded by promising to simply state that the flood was never flood the earth again as the big enough. The point of the flood answer to sin would henceforth was to judge sinners. And, since be atonement which foreshad- the human race had not spread owed the death of Jesus for sin.

82 83 God’s Covenant with Noah point in history meat was added check him out is bad no matter to the human diet. These com- how the story ends. Scripture to Read: mands further build upon teach- In the story of Noah we have a Genesis 9:1-29 ing in Genesis 1 that while animal sort of second fall with God start- life is to be treated kindly it is ing over with Noah who like Adam Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: inferior to human life which alone sinned. The point is simply that Genesis 9:1 “Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, “Be bears God’s image. The effect sin remains the human problem fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.” of the covenant is the renewal even after the flood. of God’s intentions in creation Genesis 9:25-27 then picks Commentary: by distinguishing between those up Noah’s declaration of cursing people, like Noah, in covenant and blessing directed toward his fter the flood receded • both men had their nakedness with God from those who are not. sons. Ham’s son Canaan and the the land appeared out covered In Genesis 9:18-28 Noah re- Canaanites who descended from of the water like the • both men were in covenant with sponded to God’s kindness by him were cursed to serve the line days of creation for Adam. In God (Adam’s covenant is found getting drunk and passing out of God’s people that would come this way, the account of Noah in in Hosea 6:7) naked in his tent like a Hillbilly from Ham’s brothers. It was also many ways echoes the account of • both have three named sons Redneck on vacation. Noah’s son promised that Japheth would Adam with a sort of new creation Ham then walked in to Noah’s prosper as God would dwell and new humanity and new fall. God then entered a covenant tent to gaze upon his father’s with Him. Racist theologies have The connections between Adam with Noah in Genesis 9:1-17 that nakedness. And, the text simply tried to claim that the curse of and Noah are many, including: was intended for all people of does not tell us much more than Canaan was a curse upon black the earth. God promised that He these bare details, but many peo- people which is simply foolish • both Adam and Noah are would never again send a cata- ple have inserted numerous spec- and unfounded as from this man the fathers of all humanity that clysmic flood and that the sea- ulations about what happened descended people of many races descend from them sons would continue by God’s including Ham having homosexual and nations, including Cauca- • both worlds are brought forth provision. In this covenant we see intercourse with his passed out sians. Lastly, Genesis 9:28-29 out of a watery chaos that God’s answer to human sin father. Whatever happened, one picks up the genealogy from 5:32 • both men are said to bear the would be a covenant of grace, thing is sure, any sentence that as Noah dies and the human race “image of God” beginning with Noah. The sign basically states that a son walked again begins to grow though still • both men “walked with God” of the covenant was the rainbow in on his drunken naked dad to sinful. • both men ruled over the to remind God’s people of His animals promise to never flood the earth • both men are given the cultural again. Through the covenant God Study Tips mandate to increase in number would restore His intentions to • What does covenant mean? and rule the earth bless people. • Moses interrupts his lengthy genealogy between Genesis chapter 5 • both men work the ground The terms of the covenant for and 10 to focus in on the life of one man, Noah. Why do you think he • both men sin against God human beings include respect for did this? What was he trying to teach us through the life of Noah? • both men experience shameful the sanctity of human life, and the • Does Noah’s sin surprise you? Why or why not? nakedness following their sin freedom to eat animals as at this

84 85 City of Babel

Scripture to Read: Genesis 10:1 – 11:9

Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: Genesis 11:8-9 “So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel -because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.”

Commentary:

enesis chapter 10 opens Sodom and Babylon lie eastward. with a lengthy genealogy Babylon (also referred to as of people who will be Babel) is introduced as a nice important for the rest of the book. city not unlike most in our own Genesis is basically written in day where regular people simply chronological order with chapters sought to build a secular society 10-11 being the primary inversion apart from God. Some people as Moses intent is to establish only speak of the Tower of Babel the nations that were scattered which was a part of the city likely out from Babel to best frame the built to see incoming enemies but story theologically. The geneal- the focus of the story is simply ogy breaks down into the de- not on the building of the tower, scendants of Noah’s three sons, but rather the building of a city to Japheth, Shem, and Ham from house a secular society. The story whom the Egyptians descended. does not mention any particularly Throughout Genesis the con- heinous sins that the Babylonians cept of going east corresponds committed other than the simple to getting farther and farther from fact that their hope was to make God. For example, when Adam their name great and not God’s. and Eve were cast out of the gar- And, in the building of their great den they went eastward (3:24) city their hope was to gather as did Cain (4:7). When people together as a unified people who go eastward in Genesis they are would not be scattered but would walking away from God (typified apart from God’s covenant and Jacob's Dream by Eden and the Promised Land) blessing live for themselves by (Genesis 28:10-17) and into ruin as places such as themselves. In fact, this may be

86 87 the first great city in the history of hear the gospel and worship God the world and its purpose was to despite their language barriers. stand against all other people and The point of Babel and Pen- Study Tips God as a sort of secular seat of tecost is that the hope for our • What were the people seeking to accomplish through their authority on the earth. sin problem is not to be found in building of the city of Babylon? God caused the Babylo- proud nationalism, technological • What significance does Babylon play in the rest of nian attempt at their sovereign advancement, and the working to- Scripture both as a literal place and a metaphorical people secular kingdom as an affront that gether of unrepentant sinners, but in rebellion against God? ignored Him. Worse still, their in- rather the miraculous power of • What were the Babylonians putting their faith and hope in tent was to have sufficient power the Holy Spirit. And, rather than other than God? Were they any different than the typical to do as they pleased by uniting drowning the sinners as He had non-Christian in our day? together and defending them- in the Flood, God instead saved • In light of God’s covenant with Noah to bless the earth why selves from everyone else. God them from themselves and gra- did God not justly end the life of these sinners as He did in rightly viewed this centralization ciously simply scattered them and the Flood? of power in the hands of proud confused their language to force sinners apart from Him as a them to live as He intended scat- dangerous thing and saved them tering and filling the earth (Gen- from themselves and saved oth- esis 1:28, 9:7). Subsequently, ers from the potential abuses of these scattered people become power by simply scattering them the nations listed in Genesis 10. and confusing their languages. Lastly, like the fall of Adam and Ironically, this scattering of the mini-fall of Noah this is yet anoth- people and confusing of the er fall of sorts. Here, to overcome languages were two of the pri- their sin problem people do not mary things these people were turn to God but rather rely on seeking to prevent from happen- one another and place their hope ing in the first place. The name in military might, technological Babel, or Babylon, is humorously advancement, and the building of akin to our English word babble a good and decent society which which is what their communica- is simply yet another sin against tion sounded like once God God that cannot remedy fallen confused their language. Beauti- human nature. fully, on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 through the power of the Holy Spirit the gift of tongues temporarily reversed this division as people who were saved from different nations and languages were supernaturally enabled to

88 89 Call of Abraham lonian when, much like Noah, he place. Additionally, Exodus also too found gracious favor in the ends with the expectation of one Scripture to Read: eyes of the Lord. Amidst God’s day entering the Promised Land Genesis 11:10 – 12:9 judging of the Babylonians by (Exodus 40:34-38), a longing not scattering them into various na- realized until after the death of Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: tions God raises up one of their Moses in the opening chapters of Genesis 12:1-3 “ The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your own to conversely be the man Joshua. people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. “I will through who God’s blessing will In faith Abram believed and make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, be sent forth to the nations. obeyed God, doing as God com- and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever God simply told Abram to manded at the age of seventy- curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” leave his homeland and father five. He took his wife Sarai, their to journey to a new land that household, and his Nephew Lot Commentary: God would show him. God then who becomes a troublesome promised Abram that thought his figure later in the story. God od’s answer to the ef- portant men in the Bible he was wife was barren he would be a then appeared to Abram who forts of Babylon seeking simply yet another sinner living father. Through Abram’s son was responded by worshiping God to make their name great among the scattered nations. In promised a great nation blessed in faith by building an altar as he was the calling of Abram to be this way Abram was not unlike by God that would be a blessing does throughout the book after the father of a new nation with a Noah had been before God to the nations of the earth through encountering God (12:7, 12:8, name that God would make great. likewise called him into covenant. one of his offspring/seed. This 13:18, 22:9). Abram then settled Genesis 11 closes with a con- We know very little about Abram promised seed is singular, mean- in Bethel just north of Jerusalem tinuation of the genealogy from before God called him other than ing Jesus, and not plural meaning which is an important city in the Genesis 5 and 10 in an effort to his genealogy, barren wife, and Israel (Genesis 3:15; Matthew Old Testament mentioned more connect Abram as a descendant temporary home in Haran after 1:1, 1:17; Galatians 3:16). God times than any other city but Jeru- of both Adam and Noah through having been born in Ur of the also promised to make Abram’s salem. Noah’s son Shem. With the arrival Chaldeans (11:27-32). Since Ne- name great, the same thing the The central point of the account of Abram in Genesis the book hemiah 9:7 and Acts 7:2-3 seem Babylonians failed to achieve as of Abram is discovered when shifts from the theme of God to indicate that God in fact called they pursued it apart from God. contrasting Abram with Babylon, calling creation into existence Abram in Ur of the Chaldeans he Abram was also told he would both the story which preceded in Genesis 1-11, to God calling may have even been called out that his descendants would his call and the city that was the people into covenant in 12-50. of Babylon as a Babylonian that receive the Promised Land if he in location he was called from. The God had not spoken since perhaps even sought to help build faith made a radical break with his Babylonians sought to be a great His covenant with Noah until He that great city which God judged past leaving his home. This entry nation, blessed people, great spoke to Abram to likewise again as the key city of the Chaldeans into the Promised Land was not in name, protected from their initiate a covenant relationship. was Babylon (e.g. Isaiah 13:19, fulfilled in Genesis as the book enemies, and the centerpiece At the time, Abram was called by 48:14; Jeremiah 24:5, 25:12, ends with Joseph requesting that of world affairs. But, they pur- God to become the father of a 50:1; Ezekiel 1:3, 12:13, 23:15). his bones be taken from Egypt to sued their aims apart from faith new nation, prototype of a life of Amazingly, Abram was appar- the Promised Land in the day that and apart from God. So, God faith, and one of the most im- ently just a regular godless Baby- God’s people finally entered that called one of them, Abram, out

90 91 into covenant with Himself and Abram goes on to dominate Abraham and Lot Separate promised to give to Abram all Genesis until his death in 25:11 that the Babylonians had strived somewhere around 2000 B.C. Scripture to Read: for by His gracious provision. And, the lens of Genesis focuses Genesis 12:10 – 13:18 Therefore, God is showing that in from this point forward on the our hope cannot rest in the ef- descendants of Abram as God’s Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: forts of sinners to save and bless covenant people raised up to be Genesis 13:16 “I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if themselves. Rather, our only hope blessed and a blessing to the anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted.” is to be found in entering into nations as Abram, like Noah, is a covenant relationship with God picture of God’s divine election. Commentary: by faith. hus far we have seen lovely Sarai to the great Pharaoh God call and bless and rewarding Abram with great Adam, Noah, and gifts for the right to pursue his Study Tips Abram. And, we have seen each wife whom they thought was his • What additional light does Hebrews 11:8-12 shed on man after their call from God sister. Oddly, Pharaoh who is the Abram’s response to God’s call? sin against God. Adam ate the godless man in the story appears • In what ways did Abram demonstrate faith in Genesis 12:1-9? forbidden fruit, Noah got drunk, more morally upright than the • In Genesis chapters 1-11 the word blessing was used five and now Abram who is the man godly man Abram. However, God times and in this call of Abram the word is again used five of faith acts without faith in God’s punished Pharaoh until the secret times. What does blessing mean and how does one receive promise to protect him. Thus was revealed and Sarai was re- God’s blessing? far, the point Moses is making leased to Abram though she had • Abram’s name (including Abraham) appears over 300 times repeatedly is that there is not a not been yet sexually violated. in the Bible. Why is he such an important figure in Scripture? man sufficient to remedy the sin Abram’s journey into Egypt fore- • According to Galatians 3:16 who is the blessing that is the problem which paves the way for shadows the four hundred year offspring/seed of Abraham? God becoming the man Jesus exile there in the book of Exodus Christ to remedy the sin problem in which God safely delivers Himself. Abram’s descendants from the The story of Abraham in this hand of Pharaoh as He had their section begins with Abraham mother Sarai and father Abram. entering Egypt to escape a great In the next section Abram and famine. He feared that men would his closest relative, Lot, had so desire his antique though become so prosperous that they apparently beautiful wife that she needed to separate because should lie and say that she was the land could not accommo- his sister so that he would not be date them both with all of their harmed. households and animals. Their The unsuspecting Egyptians affluence is evidence of the fulfill- believed Abram’s lie, bringing the ment of God’s promise to bless

92 93 Abram and to cause others to be The central theological point in blessed by him. Abram allowed these accounts seems to be that Lot to select which portion of while God’s servants are imper- Study Tips land he would choose. fect it is His sovereign protection • What do the accounts of Abram and Pharaoh and Abram The link between these two which saves us from ourselves and Lot reveal to you about God’s sovereign protection of His accounts is God sparing Abram and makes His promises become people? from himself. God had promised reality. Additionally, those who do • According to these two accounts, how can we rest assured to give Abram both offspring and belong to the Lord quickly learn that God’s promises to bless His people will come to pass? the Promised Land and in the from the unbelief, as Abram did • Do you believe Abram’s actions of allowing Lot to choose his nearly giving away his wife to with Pharaoh, and trust God by portion of the land is an example of his faith in God or a foolish Pharaoh and the Promised Land faith as Abram subsequently did mistake? to Lot, Abram would have ruined with Lot. Since Abram was older all that God had promised him. than Lot he would have had the Fortunately, God did intervene right to choose the best land first, and through inflicting diseases on but it seems that Abram allowed Pharaoh and his household, and Lot to choose first in faith that the causing Lot to choose land other Lord would give him the Promised than the Promised Land, God Land by pure grace and no effort made good on His promises in of his own. This same pattern of spite of His servant. Abram relaying solely on the Lord While we cannot be certain, it to provide for him again appears appears that Abram acted in un- in the next chapter where in belief with Pharaoh. But, after do- Genesis 14:22-24 Abram again ing so Abram called on the name rejects riches in favor of receiv- of the Lord in worship (Genesis ing it solely from God. Therefore, 13:4) which may have refocused Abram apparently learned his his faith back to God after a good lesson with the Pharaoh and time in repentance. Since he did returned to a life of radical trust in so at the place of his earlier wor- God to protect and provide which ship when he began in faith it is enabled Abram to live humbly so likely that Abram’s return to the that the Lord could exalt him just place at which his faith was first like He did Jesus. evidenced in worship was also his return to trusting God by faith. This seems likely because after his worship we see Abram go from faithless with Pharaoh to a man of faith with Lot trusting God to give him the Promised Land.

94 95 Abraham Rescues Lot, dek is indeed a shadowy man of great faith. The powerful and Meets Melchizedek enveloped in mystery for many. wealthy Melchizedek offered Some Bible commentators have Abram great wealth, but Abram Scripture to Read: believed that he was a Christoph- rejected the offering. He did so Genesis 14:1 – 14:24 ony (appearance of Jesus before because God had promised to His birth), while others believe he bless him and make him prosper Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: was everything from an angel, to and Abram was unwilling to act Genesis 14:18-20a “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread a type of Jesus Christ, or perhaps in unbelief by gaining wealth and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, simply a powerful man. through the hand of anyone but “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And In Genesis we read the fol- God alone as an act of faith. blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” lowing about Mechizedek. First, Additionally, Abram knew that he was the king of Jerusalem. if he accepted wealth from Commentary: Second, he brought out bread and Melchizedek it could obligate him wine to fellowship with Abram not to the man which could lead to enesis chapter 14 army of 318 men is quite large, unlike communion. Third, he was a a conflict between his loyalties includes both a harrow- it is not large compared to the priest though the priesthood from to God and loyalties to a man. ing and a mesmerizing armies of entire nations. There- Aaron had not yet been estab- Therefore, in faith Abram rejected account regarding Abram. The fore, Moses likely provides for us lished. Fourth, he blessed Abram the wealth and protection this first account is about a great war. the number of Abram’s warriors to as God had, and he blessed great king offered him in favor The second account is about a demonstrate that Abram ultimate- Abram’s God. Fifth, Abram recog- of trusting God alone to provide great man. ly won his battle by the blessing nized his greatness giving him a for and protect him as He had Though Lot was a righteous of God who promised to protect tenth of his possessions, or a tithe. promised. Again, we see Abram man, he had taken up residence him and curse those who cursed Whoever Melchizedek was, by faith leaving his fate in God’s in the godless city of Sodom (cf. him. Melchizedek likewise recog- Abram’s response to him is one hands. II Peter 2:7-8). And, when a war nized that it was God who was broke out and his city was over- ultimately responsible for the de- taken Abraham's nephew Lot was feat of Abram’s enemies (Genesis Study Tips one of the men taken captive in 14:20). Abram the great warrior • What do you learn about God from Abram’s fight in a great war. The report of Lot’s captivity also recovered the stolen plunder battle and friendship with a great man? is brought to “Abram the Hebrew” and freed the men, women, and • What changes have occurred in Abram’s faith since he (the word Hebrew here appears children as a blessing to both Lot worshiped God in Genesis 13:3-4? for the first time in Scripture) from and his fellow captives. • For further study on Melchizedek see Psalm 110, Hebrews someone who had successfully Abram the warrior then appears 5 and Hebrews 7. Who do you think Melchizedek was? fled the war. to be something of a king as both Abram was apparently very the king of Sodom and King of wealthy as he gathered his 318 Salem came out to meet with him. trained men from his personal Mechizedek was the king of Sa- army and defeated the army hold- lem which is short for Jerusalem ing Lot. And, while a personal (e.g. Psalm 76:2). And, Melchize-

96 97 God’s Covenant with Abraham Genesis 15:6 reports Abram’s Covenant of our salvation which response to God’s Word which is was confirmed with Jesus’ sacri- Scripture to Read: among the most important verses fice of His own life on the cross Genesis 15:1-21 in the Bible saying, “Abram be- and the shedding of His blood. lieved the LORD, and he credited God then promised Abram that Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: it to him as righteousness.” though his descendants would Genesis 15:6 “Abram believed the LORD, and Genesis 15:6 becomes a verse inherit the Promised Land, it he credited it to him as righteousness.” that is central to the New Testa- would not be in his lifetime, but ment doctrine of faith in general, rather only after a future 400 year Commentary: and Paul’s doctrine of justification exile in Egypt. In this revelation, by faith in particular (Romans 4:3 God foretold the entire account e now come to one of Until this point when God spoke and Galatians 3:6). Additionally, of the 430 year captivity in Egypt the most significant to him, Abram simply believed Jesus’ brother James quoted recorded in Exodus which is the chapters in the Bible God and obeyed Him. But, as Genesis 15:6 to teach that true next book of the Bible. God then recounting God’s call of Abram. Abram’s relationship with God faith in God results in good works marked out the boundaries of the In this chapter the vital themes of has grown he now takes the in life with God (James 2:23-24). Promised Land which the bound- faith and covenant appear. liberty of respectfully inquiring God’s covenant with Abram aries of which also coincide with Genesis opens with God of how God will provide for him. was confirmed with a sacrifice the Garden of Eden (Genesis speaking and preparing creation Abram’s speech may indicate a and the shedding of blood. This, 2:10-14). for mankind by the power of wavering in his faith as when he of course, foreshadows the New His Word. Throughout Genesis is silent it appears Abram acts in God has thus far spoken to faith and when he questions God Adam, Noah, and Abram. And, in it appears that doubt is creeping Genesis 15:1 God again speaks into his mind. If there is doubt, it Study Tips to Abram in a vision, preparing may be in part because God had • What additional light does Nehemiah 9:7-8 shed on God’s the man for covenant as He had already promised Abram a son faithfulness toward Abram? prepared creation for the man some time earlier (Genesis 12:2) • What additional light does Hebrews 11:11-12 shed on through the shaping power of His and he had not yet had a son, Abram’s faith? Word. And, whereas later in Gen- and would not until some twenty- • Read Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6, and James 2:23-24 in light esis 20:7 Abram is clearly called five years had passed from God’s of their surrounding contexts to discover the implications of a prophet, here he is cast in that promise of a son and the birth of Genesis 15:6 for you. role as the Word of the Lord had that son, Isaac. • What does God’s revelation of the Hebrews four hundred come to him, a phrase repeated God poetically promised to be years of exile in Egypt tell you about both his knowledge of some 221 times throughout the Abram’s protector and provider. and rule over human history? Old Testament when God gives God promised that though Abram • What do you discover about God in Genesis 15? His Word to His prophet. was childless and his wife Sarai In Genesis 15:2 we also wit- was barren they would have a ness the first time that Abram son, and that through that son a spoke to the Lord in response. nation of people would be born.

98 99 Hagar and Ishmael polygamy is wrought with favorit- from the abusive Sarai. The angel ism, fighting, jealousy, and mis- of the Lord instructed Hagar to Scripture to Read: treatment (e.g. Genesis 25:28, return to Sarai and trust that God Genesis 16:1-16 27:1-45, 35:22, 38:18-28; II would protect her and provide Samuel 3:2-5, 13:1-29, 15:1- for her and her son like He had Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: 18:33; I Kings 11:1-4). This also Abram. God also promised that Genesis 16:11-12 “The angel of the LORD also said to her: “You are now helps to explain why in the New her son would become the father with child and you will have a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Testament church elders who of a great nation because he was LORD has heard of your misery. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand serve as the pattern for Christian a son of Abram, though not the will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in families are to be one woman son of the promise as that would hostility toward all his brothers.” men (I Timothy 3:2,12). eventually be Isaac. God also Abram slept with Hagar and told Hagar that his name would Commentary: she bore him a son. And, in bitter be Ishmael, which means God irony Sarai blamed Abram for hears, because God had heard hroughout God’s least inferred that God had not the rift in their family because he her weeping and responded with dealings with Adam, kept His promise to her (Genesis slept with Hagar as Sarai wanted kindness. God then promises that Noah, and Abraham we 16:2). Their actions were likely him too. Much like his father, Ishmael would be a “wild donkey have witnessed a pattern of God motivated at least in part by the Adam, Abram then allowed Sarai of a man” and that he would be a speaking to them, calling them fact that they had been waiting to lead their family and do as she warrior in hostility with his broth- into covenant, establishing them ten plus years for God to give pleased to Hagar rather than ers who would descend from as the head of a new humanity, them a child since He had prom- leading his family and caring for Abram. promising to bless them, and in- ised to do so and Abram was his son. Sarai mistreated Hagar In this account, the birth of viting the men to respond to Him now eighty-six years old and his which caused Hagar to flee from Hagar’s son is announced by in faith. We then see each man wife was perhaps sixty-five years her. Moses carefully paints this an angel much like the birth falter in faith and sin against the old and barren. picture in very sad terms, show- of Jesus is proclaimed by the Lord despite His patient kindness Abram married Hagar in ad- ing the mistreated Hagar sitting angel Gabriel in Luke 1. Both to them. dition to Sarai and the pattern alone and heartbroken near a announcements are given to the And, in Genesis 16 we see this of polygamy is here introduced spring in the desert. mother (Hagar and Mary), both pattern repeated in yet another for the first time in Scripture. But, God intervenes as the women are greeted, both are told mini-fall of sorts. After the es- The results of this polygamy are hero of both this chapter of Gen- that they will bear a son, God tablishment of God’s covenant truly tragic, as is the case with esis and the canon of Scripture are given God’s favor, both are in Genesis 15, Abram sought to other instances of adultery and altogether. And, just as God given their sons name, the future take matters into his own hands polygamy in Scripture. God’s came searching for Adam and achievements of each son are by bearing a son with his Egyp- intention is that each man would Eve in the Garden, the angel promised, and the women both tian maidservant, Hagar. The have one wife (Genesis 2:18; of the Lord came searching for respond with thanks to God. faithless plot was conceived by Matthew 19:4-6). The first man to Hagar in the desert. The angel of Ishmael was born to a Hebrew Abram’s wife, Sarai, who like her take more than one wife was the the Lord spoke to her to inquire father and Egyptian mother and first mother Eve failed to trust godless man Lamech (Genesis of her circumstances. Hagar became the father of the Arab na- the simple words of God and at 4:19-24). And, when practiced explained that she was running tions that to this day are in hostil-

100 101 ity with Jews and Christians alike which means “the God who sees The Covenant of Circumcision as promised. And, they are also a me.” Therefore, it seems likely very wealthy people as God has that Jesus Himself came down to Scripture to Read: blessed them with the wealth of comfort and bless Hagar and she Genesis 17:1-27 oil. recognized that it was God who Lastly, there is some question had appeared to her in love. If so, Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: as to who the “angel of the Lord” Jesus may here be sitting with a Genesis 17:11 “You are to undergo circumcision, and it will is in Genesis 16. The word for woman at a well much like He did be the sign of the covenant between me and you.” angel generally means mes- during his incarnation with the senger. And, the Old Testament Samaritan woman in John 4 who Commentary: seems to distinguish between “an was likewise not a Hebrew but angel of the Lord” which refers was a sexually sinful woman. ollowing God’s cov- Abram which means “exalted to one of God’s angels, and “the Lastly, in this we see that God enant with Abram father” to Abraham which means angel of the Lord” which seems does love the Arabs who today in Genesis 15, and “father of a multitude” as the time to refer to God Himself com- are more likely to be Moslem than Abram’s sexual sin with Hagar in for God to fulfill His promise of ing down (e.g. Judges 6:11-4, Christian in part because of this Genesis 16, God then institutes a son for Abram was very near. 13:22). In this section “the angel great family feud that began with circumcision of Abram’s penis God then described His covenant of the Lord” may in fact be Jesus Sarai and Hagar and continues as the sign of the covenant in with Abraham to include Abra- because of Hagar’s response. In to this day in great wars and Genesis 17. The reason why ham’s descendants. Genesis 16:13-14 Hagar named conflicts throughout the world, God chose to mark his men on God also gave Abraham the “the angel of the Lord” El Roi, particularly in the Middle East. this part of their anatomy is not terms of the covenant which revealed to us but it makes sense included Abraham and his de- as for men this is of great im- scendants trusting God by faith in portance to them, the means by obedience by walking with God Study Tips which they conceive children, and as Enoch and Noah had. The sign • In what ways is the story of Abram and Sarai a repeat of the cause of some of their most of their faith in God and member- Adam and Eve? grievous sins. ship in the covenant was to be • Who do you believe “the angel of the Lord” that spoke to Circumcision was performed circumcision of the male flesh of Hagar was? either with a sharp knife, or stone. every generation and all of their • What lessons can be learned about the implications of Circumcision began in Genesis household under their headship. sexual sin from this chapter? 17 with Abram who was ninety- Theologically, in the covenant • God promised God both a son and many descendants. nine years of age as a sign of of circumcision we are given sig- According to Romans 4 and Galatians 3:6-8 how are his covenant with God as the nificant insight into the doctrines Christians the descendants promised to Abraham? rainbow was the sign of God’s of God’s sovereignty and human covenant with Noah. God spoke responsibility working together. to Abram, and Abram responded In the covenant of circumcision to God’s command in faith, falling God pledges to be a God and down on his face to worship God. trustworthy God. He also calls God then changed his name from His people to obey Him by faith

102 103 as they are created by Him to be enant. God also promised that include we who are Christians as 2:25-29; Colossians 2:11). And, responsible moral agents. twelve princes would come from the descendants of Abraham by those with hearts circumcised by God then told Abraham that Ishmael in contrast to the twelve new birth. Circumcision pointed the Holy Spirit are truly Abra- his wife’s name would also be tribes of Israel and they are listed to the circumcision that God ham’s descendants as they like changed from Sarai which means in Genesis 25:12-26. brings to our hearts through His him live in covenant relationship “contentious” to Sarah which However, Abraham immediately covenant relationship with us with God by faith in Jesus Christ means “princess”. God also obeyed God as Moses makes (Deuteronomy 10:16, 30:6; Jere- (Romans 4; Galatians 3:6-8). promised that through Sarah the clear with the statement “On miah 4:4; Ezekiel 44:7-9; Romans princess would come kings with that very day….” Abraham was ultimate fulfillment to come with circumcised at the age of ninety- the birth of Jesus Christ who is nine along with every member of the King of Kings promised to his household as God had com- Study Tips Sarah’s great-grandson Judah in manded. He did this because God • Circle in your Bible each of the occurrences of the word Genesis 49:10 promised that any male who was “covenant” in this section. God appeared to Abraham, not cut in circumcision would be • Make note of what God promises to do in the covenant. something that happens on only cut off altogether by God. Since • Make note of what is required of Abraham and his a few occasions in Genesis this occasion Jews have circum- descendants in the covenant. (12:7, 18:1, 26:2, 26:24, 35:9). cised their sons on the eighth day • What does Paul’s teaching about God choosing Isaac over And, like chapter 15 Abraham as that was the day chosen for Ishmael reveal about election in Romans 9:6-9? spoke to God in unbelief rather their father Isaac (17:12), and Ar- • Why does Paul stress that Abraham had faith first, and then than simply obeying Him by faith. abs have circumcised their sons at the sign of the covenant (circumcision) in his commentary on Subsequently, in yet another mini- the age of thirteen as that was the Genesis 17 in Romans 4? fall Abraham laughed at God in age at which Ishmael was circum- • According to I Corinthians 7:17-19 and Galatians 5:1-12, distrust that he and Sarah could cised (17:25). 6:12-18 do Christian men today need to be circumcized? conceive as God had promised. God’s covenant with Abraham But, God kindly restated His in Genesis 17 has puzzled theo- promise to Abraham that he logians because God had already would have a son, even instruct- entered a covenant with Abraham ing Abraham to name him Isaac in Genesis 15. The two most likely which means “laughter” as God reasons for both accounts are that would get the last laugh. Sum- God was either expanding the marily, God’s portion of the covenant of land in Genesis 15 covenant to Abraham consisted with offspring in Genesis 17, or of offspring (Genesis 17:4-6) and that God was again restating His eternal faithfulness (17:7-8). God covenant with Abraham after he also kindly answered Abraham’s sinned with Hagar in Genesis 16. request to bless his other son, Throughout the rest of Scrip- Ishmael, even though he was not ture the concepts of covenant the son of the promise or cov- and circumcision are expanded to

104 105 The Lord Appears to Abraham Abraham feared that perhaps the they would be spared as Noah godly people in the city would and his family were in the days of Scripture to Read: be wrongly harmed amidst the the flood. Genesis 18 closes by Genesis 18:1-33 destruction of the godless. But, setting the stage for the destruc- the Lord assured Abraham that tion of Sodom and Gomorrah in Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: the city did not have more than Genesis 19. Genesis 18:13-14a “Then the LORD said to Abraham, a few righteous people and that “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD ?”

Commentary: Study Tips • How does Hebrews 13:2 summarize Genesis 18 and teach us about hospitality? n Genesis 18 three men likely did so because at this point • Why does God treat Abraham and the inhabitants of appear to Abraham and her husband was nearing 100 Sodom so differently? since one is repeatedly years of age and she was likely • How do Romans 4:19 and Hebrews 11:11-12 help called the Lord and worshiped by around the age of 90, had been shed light on why Sarah laughed at the thought of getting Abraham it was probably Jesus barren her entire life, and possibly pregnant? and two angels. The location had even completed menopause, • What does Genesis 18 reveal to us about God, particularly at which Abraham is visited is all of which meant there was no His mercy and justice? the same place he had settled possible way, humanly speaking, in 13:18 and had apparently for them to have a child. God remained there for a number of again kindly restated his promise years as he stayed in the place that a son would be born within God has called him obediently. the year because nothing is too In this we see a pattern that hard for the Lord. emerges as God reveals Him- As the Lord and the two “men” self in various miraculous ways traveling with Him got up to leave throughout Genesis. They include Abraham they then revealed to speaking (1:3), visions (15:1), him the impending destruction of and angels (16:7). the nearby city of Sodom. This is The account of Genesis 18 is likely because throughout both about God’s visit with Abraham the Old and New Testament God at which He again promised the requires at least two witnesses in birth of Isaac, this time within the the condemning of a sinner. And, year. Sarah was eavesdropping the Lord remained to discuss the on the conversation between impending judgment as the two Abraham and the Lord and like “men” went into the city to investi- her husband did in Genesis 17 gate it on His behalf. she too laughed at the Lord. She Knowing the justice of God

106 107 Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed know nothing of Lot’s wife, but if has handed them over to their she lived in Sodom it may explain sin and their minds have become Scripture to Read: why Lot settled there and why so corrupted that they cannot Genesis 19:1-29 she looked back as they fled as see the truth as Paul clearly she was regretting their depar- states in Romans 1:18-27. And, Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: ture. while God can and does forgive Genesis 19:24 “Then the LORD rained down burning sulfur on The account of the destruction repentant homosexual sinners, Sodom and Gomorrah-from the LORD out of the heavens.” of Sodom and Gomorrah ends the Bible is clear that homosexu- by stating that Abraham stood off al conduct is deplorable to God Commentary: to witness the smoke rise from who made us male and female, the former cities and that Lot married us male and female, n Genesis 19 the two town to ashes. Unlike Abraham and his family was spared only and intends sexual contact to angels whom the Lord who repeatedly obeyed God im- because God blessed them for only occur between one married had sent to investigate mediately, Lot was still in the city being associated with Abraham male and his female wife and the sexual sin of Sodom and the next morning with his family who prayed for Lot in Genesis only a sodomite in the legacy of Gomorrah were welcomed for and had to be literally walked out 18:16-33. We are also told that Abraham’s day would fail to see hospitality by Lot as they had of town by the two “men”. Once God remembered Abraham as this simple truth. been cared for by Abraham. As safely out of the city one of the He had Noah (8:1, 18:29) Since the destruction of they rested in Lot’s home the angels commanded the family to Today, the destruction of Sod- Sodom and Gomorrah is the perverted men of the city sur- run for their lives without look- om and Gomorrah is under great most graphic account of God’s rounded the home demanding ing back or stopping. Lot then attack by people who desire response to sexual sin in general that Lot’s guests be sent out for begged the angel to permit him to reconcile homosexuality and and homosexual sin in particular homosexual sex and possibly to instead flee to a small nearby Christianity. These people seek I want to briefly state the reasons even to be gang raped by the town called Zoar (which means to teach that God sanctions and why the sin judged in Sodom crowd of men. small) and the angel kindly blesses homosexual sex which was homosexual sex. Lot responded by offering the agreed to permit Lot and his fam- directly contradicts Scripture disgusting solution that he would ily to do so. (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13; Romans • The sexual sin of Sodom and send out his two virgin daughters Lot and his family barely made 1:26-27; I Corinthians 6:9-11; I Gomorrah has long been to instead by gang raped by the it out of town in time as God Timothy 1:9-10; Jude 17). They held to be homosexuality as our crowd. In this we see the evil not rained down burning sulfur (liter- even go so far as to teach that English word sodomy indicates only in the men but also in Lot ally burning asphalt) on Sodom God destroyed Sodom and • Earlier, in Genesis 13:12-13 who both chose to live in that and Gomorrah and killed all Gomorrah for reasons other than when Lot chose to live in city and was willing to hand his of the people, also destroying homosexual sin, often stating Sodom God warned Abram own daughters over to rapists. their land much like the days of that God was angry because of about its wickedness in the Fortunately, God intervened Noah. Lot’s wife looked back in the Sodomites inhospitality to days preceding the visit of the and blinded the perverted men. sin trying to save her own life in the two “men” who were visiting two angels saying, “Abram The two “men” then told Lot to unbelief rather than trusting God the city. lived in the land of Canaan, get his family out of town before to save her in faith according Such twisted interpretations while Lot lived among the God rightly reduced the hellish to Jesus in Luke 17:32-33. We are simply evidence that God cities of the plain and pitched

108 109 his tents near Sodom. Now the same word is used to explain men of Sodom were wicked that Lot’s daughters had not and were sinning greatly had sex with any men (19:8) against the LORD.” which makes it abundantly clear • Genesis 18:20-21 records that the men simply wanted God’s account of the great to have sex with the “men” in sin saying, “Then the LORD Lot’s house. said, “The outcry against • The parallel account of Genesis Sodom and Gomorrah is so 19 in the book of Judges 19 great and their sin so grievous likewise speaks of homosexual that I will go down and see if gang rape which is likewise what they have done is as bad condemned there also. as the outcry that has reached • And, if there should be any me. If not, I will know.” question as to whether or • Even Lot said their sin was not the sin of Sodom was wicked which is saying a lot homosexual sex Jude 7 is as his answer was the “less” emphatic on this point saying, sinful solution of offering his “In a similar way, Sodom and own daughters to be raped Gomorrah and the surrounding as in Genesis 19:7a-8a he towns gave themselves up to says, “No, my friends. Don’t do sexual immorality and this wicked thing. Look, I have perversion. They serve as an two daughters who have never example of those who suffer the slept with a man. Let me bring punishment of eternal fire.” them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. In summary, the account of • In Genesis 19:5 it says, “They Sodom and Gomorrah from [the men of Sodom] called to Genesis 18:16-19:29 shows Lot, “Where are the men who God’s righteous judgment of came to you tonight? Bring homosexual sin. And, in the ac- them out to us so that we can count we also again see the faith have sex with them.” Some of Abraham. Though Abraham have argued that the word knew that Sodom and Gomorrah rightly here translated “sex” would be destroyed, and rightly does not mean sex, but when feared that his nephew Lot and Jacob Wrestles with the Angel used elsewhere in Genesis Lot’s family could be destroyed, it simply does (e.g. 4:1, 4:17, Abraham did not run into town (Genesis 32:24-31) 4:25, 24:16). Even in this same to warn them and save their life. chapter of Genesis 19 the Instead, in faith Abraham prayed

110 111 to God for their lives to be Abraham did not doubt that God Lot’s Incest spared and went to bed to sleep spared Lot and did not venture soundly in faith that God would into Sodom to investigate if he Scripture to Read: answer his prayer. And, when was indeed still alive but rather Genesis 19:30-38 he awoke the next morning to simply trusted God. see the cities reduces to ashes Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: Genesis 19:36-38 “So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab; he is the

father of the Moabites of today. The younger daughter also had a son, and Study Tips she named him Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites of today.” • In Genesis 18:16-33 Abraham prayed for God to spare his nephew Lot and his family from the destruction in Commentary: Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 19:29 says that God remembered Abraham’s prayer which is why he rescued n the closing account cave with his daughters. Lot had Lot. What things can you learn about prayer from this story? of Genesis 19:30-38 no wife as she had died, and the • What light does II Peter 2:4-10a shed on the story of Lot’s we witness one of the girls had no husbands as they rescue? most troubling and bizarre stories were living alone with their father. • What does this account reveal to us about God, particularly in all of Scripture. There, the And, fearing they would never get his holiness? story of Lot closely resembles the pregnant the girls got their father • What does this account reveal to us about God’s view of story of Noah. After being spared drunk and had sex with him. The the severity of sexual sins? widespread judgment that rained sons they bore by their own father • What other Scriptures are important to your understanding down from Heaven both Noah were the heads of the Moabite of the severity of sexual sin? and Lot get drunk and end up and Ammonite races that later • According to Jude 7 what are we supposed to learn from naked and passed out. became bitter enemies of God’s God’s dealing with Sodom and Gomorrah? After seeing God destroy So- people (e.g. Numbers 23-25; II dom and Gomorrah for sexual sin, Kings 3). and after God spared Lot though Lot is morally culpable for the he sought to also commit sexual incest because he is apparently sin by offering to hand his two a very poor head of his family. In virgin daughters over to a crowd Genesis 19:14 Lot’s sons-in-law of homosexual male rapists, Lot laughingly mocked him when he actually impregnated both of his told them that God was going to own daughters. judge the sin in their town and his After seeing the devastation two daughters conspired to usurp that God brought to Sodom and his headship. And, in Genesis Gomorrah and not trusting that 19:30-38 he has his daughters God would protect him as he living in a cave is oblivious to already had once, Lot moved into their desire to marry and have the mountains to live alone in a children, without a plan to give

112 113 them in marriage as was his duty, through Abraham Lot was given Abraham and Abimelech and they have apparently learned grace and spared the wrath of to share his sexual disrespect for God. And, while we may protest Scripture to Read: them as they together agree that God’s sparing of Lot the point is Genesis 20:1-18 getting their father drunk, having very simply that if God were not sex with him, and bearing his chil- gracious everyone on the earth Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: dren is a good idea. Additionally, would end up going the way of Genesis 20:17-18 “Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed the girls share the values of the Sodom. Abimelech, his wife and his slave girls so they could have children again, world and not the Lord (Genesis But, in time God uses what for the LORD had closed up every womb in Abimelech’s household 19:31) which they learned grow- was evil for good as only he can. because of Abraham’s wife Sarah.” ing up in the sinfully sick city of Eventually, out of the lineage of Sodom which Lot chose for them. the godless Moabite race came a Commentary: The theological point of this woman named Ruth, and subse- story is that Lot was no more of quently Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:18- n Genesis 20:1-18 we and put him in harm’s way with a righteous man than the other 22; Matthew 1:5). read of the account God. Abraham answered that men who perished in Sodom. But, of Abraham moving he feared that Abimelech might and again giving away his lovely harm him to take Sarah and so he antique of a wife as he had in sought to protect himself in unbe- Genesis 12:10-20. Fortunately, lief rather than trusting for God to Study Tips God intervened like one of the big protect him as God had promised • What wisdom can parents and children glean from the guys in a mob movie through a and demonstrated previously. story of Lot and his daughters? dream that revealed to Abimelech Abraham then tried to weasel • What does the story of Lot reveal to us about God, who was king of Gerar that Sarah his way out of an embarrassing particularly his grace? was in fact married and that God situation by telling a half truth that was going to kill him and his sounded more like Adam’s like- family if he touched her sexually. wise lame excuse for sin instead Moses tells the story in such a of simple repentance. way as to stress the innocence of Amazingly, Abimelech was Abimelech (e.g. 20:6). a kind man as he actually then In 20:7 God declares that blessed Abraham giving him Abraham is a prophet which is sheep, cattle and slaves. He also the first mention of a prophet in invited Abraham to live wherever the Bible. And, God tells Abim- he pleased on Abimelech’s vast elech that Abraham will pray for land. To top it off, Abimelech him, and that those prayers will also gave Abraham a thousand be answered. shekels of silver which is around The poor Abimelech who has twenty-five pounds. At this point been lied to and tricked asked in the story the godless Abim- Abraham why he had lied to him elech certainly appears as a bet-

114 115 ter man than Abraham. repeatedly told Abraham that his Isaac Born, Ishmael Sent Away Then, as God promised, Abra- son would come through his wife ham prayed to God. We then Sarah. Yet, for the second time Scripture to Read: read that God healed Abimelech, Abraham gave essentially gave Genesis 21:1-21 his wife, and his slave girls again her away to marry another man. so that they could again con- And, yet again, God had to fix Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: ceive children. God had closed Abraham’s mess, prevent Sarah Genesis 21:1,3 “Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, the womb of every woman in from having sex with another man, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. Abimelech’s household in punish- and return Sarah to Abraham so Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him.” ment for Abimelech having taken that they could have the son of Sarah. the promise to fulfill God’s cov- Commentary: The point of this story is to enant with them and all nations of again show that the fulfillment the earth. Simply, God is faithful he book of Genesis mocked the promises of God. of God’s promise was accom- to his accomplish promises even has been building an- As Isaac grew, tensions again plished solely by God’s sovereign when his sinful people complicate ticipation since chapter escalated between Sarah and and gracious provision. Up to his plans through disobedience. twelve for the birth of Abraham’s Hagar who had born Abraham’s this point in Genesis God has promised son, Isaac. And, in first son, Ishmael. When Isaac was Genesis 21 that longing is real- about three years of age Ishmael ized some twenty five arduous who was in his late teens mocked years later. Abraham’s son was and laughed at Isaac which infuri- Study Tips born just when and how God ated Sarah, though it was in fact • What do you learn about God from this event recorded in promised, and Abraham circum- the same kind of laughter she had Genesis? cised his son at eight days of age previously directed at God. Every- • Why does it matter that we have a right view of God? just as the Lord had commanded. one in the story loves Ishmael (the • Why does Moses continually reveal to us both the Sarah responded with expected Lord, the angel, Hagar, Abraham) highlights and lowlights of Abraham’s life? great joy as the elderly barren except Sarah who despised him. woman was given her son by a But, God permitted Sarah to send miracle of God not unlike her de- them away and promised Abraham scendant Mary years later at the that though Ishmael was not part birth of the promised Son. of the covenant that he would be Abraham and Sarah named cared for and protected. In this the boy Isaac, meaning laugh- way God may not have been so ter, just as God has told them. much discarding Ishmael and And Sarah laughed. But, on this Hagar as removing them from an occasion she laughed in joyous increasingly tense and unpleasant worship for the grace of God family situation with Sarah. which brought her a son which Abraham sent Hagar and was quite unlike her previous Ishmael out into the desert with laughter of unbelief that basically only some food and containers

116 117 of water. And, while his actions make them into a great nation, Abraham Nearly Sacrifices Isaac appear to be thoughtless and and then provided a well for them cruel (which they may have been), to drink from. God remained true Scripture to Read: it is also possible that Abraham to his promise regarding Ishmael Genesis 21:22 – 22:19 simply believed God’s promise and the boy grew up in the desert to take care of the boy and bless as a skilled archer who ended Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: him as he already had blessed up marrying an Egyptian woman Genesis 22:1-2 “Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, Abraham and those associated which is a likely indicator that he “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. Then God said, “Take your son, your with him, such as Lot. did not worship God but lived by only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him Out of water and wandering in his own courage and strength. there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” the desert with her son Hagar sat It would seem that the ten- in despair anticipating that she sions in the story have now been Commentary: and her son would die of thirst resolved. But, as a master story as he wept. But, as in Genesis teller Moses has reserved the enesis 21 ends with likely a young man, Moses tells us 16 “the angel of the Lord” who climactic test of Abraham’s faith the serene portrait that God tested Abraham. This is probably Jesus spoke to her. for the near sacrifice of Isaac in that Abraham’s life has statement clues us in that God From Heaven he promised to Genesis 22. finally all come together under intends not to lead Abraham into care for her and her son and God’s perfect blessing. Despite sin, but rather prove Abraham’s nearly losing his wife twice, Abra- faith as our old English word for ham still has Sarah. And, despite test means. And, perhaps the Study Tips waiting for twenty-five years point of this test was not for God • What light does Galatians 4:21-31 shed on why God Abraham finally has Isaac. And, to see if Abraham had faith, but allowed Ishmael to be sent away while Isaac remained with after residing near the Philistine rather for Abraham to demon- Abraham? king Abimelech for some time the strate the depth of his faith in • When Abraham sent Isaac and Ishmael away into the land he had been using at the front of his son Isaac so that he desert with only minimal food and water do you believe he kindness of the king was given too would learn to walk in faith as was acting in faith or cruelty? to him complete with a well to his father had. • What do you learn about God from this story, particularly provide fresh water for his large Echoing God’s initial call to his kindness? household. And, the scene ends Abraham in Genesis 12 God with Abraham planting a tree as commanded Abraham to “go” a sign of rest as it appears the and sacrifice his son Isaac as a drama and uncertainty of his life burnt offering. This would have has come to an end as he settles required that Abraham slaughter down to enjoy his days with his his son, dismember him, and burn son and wife. his body. And, such a taking of a However, Genesis 22 is then child’s life was directly forbidden a brilliant literary contrast to the later by God (Leviticus 18:21, portrait at the end of Genesis 21. 20:2). Obediently, Abraham Some time later, when Isaac was awoke early the next morning

118 119 without any noticeable hesitation • Isaac and Jesus were both laid brought this test not to discover son whom he dearly loved, and and set out with his son to do as down as a burnt offering for sin what was in Abraham’s heart, as trusted God with that which was the Lord commanded. • Isaac was brought back from God would have already known most dear to him so that Isaac And, just before he murdered the dead figuratively and Jesus that. But, God may have waited could see this event, experience his son with the knife in the air was brought back from the for this test until his son Isaac the depth of his fathers faith, and above him the angel of the Lord dead literally was a young man so that Isaac love and trust God as his father (again likely Jesus) called to Abra- could see that Abraham loved did. ham from Heaven commanding According to Hebrews 11:17- God more than even his own him not to harm his son. God then 19 Abraham’s faith was so great provided a ram to be sacrificed. that, “By faith Abraham, when And, the angel of the Lord again God tested him, offered Isaac as spoke from Heaven reiterating a sacrifice. He who had received Study Tips God’s covenant promises to give the promises was about to sac- • What light does Hebrews 11:17-19 shed on this story? Abraham blessing, descendants, rifice his one and only son, even • How do John 3:16 and Romans 8:32 echo this story? land, and blessing to all nations of though God had said to him, “It is • What does James 2:21-23 teach us about Abraham’s act of the earth. through Isaac that your offspring faith as it relates to our lives? The comparisons between this will be reckoned.” Abraham rea- account and the death of Jesus soned that God could raise the are many. To help you see them I dead, and figuratively speaking, have listed them below: he did receive Isaac back from death. • Isaac and Jesus were both sons After having walked with God of a promise that was given for many years and seeing God many years before their birth provide in very difficult situations • Isaac and Jesus were both born Abraham had apparently learned to women who could not have to trust God no matter what. And, conceived apart from a miracle his faith in God was so resolute • Isaac and Jesus were both that he believed that even if he firstborn sons killed his son that God who gave • Isaac and Jesus were both him the son through a miracle greatly loved by their father/ could give him back through yet Father another miracle. After all, Abra- • Isaac carried his own wood to ham had also lost his wife on two the sacrifice just as Jesus occasions only to see God bring carried His own wooden cross her back to him and Abraham to his crucifixion believed that God would do the • Isaac and Jesus each willingly same with Isaac. laid down their lives to their Lastly, and I admit this is specu- father/Father lation, I believe that perhaps God

120 121 Sarah Dies

Scripture to Read: Study Tips Genesis 22:20 – 23:20 • In Genesis 23 Abraham refers to himself as a wanderer living in tents. What light does Hebrews 11:9-16 shed Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: on the home he was ultimately longing for? Genesis 23:1-2 “Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven years old. • What have you learned through watching the life of She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abra- Sarah in the pages of Genesis? ham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her.” • According to Isaiah 51:1-2 how are we as God’s people related to Abraham and Sarah? Commentary: • Sarah found herself in some terrible circumstances because of her husbands leadership. But, what light does I Peter 3:1-6 shed on her godliness? t the end of Genesis 22 for free, though the genuineness we discover that Abra- of his offer is suspect. Nonethe- ham’s brother Nahor less, Abraham rejected the gift as (see also 11:26) had a total of he had the gifts from Melchizedek twelve sons. Later, they would be- in Genesis 14 in faith that God come the 12 Aramean tribes just would provide for him apart from as through Abraham’s grandson obligating him to other men. Jacob would come 12 Hebrew This site became the eventual tribes. Moses includes this brief burial site for Sarah and Abraham, note on Nahor’s family to set the Isaac and Rebekah, and Leah stage for Rebekah’s marriage to and Jacob (Genesis 49:30-32; Isaac as she will be from the line 50:13). Today, it is believed that of Milcah listed in 22:23-24. this cave is beneath the Mosque Then, Genesis 23 opens with of Abraham which is a Muslim the death of Sara at the age of shrine in Hebron. one hundred and twenty-seven. With the sparing of Isaac’s life To properly bury his wife Abra- and the death of Sarah Genesis ham purchased a sizeable piece now begins to shift its focus to of land with a large cave for Isaac and his son Jacob. her burial site. And, in a preten- tious show of kindness Ephron charged Abraham an exorbitant fee which Abraham paid likely be- cause he did not want to haggle over details while dealing with the loss of his wife. Ephron had offered to give Abraham the land

122 123 Isaac Marries Rebekah the beautiful words that “he loved ing, as he remains silent through- her” and she was such a delight- out the story. Rather, it is God’s Scripture to Read: ful woman that he was comforted unseen hand of providence that Genesis 24:1-67 by her love after the death of his moves the story along showing mother. Subsequently, Isaac is that God is faithful to Abraham Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: now positioned to take the place and Isaac, and that God answers Genesis 24:67 “Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, of Abraham and Rebekah is posi- prayer and can be trusted to and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; tioned to take the place of Sarah. provide even when he has not and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.” Lastly, we learn a great deal spoken but has been spoken to in about God in this section. And, prayer. Commentary: we do so not through His speak-

ith the death of Sarah vant prayed for God to provide.

and maturing of her Before he had finished his prayer son Isaac to the age of God had already answered it, Study Tips marriage Genesis now begins sending the lovely virgin Rebekah • What do we learn about the effectiveness of sincere to focus not just on the God of to the spring. Rebekah drew prayer from the account of Abraham’s servant? Abraham, but also the God of water for Nahor and his animals • What do we learn about being a godly and reliable Isaac and Jacob as Jesus taught and was clearly a very sweet and servant from the example of Abraham’s servant? in Matthew 22:32. Genesis 24 kind woman. When the servant • What do we learn about the importance of fathers tells us that Abraham was old inquired of her family she said her ensuring that their children marry well from the story? and had been blessed by God in father was Nahor and that he was • What do we learn about the ability of God to provide a every way as God had promised. welcome to stay at their home. godly spouse from the story? And, in an effort to ensure The servant was so overjoyed at that his son Isaac would marry a God’s perfect provision that he woman who would worship his bowed down and worshiped the God and not another, by faith Lord for answering his prayer. Abraham sent his servant back Upon returning home to her to his home to find a wife for his mother we are then introduced to son. Abraham did this trusting the shady character Laban who that the God who had blessed was Rebekah’s brother. None- him in every way would be faithful theless, Rebekah agreed to go to now provide a godly wife for with Abraham’s servant to be his Isaac by sending an angel ahead wife. Upon arriving at Abraham’s to arrange the details. household Rebekah was brought Abraham’s faithful servant did into the former tent of Isaac’s as he was told and went to the mother Sarah and married her. region of Abraham’s brother Na- And, the account of Isaac and hor. Stopping at a spring the ser- Rebekah’s marriage ends with

124 125 Abraham Dies, Jacob and Esau Born

Scripture to Read: Genesis 25:1-34

Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: Genesis 25:21,24 “Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb.”

Commentary:

ith Sarah now dead, then learn that Ishmael died at the and Isaac married age of 137 and his descendants to his lovely bride lived in hostility with Isaac’s, a Rebekah, the stage is set for family feud that continues to this Abraham’s life to come to an end. day between racial Jews and But, before he does Abraham Arabs. surprisingly takes another wife (or With Abraham and his wife possibly had taken this wife some Sarah and son Ishmael now all years earlier) and apparently apart dead Moses moves the Genesis from any miracle the very old man story forward to focus on the birth fathered six more sons before of Isaac’s sons, Jacob and Esau. dying at the ripe old age of 175. Isaac was 40 years old when he Abraham left everything to his son married Rebekah and like Isaac’s Isaac, and both of his sons Isaac mother, she was unable to con- and Ishmael buried their father in ceive a child. Isaac trusted that the land he had purchased for the God could and would give Re- burial of Sarah. bekah a son just as God had giv- Then, we are told of the ac- en him to his mother Sarah. So, count of Ishmael’s sons to show Isaac prayed and God answered that God blessed him as prom- the prayer, giving the couple twin ised, even though he was not the boys when Isaac was sixty years son of the promise or the cov- of age. Isaac married Rebekah enant. The inclusion of some Arab at the age of forty and though he Jacob’s Reconciliation with Esau names among the descendants had to wait some twenty years for of Ishmael further indicates that the birth of his promised son he (Genesis 33:1-7) he is the father of the Arabs. We did not make the same mistake as

126 127 his father Abraham and attempt father. Jacob was a momma’s boy to take matters into his own who preferred to stay around the hands by fathering a child with a house and be doted over by his Study Tips woman other than his wife. mother. This sort of favoritism be- • What does this story teach us about God’s sovereignty Curiously, while the other family came a damaging sin that Jacob over the womb? lines in Genesis are usually quite also committed years later as a • What does this story teach us about prayer and God’s large, Isaac only has two sons. father himself (Genesis 37:3). timing in answering prayer? But, while the twelve sons of As the firstborn, Esau was • What negative lesson do we learn about parents favoring Isaac’s half brother Ishmael are entitled to the family birthright one child over another in this story? mentioned in only a few verses, which would grant him a double • What light does Hebrews 12:16-17 shed on Esau Isaac’s sons Esau and Jacob portion of his father’s estate and despising his birthright? receive nearly twelve chapters of leave him as the head of the fam- attention in Genesis (25:19-37:1) ily upon his father’s death, as well because they relate to the prom- as enable him to receive a special ises of the covenant. blessing from his father. One day The conflict between the boys Esau came home hungry and his began in the womb as they wres- brother Jacob the trickster got his tled for preeminence. Curious brother to trade his birthright for a as to what was occurring in her meal. In this account the younger womb, Rebekah prayed to God brother displaced the older as for insight and He told her that had happened previously in the boys would struggle through- Genesis with Cain and Abel, and out their life as the older would Isaac and Ishmael. At the bottom serve the younger and each boy of Esau’s sin was an indifference would grow into a nation in con- about God’s covenant promise to flict with the other (Esau became bless the nations through the de- the nation of Edom and Jacob scendants of Abraham that would became the nation of Israel). ultimately bring forth Jesus Christ The first son born was Esau as he flippantly dismissed God’s “hairy” who is also called Edom covenant for a meal. “red” who was a red and hairy Amazingly, this struggle be- child perhaps like Elmo on tween two brothers in the womb Sesame Street. The second son continued well into the future. In born was Jacob which means fact, many years later it reached “trickster” as he came out of the its climax when King Herod who womb grasping his brothers’ heel. was a descendant of Esau sought As the boys grew, Esau was the to slaughter Jesus Christ who man’s man who hunted, ate wild was a descendant of Isaac (Mat- game, and was favored by his thew 1:1-2, 2:13).

128 129 Isaac and Abimelech • both men were a blessing to ther proves with the provision of a their neighbors well that was essential to the sur- Scripture to Read: • both men trusted God and lived vival of his household. Since Isaac Genesis 26:1-35 peacefully with their neighbors accepted the piece of ground without a known well he may be Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: Despite Isaac’s unbelief that acting much like his father Abra- Genesis 26:24 - 25a “That night the LORD appeared to him [Isaac] God would protect him and his ham did with Lot in Genesis 13 and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, wife, God blessed him nonetheless trusting God to give him the right for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your making him very wealthy. From the piece of land and even provide descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.” Isaac built an altar story it is apparent that Isaac was him a well, as God did faithfully. there and called on the name of the LORD.” blessed solely because of God’s The chapter then concludes grace to him as he was a conniving with a brief note about Isaac’s son, Commentary: and undeserving man. Much like Esau. Like Isaac, Esau married at his father, Isaac is far from perfect the age of 40. But, unlike Isaac he enesis 22:1-6 records vides a number of similarities but God remains true to His cov- married two godless women rather the Lord appearing and between Abraham and his son enant promises nonetheless. than one godly woman. Esau’s im- speaking to Isaac as He Isaac including: In Genesis 26:25 we then see petuous and foolish decision mak- had his father Abraham. Likewise, Isaac build an altar and worship ing that began with him foregoing God promised to be with Isaac, • both men received God’s call the Lord as his father had done his birthright apparently continued bless him, and give him descen- and promise which shows that he also shares and was a “source of grief to Isaac dants and land according to the • both lived during a period of the faith of his father. This scene and Rebekah.” But, the text leaves promises of the covenant. God famine closes by demonstrating how the us to wonder why Isaac did not notes that He blesses Isaac be- • both men dwelt in Gerar unbelieving Abimelech recognizes devise a wise plan to choose a cause his father Abraham “obeyed • both men had lovely wives God’s presence with and blessing wife for his son as Isaac’s father me and kept my requirements, my • both men were cowards in the of Isaac, something that God fur- Abraham had for him. commands, my decrees and my face of possible harm laws.” Though Moses had not yet • both men lied and said their

been born and the law had not wife was their sister yet been given he obeyed it by • both men were spared the Study Tips faith as a pattern of someone who consequences of their sin by • How is the truthfulness of the truism “like father, like son” had God’s laws written on their God’s mercy demonstrated in this story? heart (e.g. Jeremiah 31:33). This • both men were rebuked by • Circle in your Bible the occasions in this chapter which note is also precisely the same lan- more pious Gentiles for their God blessing Isaac to discover why he prospered. In what guage which Deuteronomy 11:1 lying schemes ways does this chapter record God’s blessing to Isaac? uses to explain those people who • both men were pursued by • What do we learn about God in this story? love God and demonstrate it by Abimelech (Isaac may have • Carefully consider Genesis 26:25a to better understand what obeying the law given at the Sinai actually dealt with Abimelech’s is truly in Isaac’s heart, even though his actions do cause us covenant through Moses. son or grandson with the same to wonder if he truly loves God. The rest of the chapter pro- name) for a covenant

130 131 Jacob Steal Esau’s Blessing years because her brother Laban raises the question as to whether was conniving like her as the or not human sin will continue to Scripture to Read: upcoming chapters explain. grow as it did in the days of Noah Genesis 27:1 – 28:9 Before leaving, Jacob was if a trickster like Jacob is the man blessed by his father and in- acting as the head of the human Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: structed to marry only a woman side of the covenant. Since his Genesis 27:36 “Esau said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? He has deceived who belonged to God so that the father Isaac and his grandfather me these two times: He took my birthright, and now he’s taken my blessing!” promises of the covenant would Abraham both walked with God Then he asked, “Haven’t you reserved any blessing for me?” continue through his family line. the question remaining to be To spite his parents, Esau inten- answered is whether or not faith Commentary: tionally married yet another god- will continue into a third genera- less wife in addition to his other tion through Jacob or not. This rom this point until his before her, sought to take matters wives that had brought nothing sets the stage for the next events death in Genesis 35:28- into her own hands because she but grief to his parents. in Genesis. 29 Isaac is not men- favored Jacob over Esau. She Theologically, this section tioned again as he fades to the devised a deceitful plan to rob background and is replaced by her son Esau of his blessing and his sons Jacob and Esau as the in her trickery we get a glimpse focus of the Genesis story. Early of where Jacob may have learned Study Tips in their life Jacob the trickster how to scheme. • What sins do we see Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau took the family birthright from his Isaac was duped by the plan and commit in this section? foolish brother Esau. Now, this Jacob stole Easu’s deathbed bless- • In what way is God’s choice of working through Jacob or account reports how Jacob also ing. And, while Esau understand- Esau truly the lesser of two evils? stole Esau’s blessing. ably weeps bitterly the sad truth is • What do we learn about the importance of a man selecting Isaac was a very elderly man that neither son appears very godly the right wife from this section of Genesis? when he chose to bless his or worthy of the family blessings • What do we learn about God from this section of Genesis, sons which would have in large promised through Abraham. particularly his sovereignty to bring good through human sin? part shaped the rest of their life We then learn that Esau is so because it granted them spiritual angry at his brother that he in- and physical blessings that were tends to kill him as Cain did Abel irrevocable because blessing is in Genesis 4. So, Rebekah sent ultimately always in God’s hands. her favored son Isaac back to live In this way the blessing served with Laban to allow Esau to cool much more like a prophecy than a down out of fear that she might simple prayer. lose her only two sons over her Because Esau was the firstborn sin. Her hope would be that she and his favorite Isaac sought to would only lose her beloved son bless Esau instead of Jacob. But, for a few days, but he remained Rebekah, like Eve and Sarah away from home for some twenty

132 133 Jacob’s Stairway to Heaven and may indicate his conversion. all believers throughout human As was the case with both history. Indeed, as God stated Scripture to Read: Noah and Abraham before him, in his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 28:10-22 Jacob is likewise a sinner un- Genesis 17 His blessing was to deserving of God’s grace. But, be responded to by obedient faith Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: though Jacob shows no interest and He would have it no other Genesis 28:12 “He [Jacob] had a dream in which he saw a stairway in God it is God who seeks out way even though Jacob would resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of Jacob for a covenant relationship like to have God bless him with- God were ascending and descending on it.” which is the continual pattern for out him honoring God.

Commentary:

t this point in Genesis place where God had met him Study Tips the covenant promises Bethel which means “house of • What do we learn about the importance of someone having have been applied from God.” Yet, it is questionable their own faith and not simply living under the faith of their the less than perfect yet faithful whether Jacob was yet truly parents? Abraham to his less than perfect converted as a believer because • In Jacob’s dream Heaven comes down to earth. How does but likewise faithful son Isaac his prayer to God remains con- Heaven come down according to Matthew 1:23 and John to Isaac’s sinfully deceptive son ditional and therefore lacks faith. 1:51 and Revelation 21:2? Jacob who stole both the birth- Jacob in essence seeks to barter • What do we learn about God from His pursuit of the right and blessing from his older with God by promising that if ungodly Jacob for a covenant relationship? brother Esau. Jacob who loved God blessed him then he would staying home was driven from his worship Him. home out of fear that his brother Theologically, the point of this would murder him and alone for section is to show us that for the first time he possesses the the first time in his life Jacob has covenant blessing but lacks the encountered God. Subsequently, relationship with and faith in God this is the beginning of Jacob that his father Isaac and grandfa- not living under the faith of his ther Abraham possessed. parents but for the first time be- Genesis takes a very important ginning his own relationship with and dramatic turn when God ap- God so that the God of Abraham peared to Jacob at night to bless and Isaac could also be known him with the promises of land, as the God of Jacob. The turn in descendants, and blessing for Jacob’s heart toward God first all nations much like he had his appears in his declaration that grandfather Abraham in Genesis he will tithe to God which is the 15. After God appeared Jacob first instance of worship we have recognized God and named the seen from him thus far in Genesis

134 135 Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel provided for before the younger. But, Jacob loved Rachel so Laban’s reasoning was true even much that he worked another Scripture to Read: though his actions were wicked. seven years for her father Laban Genesis 29:1-30 And, in bitter irony the godless to earn her hand in marriage. And, Laban was in fact acting more Jacob finally married Rachel after Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: godly than Jacob who ended up fourteen years of waiting and Genesis 29:20 “So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they in Laban’s household because he loved her more than her sister seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.” robbed his brother of the rights Leah. This sad truth will lead to of the firstborn. In this we see many great troubles in the coming Commentary: that God did not look favorably scenes of Genesis as the strug- on Jacob’s deceitful actions and gle between Jacob and Esau is fter beginning his rela- hotter sister with functional eyes. sought to teach him a lesson echoed in the struggle between tionship with God on The tricky Laban made Jacob the through fourteen years of hard Rachel and Leah, as well as their the way, Jacob finally trickster work for him for seven work. sons. arrives at the home of his uncle years to earn the right to marry his Laban who is the brother of his youngest daughter, Rachel. This

mother Rebekah. There Jacob is was likely necessary because welcomed into the family. Jacob arrived empty-handed and Study Tips And, what transpires next is a would have to work to pay the • Note the occurrences of the word “serve” and “work” in your fitting example of Jacob eventu- bride price. Bible that occur throughout this section. What is God trying to ally reaping what he sowed. After Finally, Jacob got to marry Ra- teach Jacob through all of this? tricking his brother Esau out of chel. But, apparently Jacob had • How is the principle of Galatians 6:7-8 vividly illustrated in this both his birthright and blessing more than a few drinks in him, the account? Jacob seems to think his life is face of his bride was covered dur- • How is God using Laban who is much like Jacob to change going pretty well as he escaped ing the wedding, and the candles Jacob’s character? home before his brother could were snuffed out in their bridal murder him, was welcomed into chambers that night because his uncle’s household, and met when Jacob rolled over to gaze the woman of his dreams, the into the eyes of his lovely wife he very lovely Rachel. was staring into the crooked eyes Rachel had a sister named of Leah instead of the lovely eyes Leah who was fourteen years of Rachel. older. Both girls were unmar- Laban tricked the trickster and ried, Rachel likely because of her married off his oldest daughter. younger age and Leah because When Jacob confronted Laban she had a wandering crooked for doing to him exactly what eye. Jacob wanted to marry one Jacob had done to Esau his uncle of the sisters, and not unexpect- simply stated that it was cus- edly chose the younger and tomary for the oldest child to be

136 137 Jacob’s Sons Born sleep with her maidservant. Leah bigamy that He was blessing her. named the son Gad which means Leah went on to have another son, Scripture to Read: “luck” and she failed to see that and eventually a daughter. Genesis 29:31 – 30:24 human life even comes from God’s Apparently somewhere in all of hand. Jacob continued to sleep this drama Rachel prayed to God Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: with Leah’s maidservant and had and He answered her prayer and Genesis 29:31, 30:22 “When the LORD saw that Leah was not loved, another son which Leah named gave her a son they named Joseph he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. Then God remembered Asher because it made her happy who was the youngest of the Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb.” (Asher means happy). twelve until Rachel also conceived And, the hillbilly soap opera Benjamin in Genesis 35:18. The Commentary: gets even weirder when Jacob’s other ten sons and one daughter firstborn son Reuben finds some were conceived with his unloved his scene of Genesis tragic in Genesis 35:16-19. And, mandrakes that he gives to his wife Leah, and the maidservants shows God’s blessing to in a demonstration of growing faith mother Leah. Rachel apparently re- of Rachel and Leah. And, the Jacob through children Jacob rightly stated that her womb ally likes mandrakes as she trades daughters of Laban appear to be a despite the sin in his family. Be- was ultimately controlled by God. sex with their husband Jacob for lot like their nutty deceiving father. cause Jacob loved his wife Rachel But, rather than trusting God Leah’s mandrakes in what reads But, through it all God would pre- but did not love his other wife Leah as his father Isaac had in waiting like quasi-prostitution with Rachel serve his covenant through Jacob’s (literally hated her in the Hebrew) twenty years for him to be born, playing the role of pimp. Happy to sons who would become the twelve God chose to close the womb or turning to God in prayer, the oblige, Jacob the gigolo had sex tribes of Israel through whom Jesus of Rachel and open the womb of couple copied the sin of Sarah with Leah that night and conceived would be born to deal with the Leah. In this we see the loved wife who gave her husband Abraham to yet another son, Issachar. And, with human sin problem that was so childless and barren woman like sleep with her maidservant Hagar. bizarre reasoning Leah attributes evident in Jacob’s family. The theme Sarah and Rebekah before her in Much like Eve, Sarah, and Re- the birth of this son to God bless- of this section as with the rest of the covenant family line. bekah before her Rachel took mat- ing her for having her husband Genesis and the Bible is that God is In very tragic words, Leah ters into her own hands rather than have sex with her servant which is the hero that rescues self-destruc- articulates her hearts desire that trusting God in faith and Jacob a simple way of saying God was tive sinners from themselves by His through bearing Jacob a son he went along with the sin, ultimately so happy about the adultery and grace and mercy alone. would love her. God then gave conceiving Dan and Naphtali with Leah three more sons, Simeon, Rachel’s maidservant. Rachel Levi, and Judah. Leah’s sister Ra- appears very godless in all of this Study Tips chel responded to the births with as she is pushing her husband to • After seeing God’s sovereignty over the womb of Sarah, jealousy and anger much like Esau have sex with another woman and Rebekah, and Rachel and Leah what do we learn about had responded to the blessing of she attributes the children born to motherhood? How does this help set the stage for God’s her his brother Jacob. that woman as God enabling her sovereignty over the womb of Mary also? Rachel demanded that her to beat her sister Leah whom she • How does this story demonstrate the great evils that occur husband give her children or she is very jealous of. from polygamy and adultery? would die. And, these words later Not to be outsinned, Leah too • What does Revelation 21:1-12 reveal about the importance of the proved to be both prophetic and pushes her husband Jacob to twelve sons who came from the four scheming women in Genesis?

138 139 Jacob Leaves Laban because he was busy in the height his god to no avail. He asked to of sheep shearing season. When search the bags on the camel his Scripture to Read: Laban learned that his daughters daughter Rachel was riding, but Genesis 30:25 – 31:55 and grandchildren were gone he she cleverly lied that she could and his relatives pursued Jacob for not dismount the camel because Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: seven days until they caught up of her period thereby using a Genesis 31:42 “If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the with him. Humorously, the same long-standing female excuse that Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, you would surely have sent me away Laban who tricked Jacob into remains perennially popular and empty-handed. But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands, marrying both of his daughters, tricked her father the trickster. and last night he rebuked you.” became rich because of God’s Jacob honored God by attrib- blessing upon Jacob’s twenty uting all of the blessing he and Commentary: years of labor for him, and cheated Laban had received as having Jacob by changing his wages ten come directly from Him (Genesis fter twenty years work- simply righting a wrong and giv- times complained that Jacob had 31:42). Then Jacob and Laban ing for his father in law ing to Jacob what he had earned been deceptive with him. entered a covenant whereby Ja- Laban, Jacob wanted during twenty years of faithful However, God protected Jacob cob agreed to take no more wives to return home to his mother work for Laban. by appearing to Laban command- than Laban’s two daughters and Rebekah and father Isaac. But, God then spoke to Jacob in ing him not to harm Jacob in any would care for them both. Laban through demonic divination Laban 31:3 as he had to his grandfather way. Laban’s only other charge kissed his daughters and grand- learned that he had been blessed Abraham in Genesis 12:1, calling of wrongdoing against him by children goodbye and the men to become a wealthy and power- him to leave what had been his Jacob was accusing Jacob of parted company as Laban re- ful man because of Jacob’s pres- home for twenty years to return stealing his household god, or turned to his home, as did Jacob ence, which was true because to his family. Jacob responded idol. Jacob was unaware that his which sets the stage for Jacob to the covenant blessing of God in faith, for the most part. He beloved wife Rachel had stole see the state of his brother Esau accompanied Jacob. So, Laban loaded up his family and left her fathers god and hid it under who twenty years earlier had the continual crooked deal maker Laban’s home, but did so secretly herself on her camel. Laban vowed to kill him for stealing his sought to retain Jacob by offering without telling Laban perhaps searched their goods looking for birthright and blessing. to finally pay him a reasonable because he feared that the clever salary after twenty years of nearly Laban would find a way to keep free but fruitful labor. him from leaving. Jacob’s wives Like his father Isaac and grand- Rachel and Leah apparently have Study Tips father Abraham, Jacob entrusted developed some degree of faith • What do we learn about God from this scene in Genesis, himself to God’s in faith. Jacob in God as they are willing to leave particularly his blessing? rejected Laban’s offer and God their own family like Rebekah had • What parts of this story indicate that Jacob is growing in faith, honored Jacob’s faith and made (Genesis 24:58) because they that his wives have come to faith, and that Laban is still not him into a very wealthy man. And, were ready to live by faith in God, converted? while it may appear as if Jacob is trusting his blessing (31:16). • How has God been faithful to the covenant promises He gave taking advantage of Laban in this Laban did not at first know to Jacob? account the truth is that God is that Jacob and his family had left

140 141 Jacob Wrestles with God Jacob he had grown in faith to saw him that God had blessed the degree that he had become him but could have harmed our Scripture to Read: a servant of God and was ready killed him at any point justly and Genesis 32:1-32 to reenter the Promised Land as had been patient with him for a new man with a new name. The many gracious years. The theo- Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: man with whom Israel wrestled logical point of this account is Genesis 32:28 “Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Is- touched his hip so that he would that throughout his life Jacob rael, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.” limp for the rest of his days to was ultimately not wrestling with remind himself and everyone who Laban or Esau, but rather God. Commentary:

fter twenty years away, ally and prayed to God in faith Jacob’s homecoming that God would be faithful to His Study Tips journey was interrupt- covenant promises to bless and • Who do you think wrestled with Jacob? ed by two angels who met him at protect him. Jacob then compiled • The word Israel appears over 1800 times throughout Scripture. the border of the Promised Land. a very large gift for Esau, and What does this tell us about the importance of this man Not knowing if his brother Esau had it delivered to his brother. coming to faith as the link in the covenant chain preceded him whom he had not seen for twenty Before yet encountering his with his father Isaac and grandfather Abraham? years still wanted to kill him, brother, God again appeared to • How is Jacob’s life basically an illustration of II Timothy 2:13? Jacob sent messengers ahead Jacob in a very significant way. • What light does Hoses 12:2-6 shed on this scene in Genesis? to notify Esau that he sought While alone one night a man who peace and wanted to bless him is called God came to Jacob, and with gifts intended to at least in it seems likely this was Jesus. part make up for the blessing he Though Jacob was at this time an stole. The messengers returned elderly man he wrestled with the to inform Jacob that Esau was man (either an angel or Jesus) all coming…with four hundred men night unwilling to give up until he who were either an entourage was blessed. to welcome Jacob or an army At daybreak the men stopped to slaughter him. To protect his wrestling and the man (either an household, Jacob split his people angel or Jesus) changed Jacob’s and animals into two groups name (meaning trickster) to Israel hoping that one could flee and (meaning wrestles with God and survive if attacked. perseveres) as he has now tran- In Genesis 32:9-12 we then sitioned from a man who excelled see the faith of Jacob which has by trickery to a man of faith who been apparently growing slowly trusted God to bless and protect over the twenty years since he him according to the covenant first encountered God person- promises.

142 143 Jacob Reunites with Esau also now the God of Jacob. And, God and ready to relax in peace much like the literary flow of the his presence in Schechem is an Scripture to Read: story of his grandfather Abraham ominous hint at what awaits in Genesis 33:1-20 though the story of Jacob/Israel the following chapter because appears to have climaxed as he he was supposed to continue on Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: is now an older man blessed by to Bethel. Genesis 33:4 “But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.”

Commentary: Study Tips • What changes have you witnessed in Jacob’s character as ow empowered as a that he attributed as provided he transformed from the faithless Jacob to the faithful new man by God’s by God, though Esau did not Israel? blessing and his faith, need them because he too had • How has the arrogant and rash speaking Jacob become the Jacob/Israel no longer lingered become a wealthy man, a fact thoughtful and wise Israel? at the back of his caravan hiding he did not attribute to God like • What does God’s answering of Jacob’s prayer in Genesis timidly from his brother Esau. Jacob/Israel. Obviously, God had 32:9-12 teach us about prayer? Instead, he literally stepped up been working with great success • What do we learn about God from this scene in Genesis, to the front line not knowing if in changing the hearts of both particularly his patience? the 400 men his brother was men. traveling with were an entourage Because of his many animals to greet and protect him or an and young children Jacob/Is- army to slaughter him. Either rael was delayed in making the way, Jacob/Israel had sufficient journey all the way home. Esau faith in God to protect him to put offered to leave some men to himself in harm’s way for the first protect Jacob’s household, but time in his life. Because he loved by faith he declined stating that Rachel and their youngest son God would indeed protect him. Joseph the most Jacob/Israel Jacob then worshiped God by kept them at the rear to protect building an altar at Schechem them from possible harm. which made sense as it was the The reunion between Jacob/ first place that his grandfather Israel and his brother Esau after Abraham had been visited by twenty long years of separation God and where Abraham built is a beautiful portrait of forgive- his own altar in Genesis 12:6-7. ness as Esau lovingly embraced Genesis 33 closes with the won- his brother in forgiveness wel- drous portrait of the transformed coming him home. Jacob blessed Jacob worshiping the God not his brother with generous gifts only of Abraham, and Isaac, but

144 145 Schechemites Slaughtered

Scripture to Read: Genesis 34:1-31

Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: Genesis 34:25, 31 “Three days later, while all of them were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords and attacked the unsuspecting city, killing every male. But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?”

Commentary:

hen he was nearly finally effect is in essence the same home after a twenty year that he defiled her and took her absence Israel (formerly virginity dishonorably. Worse Jacob) settled in Schechem. But, still, he was a pagan man and this decision proved to be as dev- then wanted to marry her. In- astating as Lot’s decision earlier termarriage between believers in Genesis to settle in Sodom as and unbelievers is condemned he should have continued on to throughout Scripture, and in Gen- Bethel as he was supposed to. esis Abraham was worried that Eventually, Jacob fathered thir- Isaac would marry outside of the teen children with four different covenant as Ishmael had (21:21, women, two of whom were wives 24:3-4), and Esau’s intermar- (the sisters Rachel and Leah) and riage with the unbelieving Hittites two of whom were maidservants which was a source of great to his wives. At this point in his trouble (26:34-35, 27:46, 28:8). life Jacob had twelve children Jacob kept quiet about the as his son Benjamin was not yet defilement of his daughter until born. Therefore, he had eleven her brothers came home. The sons and only one daughter, a boys were rightly grieved and young woman named Dinah. furious, as well as disgusted by Dinah went out to visit other the thought of allowing their sister women who lived in the area. to marry the unbelieving vile man. And, while she was out the son Dinah’s brothers then devised Joseph Is Sold Into Egypt of the man who ruled that area a plan to use the covenant of saw her. Whether he raped or circumcision instituted by God (Genesis 37:23-28) seduced her is unclear, but the with Abraham in Genesis 17 in a

146 147 deceitful manner to avenge their seems that Jacob’s sin of omis- intentions are noble their actions ing covenant relationship with sisters’ defilement. sion outweighs Simeon and are not which may explain why God, and seeing God save his Dinah’s brothers told the Levi’s sin of commission for many Moses allows them to have the life by gracious mercy Jacob re- unsuspecting men of Schechem reasons. last words in the account explain- sponded in unbelief in sin. But, as a strategic lie, that they would First, at the end of Genesis ing their actions. Sadly, we see is the case throughout Genesis happily intermarry with them and 29 we read that Jacob hated his that the boys are tricksters like human sin is used for God’s pur- share all of their great wealth. wife Leah. And, since Dinah was their father had been before God poses as the line of the covenant But, the Shechemites would first the daughter of Leah (30:19- transformed him as his sin mani- family is protected from intermar- need to be circumcised and take 21) Jacob’s patient silence and fests itself in his sons. riage with the Schechemites upon themselves the sign of the indifference to her defilement Therefore, in Jacob we see yet through the murderous actions of covenant. Three days after the indicates that he was not much of another mini-fall not unlike Adam, Simeon and Levi. men were circumcised and in a loving father to her. Second, be- Noah, and Abraham. After enter- great pain only two of Dinah’s cause Jacob failed to step up and eleven brothers, Simeon and Levi, courageously lead his family he

strapped their swords to their left a gaping need for leadership sides and entered Schechem to which his sons filled. Therefore, Study Tips slaughter every man and deliver had he led his family and quickly • What do we learn about God’s sovereignty in this account? their sister home safely. devised an appropriate response • Note the difference between how the young man who Simeon and Levi then looted the boys would have not had to. violated Dinah and her brothers viewed his actions (Genesis the entire city, taking for them- Third, in Genesis 34:30 Jacob’s 34:3, 34:31). selves all of the plunger including concern after the slaughter of the • Though Jacob had not been involved in this trickery how do the women and animals. Seeing Schechemites is selfishly only we see that his former ways have been learned by his sons? what his sons had done, Jacob for “me” as he makes no mention • Do you think the brothers actions were noble, ignoble, or a rebuked his sons for putting his of his poor daughter. Therefore, combination thereof? Why? family in danger of attack from the it seems that Moses is trying to other surrounding cities filled with paint Jacob’s actions in Genesis allies of the Schechemites. But, 34 as a temporary return to his his sons simply replied with the old ways as he played favorites very poignant question, “Should with his children as his mother he have treated our sister like a Rebekah had. prostitute?” But, the actions of Simeon and Theologically, the question beg- Levi are not godly and honor- ging to be answered is whether able either. They acted out of Jacob was right for rebuking his rage, lied, tricked innocent men, sons here, as well as in Genesis committed murder, and looted 49:5-7, or whether the brothers an entire town. However, at least were correct in avenging their they loved their sister enough to sister while their father sat idly avenge her honor which is more by. And, though complicated it than Jacob did and while their

148 149 Jacob Returns Home worship and intimacy with God father cost him his position as the that had been lacking in his life firstborn son (Genesis 49:3-4; I Scripture to Read: until this point as his faith has Chronicles 5:1) Genesis 35:1-27 greatly matured as is evidenced Finally, after at least twenty long by Moses now writing of him as years away Jacob returned home Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: Israel rather than Jacob frequently to see his father Isaac, the same Genesis 35:28-29 “Isaac lived a hundred and eighty years. throughout the rest of Genesis. place where his father Abraham Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, As they were heading to had also been as he now too old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.” Bethlehem Jacob’s beloved had transformed from the young wife Rachel died giving birth to impetuous trickster to a patriarch Commentary: Jacob’s youngest son, Benja- of faith like his father and grand- min, who became the last of the father. Jacob’s sons got to meet acob had fled from his mature faith in Genesis 32 Jacob twelve sons who would become their grandfather, and then Isaac home as an unmarried then witnessed the effects his the twelve tribes of Israel. Shortly died at the age of one-hundred man roughly forty years weak faith had wrought among thereafter, Israel’s son Reuben and fifty-eight. His only two sons of age. Now, over twenty years his children in Genesis 34. So, slept with his fathers’ concubine, Esau and Jacob buried him. later with two wives, twelve chil- Jacob responded by rising to Bilhah. This great sin against his dren, and great wealth Jacob had become the spiritual leader in his nearly completed his long journey home before returning home to

home to Bethel. After seeing that carry on the legacy of a faithful his sons shared some of his for- covenant keeper who obeyed Study Tips mer trickery and self-sufficiency God and raised covenant children • What changes has God patiently wrought in Jacob’s rather than faith in God Jacob who likewise obeyed God. After character? lead his family in righteousness cleansing his household Jacob • What has God’s dealings with Jacob revealed to us about in a way that he failed to with the worshiped God. His faithfulness to his promises and his people? account of the violation of his God responded to Jacob’s faith • What evidence is there of repentance and faith in Jacob daughter Dinah in Genesis 34. by appearing to him again. God and his family in this account? God again spoke to Jacob to then blessed him and reiterated go to Bethel and like Abraham that his new name was Israel, before him he obeyed. To purify though in Genesis 34 he had his household that was apparent- temporarily fallen back into acting ly filled with spiritual lethargy and like the old Jacob gripped by fear godless idols and superstitions and self-preservation when he Jacob commanded that all false needed to live confidently by faith. gods and other spiritual parapher- God then reiterated His covenant nalia be removed. In this act we promises of descendants, land, see the progression of Jacob’s and blessing. Jacob responded faith. After wrestling with God by worshiping God and we are and walking away with a more now seeing a rhythm of regular

150 151 Esau and the Edomites complete though selective ac- promise, and does so with paying count of the lives of Isaac and particular attention to his second Scripture to Read: his sons Esau and Jacob/Israel. to youngest son, Joseph. In this Genesis 36:1-43 Moses is then prepared to focus way the remainder of Genesis is on the twelve sons of Jacob as in effect still focused on Jacob Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: they are the line of covenant through the life of his son Joseph. Genesis 36:6-7 “Esau took his wives and sons and daughters and all the members of his household, as well as his livestock and all his other animals and all the goods he had acquired in Canaan, and moved to a land some distance from his brother Jacob. Their possessions were too great for them to remain together; the land where they were staying Study Tips could not support them both because of their livestock.” • Note each time in the genealogy of Genesis 36 that we are told that Esau was the father of the Edomites? Commentary: • The struggle between Jacob and Esau that began in the womb of their mother Rebekah continued long after their death t this point in the Gen- them to separate so that they between the nations that proceeded from them. Read the esis story, a number of could both continue to prosper. book of Obadiah to see this severity of this conflict between the people’s stories have Their separation is friendly and nations. been wrapped up. Rebekah and beneficial to them both and told in Isaac have died. Their son Jacob a fashion similar to the occasion who was the son of the prom- when Abraham and his nephew ise has returned home with his lot settled on different land for twelve sons, and without the wife similar reasons in Genesis 13. Rachel he loved. All that remains In the genealogy of Esau there is to conclude the account of is a careful attempt by Moses to Isaac’s other son, Esau, and his honor his family line and show descendants. This need is met that though he was not the son of by Genesis 36 which concludes the promise he had been blessed the account of Isaac’s sons so by God even though it seems that the covenant promises can unlikely that he is a believer. be further explored in the next Throughout the genealogy of generation of men, the twelve Esau we are repeatedly told he sons of Israel. was the father of the Edomites, a There we discover that both nation that warred against Israel Israel and Esau had been greatly throughout history just as the blessed by God. The brothers boys had wrestled in their moth- were both so affluent that the ers’ womb. land could no longer accommo- With the conclusion of Genesis date both of them which forced 36 Moses has now provided a

152 153 Joseph Sold Into Slavery other sons. so intensely. The brothers wanted Jacob did not even seek to to simply kill Joseph, but the oldest Scripture to Read: conceal his favoritism for Joseph, brother Reuben who had forfeited Genesis 37:1-36 lavishly adorning the second to his birthright by sleeping with his youngest son with an expen- fathers’ maidservant sought to Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: sive coat of many colors which spare young Joseph’s life. But, Genesis 37:3-4 “Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, dressed him up in bling like some while Reuben was away Joseph because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly orna- ancient Hebrew hip hop homie. made the sixty-four mile journey to mented robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more Joseph also placed Joseph in his brothers to check up on them than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.” authority over his older brothers for Jacob. The brothers stripped by sending him out into the fields Joseph’s robe and tossed him into Commentary: while his brothers worked to a well and then debated whether oversee their work and report back or not they should kill him or sell n the story of Joseph the his father Isaac had tragically to their father which amounted to him into slavery. Lead by Judah the account of the families played favorites with him and his tattling in their eyes. brothers agreed to spare Joseph’s in Genesis greatly slows brother Esau which lead to great To make matters worse, God life and make some money by sell- down as the book devoted only grief in Jacob’s life. Jacob imitated had given the young Joseph ing him into slavery. two chapters to creation and fully the sinful pattern of his parents dreams in which his whole family So, Joseph was sold into slavery thirteen chapters to Joseph. If in Genesis 34 where he did not was bowing down in homage to by his brothers and taken to Genesis were a film this would be properly care for his daughter him. And, rather than keeping that Egypt. To cover up their sin the the lengthy closing scene of the Dinah because she was born to information to himself the young brothers then slaughtered a goat movie where the camera pans in Leah, the wife whom he hated. and perhaps impetuous Joseph and sprinkled its blood on Josephs for an intensely dramatic close- And, in the account of Joseph told his brothers which only made coat which they took back to his up with a great deal of dialogue, from Genesis 37-50 much of the matters worse. father Jacob. They tricked their tension, and drama building to a trouble that occurs can be traced Throughout Genesis 37 we father who had been a trickster climax. to Jacob. continually read that his brothers himself at their age and Jacob In some ways, the book of Unlike his father Isaac who hated him, were jealous of him, mourned bitterly believing that his Genesis essentially breaks into two fathered two children with one and could not speak a kind word most beloved son had been torn parts. From Genesis 1:1-25:18 wife to whom he was faithful, to him because they despised him apart by animals. over two thousand years of human Jacob fathered thirteen children history are covered from creation to (twelve boys and one girl) with Jacob whose name was changed four women, two of whom were by God to Israel. Genesis 25:19- maidservants and two of whom Study Tips 50:26 covers the life of one man, were wives. Jacob played favorites • Note in your Bible the occurrences of words such as “hate”, Jacob, and Genesis chapters 37- with his wives, loving Rachel and “jealousy”, “could not speak a kind word” and other terms that 50 focus in on Jacob’s twelve sons hating her older sister Leah. And, articulate how Joseph’s brothers felt about him. in general, and his one son Joseph Jacob played favorites with their • What do we learn about parental favoritism and sibling rivalry in particular. children, loving the first son he had from the life Jacob? Jacob’s mother Rebekah and with Rachel, Joseph, more than his

154 155 Judah and Tamar tus, pulling out of Tamar at the So, like Eve who ruled over moment of ejaculation in an effort Adam, Sarah who gave Abraham Scripture to Read: to not impregnate her. to sleep with her maidservant Genesis 38:1-30 Admittedly, I do not want to be- Hagar, and Rachel who gave labor the sin of Onan. But, many Judah’s father Jacob to sleep with Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: people wrongly teach that Onan’s her maidservant Bilhah, Tamar Genesis 38:15-16 “When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute, sin was masturbation because took matters into her own hands for she had covered her face. Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, they are fishing for a Bible verse rather than trusting God by faith. he went over to her by the roadside and said, “Come now, let me sleep with to make it a sin and can’t find one. She dressed up like a prostitute you.” “And what will you give me to sleep with you?” she asked.” This is because the Bible does not and hung out on the street corner say a word about masturbation. like the girls in my old neighbor- Commentary: But, one thing is certain, the ac- hood by the airport. Not knowing count of Onan no more condemns that it was his daughter because With the story of Joseph just Abraham and Isaac dreaded the masturbation than Ecclesiastes she veiled her face, Judah picked getting under way in Genesis 37, thought of their sons intermar- 9:10 condones it saying, “What- up Tamar and had sex with her. the account of Judah and Tamar rying with Canaanite women as ever your hand finds to do, do it But, he did not have the resourc- at first glance appears to be an it would cause them to wander with all your might.” es on himself to pay for the trick unnecessary interruption to the from God (Genesis 24:3, 28:1). Nonetheless, the sin of Onan so he gave her the equivalent thickening plot line. But, the focus But, Judah did just that and had was disobeying God and dishon- of his credit card and drivers’ of Moses at the end of Genesis three sons named Er, Onan, and oring Tamar by having sex without license to hold as collateral. is on Jacob primarily, and his son Shelah. Er then married a woman wanting to be obligated to her in Tamar became pregnant by Joseph secondarily. Therefore, named Tamar and without fanfare any way or care for his widowed the unsuspecting Judah. Three this section fits within the frame- or details we are told that Er was sister in law. Apparently Judah months later Judah discovered work of the books conclusion a wicked man that God simply was not much of a father as Er that Tamar had become pregnant as Judah is, like Joseph, one of killed. and Onan were both godless by whoring around as a prostitute Jacob’s sons. This scene helps us It was customary in that time men and God then killed Onan as and became hypocritically self to see the sinfulness of Judah as for a widow to then be married by he had his brother Er. righteous demanding that she he is in many ways a young man her husbands brother who would Poor Tamar who had now lost be burned to death. In this Judah much like his father was at that care for her, protect her, and give in essence two husbands that demonstrated the same callous same age. And, over time God her sons to ensure she had a were godless men was then heart that compelled him to sell will transform Judah as He did his stake in the families inheritance taken into the home of her father his brother into slavery, lie to father Jacob from a godless to and to look after her in her old age in law Judah who sought to take his father, and not mourn at the a godly man fit to be a patriarch (Deuteronomy 25:5-6). Therefore, care of her. He asked her to wait death of his two oldest sons. carrying the covenant promises the duty to care for Tamar fell on for his youngest son, Shelah, to Tamar then produced the onto the next generations. the next son, Onan. Onan was grow up and promised to give her items Judah had left with the The hillbilly redneck soap opera happy to have sex with Tamar, but in marriage to him. Some years prostitute he laid with, revealing of Jacob’s family takes a very refused to meet his obligation of later Shelah had grown up but to him that she was impregnated daytime television trash talk show impregnating and caring for her. Judah failed in his promise to give by him. Caught in his own sin turn in Genesis 38. There, both So, he practiced coitus interrup- Tamar to him as a wife. Judah rightly declared that she

156 157 was more righteous than he, that the father of his daughter-in-law’s Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife he had sinned against her by not children. The theological point providing her his son Shelah as a of the story (that Judah is much Scripture to Read: husband, and never slept with her like his father) was prior to his Genesis 39:1-23 again. Like Rebekah before her, conversion and God has as much Tamar gave birth to twin boys and work to do in preparing Judah to Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: named them Perez and Zerah. become a covenant patriarch as Genesis 39:6b-7 “Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while In an ironic plot twist Jacob the He did with his father, Jacob, be- his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” trickster had been tricked into be- cause through the descendants lieving his son Joseph was dead of Judah would come king David, Commentary: by his son Judah who was a trick- and the King of Kings Jesus ster like his father who was then Christ. n Genesis 39 we find Isaac had been. Joseph continu- tricked by Tamar into becoming Joseph working for ally rejected the woman’s advanc- Potiphar who was one es, declaring to her that he would of the great Pharaoh’s officials. never sin against his master or his Always faithful to his covenant God with such an evil act. Study Tips promises, the Lord was with This episode in the life of Jo- • What sins does Judah commit in Genesis 38? Joseph blessing him and causing seph is an interesting turn of per- • What does the inclusion of Tamar in Jesus’ genealogy of him to prosper. Joseph proved to spective in the book of Genesis. Matthew 1:3 and Luke 3:33 teach us about God’s ability to be such a trustworthy and godly Until this point the emphasis has draw straight lines with our crooked sticks? man that Potiphar entrusted the been on God’s faithfulness to His • Tamar’s son Perez became the head of the leading clan managing of his entire household covenant people. But, throughout in Judah and the ancestor of David (Ruth 4:18-22), and to Joseph, and God blessed Poti- the story of Joseph we the human ultimately of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-6). What does this phar the Egyptian through Joseph side of the covenant are empha- reveal about God’s sovereign ability to bring good out of the Hebrew in accordance with sized through Joseph’s faithful- human evil by His power? the covenant promise that God ness to God in light of Genesis would bless His people so that 18:19. they could be a blessing to other In this the story of Genesis is nations of the earth. gaining some hope. Until this We read that, like his mother point in the book each genera- Rachel, Joseph was very physi- tion from Adam to the flood, from cally attractive. Potiphar’s wife Noah to Babel, and from Abra- was smitten with Joseph and ham to Judah has seemingly sought to continually seduce become increasingly more god- him into bed with her. But, unlike less. But, with Joseph we see that his brother Judah, father Jacob, the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and or great grandfather Abraham Jacob had finally been passed on Joseph remained a chaste one- to the fourth generation with Jo- woman man like his grandfather seph whose character is perhaps

158 159 matched only by Daniel’s in all of we read that God remained with Joseph Interprets Pharoah’s Dreams the Bible, and excelled only by him and that God blessed him the sinless Lord Jesus Christ. and caused him to prosper ac- Scripture to Read: One day when Joseph was cording to His covenant promis- Genesis 40:1 – 41:40 alone in the house with Potiphar’s es. And, we also read that Joseph wife she again tried to seduce fulfilled his obligations to the Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: him. Joseph ran away from the covenant relationship with God Genesis 41:39-40 “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all woman who grabbed his cloak. by serving the prison warden with this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall When he refused her advances humble godliness and honoring be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. the bitter woman accused him the Lord in all that he did. In this Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” of attempting to rape her which the theme of faith which domi- caused Joseph, the innocent nates so much of both Genesis Commentary: and godly man, to be thrown into and the rest of Scripture is strain- prison not unlike the time he had ing into the following chapters n this section of Genesis unseen hand of providence and been thrown into a well by his awaiting God to bless Joseph for we witness the godly dreams. In this we witness the brothers. walking with Him in humble faith Joseph seemingly wast- freedom of God to work however But, though everyone had like Enoch, Noah, and Abraham ing away the best years of his life he deems best to accomplish His abused and abandoned Joseph before him. imprisoned in Egypt far from his purposes. loving father Jacob who believes By God’s providence the cup- he is dead after being sold into bearer and baker to the king of slavery by his own brothers. Egypt were thrown into the same Study Tips Worse still, he is an innocent man prison as Joseph and placed un- • Thus far in the story Joseph has been continually imprisoned by the false accusa- der the authority of Joseph whom obedient to God but has become an imprisoned failure in tions of sexually assaulting the God had arisen to power in the the eyes of the world while his brother Judah is wife of his master Potiphar. prison. The men greatly angered apparently living freely with a much better life than he. Theologically, the point of this the king for reasons that we are What does this reveal to us about the often high price of scene, as well as the rest of the not given, but may include an evil godliness? Joseph story, is that the unseen attempt to put the king on a low • In what ways is Joseph’s conduct basically an illustration hand of God’s providence is carb diet. of Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5:43-48? continually at work in our lives. Up Nonetheless, God gave a to this point in Genesis God has dream to each man that they often worked through his visible could not interpret. Knowing that hand of miracle with such things Joseph was a godly man they as divine speech, appearing as a sought him out to provide the man, opening and closing even meaning of their dream. God then barren wombs, throwing fire enabled Joseph to interpret their and brimstone from the sky, and dreams telling each man that their sending a flood. Now, God works heads would be lifted up by Pha- in more subtle ways through His raoh. For the cupbearer it meant

160 161 that he would be returned to his could and would through him. no man in Egypt more powerful be thwarted by anyone, including previous post in honor, while for Joseph then interpreted king than the Pharaoh whose will was the mighty Pharaoh. Therefore, Jo- the baker it meant that his head Pharaoh’s dream according to supreme. seph’s God was supreme to even would be hung in a noose off of a God’s enablement. He told the But, in this account we discov- the Pharaoh and had sent Joseph tree. On Pharaoh’s birthday, three king that seven years of abun- er that Joseph’s God was in fact to Egypt as a sort of missionary days after Joseph interpreted the dance, which were to begin supreme because He alone could to bless that nation according to men’s dreams, his interpretation shortly, would be followed by give dreams, He alone could His covenant promise to bless the came to pass exactly as God had seven years of severe famine. interpret those dreams, and the nations of the earth through His revealed to him. Subsequently, God in mercy future that He promised could not people whom He blessed. Tragically, the chief cupbearer also revealed to Pharaoh through who was restored to working with Joseph a plan to save the abun- the king forgot about Joseph even dance in preparation for the years

though Joseph had specifically re- of famine. quested that he not be forgotten. Theologically, this account Study Tips But, God did not forget Joseph or is very insightful. Politically, the • How is Joseph’s life essentially an illustration of Proverbs leave him abandoned in prison. Egyptian empire was the most 3:1-7 and 22:4? Two more years passed until powerful on earth for an amaz- • In what ways do we witness God’s unseen hand of God gave dreams to the Pharaoh ing 1300 years, twice as long providential sovereignty in the life of Joseph? which troubled him because he as the famed Greek and Ro- • What do the insights of godless pagans in Genesis 39:3, could not understand their mean- man empires. Geographically, 29:23, 41:39-40 reveal about the evidence of Joseph’s close ing. Subsequently, he called for Egypt was a long and narrow relationship with God? his pagan magicians and inter- country of about 13,000 square • What do we learn about God from this story, particularly His preters to provide the meaning of miles isolated by the surround- providence and supremacy? his dreams which they could not ing deserts, mountains, sea, and because its meaning was known valley. Theologically, Egypt was by God alone. God then enabled ruled by a succession of mighty the chief cupbearer to remember Pharaohs who were worshiped as how Joseph had correctly inter- a sort of mediator god who con- preted his dream and the dream nected life on the earth to life in of the now deceased baker in the spirit realm and alone walked prison. between the two worlds. As deity, Joseph was then summoned the Pharaohs had their pyramids from his dungeon, bathed, built to ensure their safe passage shaved, and clothed in a matter from this world to the next, and fitting to meet the king. And, in viewed the pyramid as a sort of astounding humility which gave all ladder transporting their soul into credit to God for his skills, Joseph the next world. Simply, there was told the king that he could not no nation on earth more power- interpret the dream, but that God ful than Egypt, and there was

162 163 Joseph Encounters His Brothers his sons minus the youngest, Upon returning home, the boys Benjamin, to Egypt to buy grain. informed Jacob of their plight Scripture to Read: Jacob likely kept Benjamin back and the need to take Benjamin Genesis 41:41 – 43:34 because he was his only other which greatly troubled Jacob. But, son from his beloved wife Rachel having apparently grown in faith Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: and he feared that Benjamin and godliness over the years as Genesis 43:29-30 “As he looked about and saw his brother Benjamin, his might be taken from him by trag- his father Jacob had before him, own mother’s son, he asked, “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told edy as Joseph had been. Judah stepped forward and took me about?” And he said, “God be gracious to you, my son.” Deeply moved In a dramatic plot twist, responsibility for the safe return at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to Joseph’s brothers appear before of Benjamin. weep. He went into his private room and wept there.” him and bow down request- Jacob/Israel then asked God ing grain just as they had in to protect his sons and sent Commentary: his dream for which they sold them to Egypt in faith that God him into slavery in Egypt. And, would protect them but with ing Pharaoh clearly fairs of that great nation with the though Joseph recognized his fear of their fate. Upon return- saw the Spirit of God authority of the Pharaoh. God brothers, they did not recognize ing to Egypt Joseph invited his at work in Joseph and also blessed Joseph with a wife him perhaps both because he brothers, including Benjamin to in a sense borrowed his faith and sons according to God’s had aged and also now looked, a meal during which he learned by obeying God’s commands. covenant promises. acted, and sounded Egyptian. that his father was still alive Recognizing that Joseph was Like his great grandfather Cleverly, Joseph spoke to which caused him to weep with both discerning and wise by Abraham, Joseph obeyed the his brothers through an inter- joy. Though Joseph did not eat God’s power he appointed Lord in faith. He stored up vast preter though he could speak with his brothers, he did provide Joseph to a position of rank over amounts of food during the both Egyptian and Hebrew. a feast for them, complete with Egypt second only to his throne. seven years of plenty that God Therefore, not thinking that portions five times larger than In this way Joseph is ruling over had promised would come. And, Joseph could understand them anyone else’s for Benjamin. Pharaoh’s kingdom as his vice- in the ensuring seven years of his brothers spoke openly in At this point in the story of regent in much the same way severe famine king Pharaoh Hebrew in Joseph’s presence Joseph the tension is building as that God appointed Adam to entrusted to Joseph the distribu- about their remorse for selling Joseph has not yet revealed him- rule over creation in the opening tion of food to the many nations him into slavery. self to his brothers, has not yet chapter of Genesis. coming to him with great need Wanting to see them again, sought to see his father, and has At this point in his life Joseph in partial fulfillment of God’s and hoping to discover if his not indicated whether he intends was thirty years of age and had covenant promise to bless the beloved father Jacob was still to punish or forgive his brothers. gone from a nomadic shepherd nations through His people alive Joseph devised a plan to In this way, the Genesis story boy despised by his brothers to (Genesis 41:57). keep one brother, Simeon, in culminates in a way similar to a ruler in Egypt with the Spirit Meanwhile, back at Joseph’s custody until they returned with the account of Joseph’s father of God in his heart enabling him home that he had not seen since their youngest brother, Benjamin, Jacob. Jacob was likewise to do the miraculous, and signet he was a young man the famine who was Joseph’s only full blood separated from his father Isaac ring of the king on his finger had created dire circumstances. brother born by both Jacob and for many years and upon moving enabling him to run the state af- So, Joseph’s father Jacob sent Rachel. toward the moment of reconcili-

164 165 ation there was a great tension now await to see if Joseph will Joseph Revealed to His Brothers as it was uncertain whether disclose his true identity to his Esau would forgive his brother brothers and whether he intends Scripture to Read: Jacob or seek revenge against to forgive them or seek revenge. Genesis 44:1 – 45:28 him. Likewise, with Joseph we Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: Genesis 45:4-5 “Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.”

When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, Study Tips the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and • How is this account truly an illustration of Jesus’ teaching in do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was Matthew 23:12? to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” • What do Pharaoh’s words in Genesis 41:55 reveal to us about the degree of trust Joseph had earned through God’s Commentary: blessing and his obedience? What lessons can we learn from Joseph’s life to apply to our own work? n this scene of Genesis he was repenting to and pleading • How is this account in many ways an illustration of what we see the very wise with! Paul teaches in Romans 8:28? Joseph carefully working Judah actually offered himself his plan to get his father to Egypt as a substitute for Benjamin, pas- so that he can disclose his iden- sionately giving himself as a slave tity, reunite with his father Jacob, to Joseph. Joseph was so moved and bless both his father and by Judah’s impassioned plea brothers. The plan included keep- and transformed heart that he ing the youngest son, Benjamin, broke down in loud weeping and in Egypt under the rule of Joseph revealed his true identity to his until Jacob journeyed to Egypt. brothers. Immediately, Joseph’s The thought of returning home first question was whether or not to their father without Benjamin his beloved father Jacob/Israel as they had years prior without was still living. Joseph was devastating to the The brothers were understand- men. Most curiously, it troubled ably both stunned and terrified the previously wicked and hard- as they were uncertain if Joseph hearted Judah the most. He would forgive or avenge their sin stepped forward to passionately against him. Joseph then spoke plea with Joseph for the release kindly to them with pastoral of Benjamin while explaining the words that are as endearing as pain he had caused his father any ever uttered in Scripture. through his sinful selling of his Joseph not only forgave them, brother into slavery, Joseph but also instructed them to not himself whom he did not know be angry with themselves be-

166 167 cause God had used their sin to Joseph then embraced his Jacob Settles In Egypt accomplish His will. Additionally, brothers and wept for joy before Joseph expressed the joy he had sending them home to retrieve his Scripture to Read: in now being able to share God’s father, Jacob, with whom he still Genesis 46:1 – 47:12 blessing with them by giving them longed to reunite. The unsus- great wealth amidst famine and pecting Jacob remained at home Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: great land upon which to pros- believing that Joseph had been Genesis 47:11-12 “So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt per and live under the blessings dead for many years and likely and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, of the God of grace who had worrying that he may lose yet an- as Pharaoh directed. Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all blessed Joseph to be a bless- other son, particularly Benjamin, his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children.” ing to others according to His on his sons’ long trip to Egypt. covenant promises. Commentary:

his scene opens with his family that numbered seventy the now elderly Is- people minus his sons’ wives. Study Tips rael in faith leaving his And, in one of the most touch- • What does Joseph’s perspective of history in Genesis 45:7-8 home like his great grandfather ing occasions in all of Scripture, teach us about God’s providential hand in human history? Abraham had before him in faith Joseph reunited with his loving fa- • When the New Testament repeatedly admonishes trusting God to bless him in a ther Jacob as the men embraced Christians to treat one another as brothers what new land. Along the way Israel as and “wept for a long time.” significance does this command take on in light of the a man now filled with faith much Joseph then brought five of Joseph story in Genesis? unlike his early years stopped at his brothers before the Pharaoh • In what way is this account an illustration of the principle in Beersheba to worship God, the to ask a favor on their behalf. Psalm 133:1-3? God of his father Isaac. This was Curiously, throughout this story • In light of the story of Joseph how does Proverbs 6:16-19 the same place where the previ- Joseph does not ask of things for take on new importance? ous patriarchs, his father Isaac himself as he trusts God to bless • How is Joseph’s response to his brothers an application of and grandfather Abraham, also him and reserves his request for Hebrews 13:1? worshiped the God of Abraham, the benefit of his brothers. The Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 21:33, Pharaoh inquired of his brothers’ 26:23-25). occupation. They replied that they Then, in the only instance of a were lowly shepherds, a despised divine encounter in the story of lower class people among the Joseph God appeared to Ja- Egyptians. Pharaoh blessed them cob commanding him to move because they were Joseph’s to Egypt and promising that he brothers, giving them the choicest would be blessed after reuniting of land. with his long lost beloved son, Jo- Then, Joseph brought his one seph. Jacob then obeyed the Lord hundred and thirty year old father in faith and moved to Egypt with Jacob to meet the mighty Pha-

168 169 raoh. Amazingly, the lowly old applicable to a person or group Joseph Rules in Egypt man actually blessed the Pha- of people in a particular place at raoh twice (Genesis 47:7,10) as a particular time in history, such Scripture to Read: the blessing of God was given as God’s command for Noah to Genesis 47:13-31 through him as the patriarch head enter the Ark with his family. of the covenant family. Earlier in Genesis God clearly Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: Theologically, there is a very gave Isaac the prescriptive com- Genesis 47:27 “Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region of Goshen. They important principle imbedded mand to not leave the land. In this acquired property there and were fruitful and increased greatly in number.” in this story. It is not uncommon section of Genesis God clearly for people to reduce their faith gave his son Jacob the prescrip- Commentary: to a series of rules and steps by tive command to leave the land. which they live. Subsequently, The point of all of this is simply n this scene we see the against God, their father, and Jo- such people are often confused that each man must obey God if effects of both God’s seph deserved the bounty which by the Bible as they are prone he hopes to have God’s presence blessing upon Pharaoh God had given to them. to not recognize the difference and blessing with him. In this way, and Egypt because of Joseph, And, with Jacob now in Egypt between universal and particular the key to living with a free God and Joseph’s wise business deal- and the covenant family growing commands. The universal com- is to have a covenant relation- ings which made the Pharaoh in number the stage was set by mands are applicable to everyone ship with Him in which we listen exceedingly rich during the seven God’s providential hand to fulfill everywhere at all times, such as to him and respond in faith that years of famine. In this we see the prophecy God had given to the command for us to love peo- is demonstrated in worship and that God indeed blesses His cov- Abraham. In Genesis 15:12-14 ple. The particular commands are obedience like Isaac and Jacob. enant people and blesses those God had previously promised to who bless them. Abraham that his descendants During this time we are told would spend four hundred years that Jacob’s family which num- enslaved in Egypt before God Study Tips bered seventy people upon liberated them as a great nation. • How is the account Joseph and his family an illustration arriving in Egypt was growing. All of the prophecies given by of the principles Jesus taught in Matthew 20:16 and Mark 9:35? This too was because of God’s God to Abraham are in the pro- • According to I Peter 5:5-6 why is Joseph a wonderful example covenant blessing that included cess of being fulfilled in Genesis for aspiring young leaders in the church to emulate? many children as one of its bless- which sets the stage for the book • What do we learn about God, particularly his grace, from this ings. of Exodus which is the sequel to story as God has blessed everyone in it whether or not they In both the prosperous blessing Genesis also penned by Moses. worship Him? of Pharaoh and Joseph’s brothers God got the family to Egypt we clearly witness the faithfulness through Joseph and the famine. of God to his covenant prom- And, this small family that be- ises. Additionally, we witness the gins increasing there in Genesis lavishness of his grace as neither 47:27 is a nation of a few million the godless Pharaoh who himself people some four hundred years believed he was a god, or the when God crushes the Pharaoh brothers who had sinned greatly in that day for mistreating His

170 171 covenant people in accordance there together. Joseph agreed Israel Blesses His Grandsons with His promise to Abraham to and the old man worshiped God not only bless those who blessed in faith as a man completely trans- Scripture to Read: His people but also curse those formed by God’s grace from the Genesis 48:1-22 who cursed them. godless trickster he had been as Knowing of God’s promise a younger man. Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: to his grandfather Abraham in Today, Israel’s bones lie in the Genesis 48:15-16 “Then he blessed Joseph and said, “May the God before Genesis 15 and trusting that it Promised Land as he wished whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my would occur as God said in faith, along with the other patriarchs. shepherd all my life to this day, the Angel who has delivered me from all harm Israel called his son Joseph to One day Abraham, Isaac, and -may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of his side. And, Israel made Joseph Jacob will rise together and see my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly upon the earth.” promise to not leave his bones in Jesus Christ face to face with all Egypt, but rather carry them back of us who by faith are the off- Commentary: to the land God had promised to spring promised to them through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and God’s covenant of grace. ome years later as Additionally, Jacob basically bury him with the other patriarchs Jacob’s life was com- adopted the boys as if they were ing to an end and he his own sons in love for them. was sickly Joseph took his sons He did this to replace his first

Manasseh and Ephraim to visit two sons who had fallen out of Study Tips their grandfather. The old man favor with him because of their • According to Ezekiel 37:1-14 what future awaits the mustered up the strength to sit great sins (Reuben in Genesis bones of Jacob and Joseph? How do Jesus’ words in up in bed to remind his son and 35:22 and Simeon in Genesis Matthew 22:32 correspond with Ezekiel? grandson of how El Shaddai 34:25, 49:5-6). Because of • How do we see the truths of Deuteronomy 7:9 actually (the name for God appearing the great sins of the oldest two occurring as we near the end of Genesis? here and five times previously in sons, the rights of firstborn were • Read the incredible sermon that the early church deacon Genesis) appeared to him in Luz passed onto Judah and Joseph Stephen preached as Saul (later renamed Paul after his (the older name for Bethel) and (Genesis 49:8-12, 49:22-26), conversion like Abram who became Abraham and Jacob blessed him with the promises of and Josephs two sons Manasseh who became Israel) murdered him in Acts 7 to get an the covenant first spoken to his and Ephraim replaced them as overview of the lives of the patriarchs and their connection grandfather Abraham. the heads in the twelve tribes of to Moses in Exodus. Jacob likely did this to compel Israel. his son and grandsons to con- Jacob then blessed his grand- tinue in faith so that the covenant sons, intentionally reversing family would continue on in faith- his hands in order to bless the ful obedience to God after his younger Ephraim over the older death. During this visit Jacob el- Manasseh as had happened re- evated Joseph’s two sons to the peatedly throughout Genesis, in- position as tribes of Israel along cluding when Jacob himself was with Joseph and his brothers. blessed over his brother Esau by

172 173 his father Isaac. Grandpa Jacob in covenant as He had been Israel Prophecies over then blessed his son Joseph with he, his father Isaac, and his His Sons and Dies and prayed over his grandsons, grandfather Abraham. asking God to be faithful to them Scripture to Read: Genesis 49:1 – 50:14

Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: Genesis 49:10 “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s Study Tips staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the • According to I Chronicles 5:1 why did Jacob take the rights obedience of the nations is his.” of firstborn away from Reuben? • What does Hebrews 11:21 state about Jacob’s actions in Commentary: this scene? • Note in your Bible the occurrences of the words bless, blessed, and blessing in this chapter. n this scene of Genesis fulfilled in Jesus Christ who is the • According to Paul in Romans 10:12 how can Christians in Jacob is nearing death King of Kings. the New Covenant get a blessing like Jacob gave? and gathers his sons After speaking, Jacob then around him as a prophet to reveal instructed his sons to bury him to them their futures. And, while next to his beloved wife Rachel Jacob’s words are technically a and his father Isaac and grandfa- death bed blessing, they do also ther Abraham. He requested to include cursing for some of the be buried in the Promised Land sons. as his final act of faith trusting Some of the most intriguing that one day God would allow prophecies are given to Reuben, his family to return just as He had Simeon and Levi, Judah, and promised. Joseph. Jacob begins by cursing Then, Jacob lay in his bed and Reuben for having sex with his fa- his faith became sight as he died thers concubine (Genesis 35:22), and went to be with the God who and Simeon and Levi for being had additional covenant bless- violent men (e.g. Genesis 34). ings awaiting him. Joseph and He then appoints Judah as the his brothers buried their father son of the promise as Judah has according to his instructions and made the journey from godless returned to Egypt. to godly man in much the same Theologically, the centerpiece fashion as his father had. And, of Jacob’s blessing at the end Jacob prophesies a coming king of the book of beginnings is the from the line of Judah in Genesis promise of a king coming to rule 49:10 which included David (II all “nations” in the end from the Samuel 7) and was ultimately line of Judah (Genesis 49:10).

174 175 This great theme of the kingship coming king is. According to Mat- Joseph Reassures of Jesus builds with the com- thew 1:1-3, 2:6; Luke 3:30-33; His Brothers and Dies ing of Judah’s descendant king Hebrews 7:14; and Revelation David who was given a prom- 5:5 Jesus is the promised de- Scripture to Read: ise in II Samuel 7 that an even scendant of Judah. And, accord- Genesis 50:15-26 greater king would be coming in ing to Numbers 24:17; Hebrews fulfillment of Jacob’s prophecy in 1:8; and Revelation 19:15-16 Scripture for Memorization and Meditation: Genesis. Jesus Christ is the King of Kings Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to The rest of the Bible contrib- who is coming again to rule all accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” utes a great deal to our under- nations of the earth in fulfillment standing of who this promised of Genesis 49:10. Commentary:

he closing chapter of million people that their descen- Genesis recounts the dants would carry his bones to the Study Tips end of Joseph’s life in Promised Land. Joseph’s request • Look up the following verses in your Bible to see the Egypt. Beautifully, Joseph ended was fulfilled in Joshua 24:32 some development of the kingship promise in Scripture: his life just as he lived it, as a man four hundred years later. Genesis 49:10 Numbers 24:17; II Samuel 7, Hebrews of grace and kindness who reas- Joseph died and there was 1:8; and Revelation 19:15-16? sured his brothers of his love for never a more godly or faithful man • Look up Matthew 1:1-3, 2:6; Luke 3:30-33; Hebrews and forgiveness of them. in human history until the com- 7:14; and Revelation 5:5 in your Bible to see which of Joseph lived to be one hundred ing of the Lord Jesus Christ. Like Jacob’s sons is Jesus Christ descended from? and ten years of age, a blessed Joseph, Jesus loved those who • Throughout the New Testament Jesus is repeatedly man who got to bounce his great- hated him and suffered unjustly called the firstborn (e.g. Luke 2:7, 2:23; Romans 8:29; grandsons on his knee. Before at the hands of those who were Colossians 1:15, 1:18; Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 1:5). dying Joseph reiterated his faith jealous of his fame and glory. As you have seen the concept of the honors of the in God’s promises to Abraham But, like the days of Joseph, what firstborn male in God’s covenant with us what does it (Genesis 15:13) and in some four sinners meant for evil was used mean that Jesus is the firstborn? hundred years his family would by God for good as He originally leave Egypt under God’s mighty intended creation to be, and the hand to return to the Promised saving of many lives through Land which is explained further in Jesus (Genesis 50:20). the book of Joshua. At the end of his life Jesus, Not wanting to remain in Egypt like Joseph before him, spoke but instead to be buried with his words of kindness, blessing, and father Jacob, grandfather Isaac, forgiveness from his cross to his and great grandfather Abraham enemies thereby making them Joseph in faith instructed his broth- friends and brothers. Jesus, like ers that when their small family had Joseph before him, was buried in become a mighty nation of a few a tomb. But, unlike Joseph who

176 177 remains buried today, the Lord replaced by sight. Jesus Christ, rose from death in On that day King Jesus will call triumphant victory over sin as the the names of all of His covenant second Adam who atoned and people as He did the names of redeemed all that our first father their forefathers Adam, Noah, Adam had lost. In so doing, Jesus Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And, proved that he was the covenant like Jesus did God’s covenant God of Abraham, Isaac, and people will arise together to walk Jacob who had come to seek us with God like Enoch, Noah, and as He had Adam, Noah, Abraham, Abraham into their Promised Land, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. the New Heaven, New Earth, and One day, perhaps very soon, the New Jerusalem where there the Lord Jesus Christ will return as stain of sin is no more, and cov- the King of Kings from the line of enant blessing is forevermore. Judah promised in Genesis 49:10 And, I pray that by your faith in with the scepter of sovereign God’s covenant grace that you lordship in His hand. will be among us as one of God’s On that day, our faith which the covenant people partaking again mark of God’s covenant people of the tree of life. will be no more and instead be Amen.

Study Tips • Do you worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob by faith? • Genesis closes after tracing covenant faith through four generations from Abraham to Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph and his brother Judah. How many generations of faith precede you? • How many generations of covenant faith are you praying will follow your death? • What are you doing to prepare your family to be a series of patriarchs and matriarchs bringing covenant faith • What are you doing to bless the nations of the earth, Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dream beginning with our own? (Genesis 41:17-32)

178 179 60 Bible Questions for children from Genesis

Q: How many gods are there? brother was Aaron, God gave him A: There is only One God the 10 Commandments, he wrote Q: What does it mean that God five books of the Bible, etc. is eternal? Q: What is the first book of the A: It means that God lives forever Bible? without beginning or end A: Genesis Q: How many books are in the Q: What is the first verse of Bible? Genesis? A: 66 A: Genesis 1:1 In the beginning Q: How many books are in the God created the heavens and the Old Testament? earth. A: 39 Q: How many chapters are Q: How many books are in the there in Genesis? New Testament? A: 50 A: 27 Q: How did God make every- Q: What are the first five books thing? of the Old Testament? A: By His powerful word from A: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, nothing Numbers, Deuteronomy Q: Did people evolve from Q: What do we call the first five monkeys or were we made by books of the Old Testament? God? A: The Pentateuch (meaning one A: We were made by God. book in five parts) Q: Why did God make us? Q: Who wrote the first five A: To love and serve Him as books of the Old Testament? Christians. A: Moses Q: What parts of creation are Q: Name five things you know you most thankful God made? about Moses? A: e.g. trees to climb in, animals A: e.g. God spoke to him in a to have as pets, sun to play Joseph Is Ruler Over All Egypt burning bush, his mommy floated outside, dirt to dig in, flowers to him down a river when he was smell, etc. (Genesis 41:39-44) a baby, he grew up in Egypt, his

180 181 Q: What does it mean that God Q: What happened to Adam Q: How many days was Noah Q: Who was Isaac’s wife? blesses us? and Eve because of their sin? in the Ark while it rained and A: Rebekah A: It means He gives us what A: They had to leave the beautiful flooded? Q: Who were Isaac’s twin boys? we need (e.g. food), He gives us garden, Adam had to work really A: 40 days A: Jacob and Esau friends, He gives us children, and hard to take care of his family, Q: After the flood ended and Q: What did Esau look like He helps us. Eve had great pain in birthing Noah left the ark to go back babies. when he was born? Q: What is one of the greatest onto ground what was the first A: He was covered in red hair. blessings in all the world that Q: Who later died to forgive thing Noah did? God gives? Adam and Eve’s sin? A: He worshiped God and asked Q: Who did Jacob marry? A: Children like me. A: Jesus Christ. Him to forgive his sins A: Leah and Rachel Q: Who was the first man God Q: Who were the first children Q: What did God put in the sky Q: Are men supposed to have made? born? to promise Noah that there two wives or just one? A: Adam A: Cain and Abel would never be a big flood A: Just one. Q: Who was the first woman Q: What did Cain do to Abel? again? Q: What did the non-Christian God made? A: Cain got mad at his brother A: A rainbow men from the town of Schem A: Eve Abel and attacked him hitting him Q: What did God promise Abra- do to Jacob’s daughter Dinah? until he died. ham? A: They treated her badly really Q: Where did Adam and Eve hurt her. live? Q: Which man lived the longest A: That he would have a baby boy A: The Garden in Eden which ever and how long did he live? and that some day Jesus would Q: What did Dinah’s brothers was beautiful and made for them A: Methuselah died when he was be born to bless people all over do to the bad men who hurt by God. 969 years old the earth. their sister? Q: What was Abraham’s wife’s A: The brothers killed all of the Q: What were Adam and Eve Q: What did God tell Noah to do? bad men who hurt their sister. told not to do? A: Build a large Ark which is a name? A: Eat from the tree of the knowl- boat. A: Sarah Q: Who did Jacob wrestle with edge of good and evil. Q: How old was Abraham when and why? Q: Why did Noah need to build A: Jacob wrestled with God Q: Who told Adam and Eve to an Ark? he had his first son, Isaac? A: About 100 years old (probably Jesus) because he disobey God and sin? A: Because God was going to wanted a blessing. A: Satan send a huge flood over water to Q: What does Isaac’s name Q: Which of Jacob’s sons had Q: Who is Satan? kill all the bad guys who were mean? sinning. A: Laughter a dream that he ruled over his A: He’s a bad angel that was big brothers? kicked out of Heaven because he Q: What did Noah bring on the Q: What did God do the towns A: Joseph did not love God. Ark with him? of Sodom and Gomorrah? A: His family and the animals God A: He destroyed them because Q: How did Joseph’s brothers Q: Did Adam and Eve obey sin against him? Satan or God? brought him. they would not stop sinning against God. A: They sold him in slavery and A: Satan told his dad Jacob he was dead which was a lie.

182 183 Q: What country was Joseph Q: Did the dream come true? taken to away from his family? A: Yes, and because of Joseph A: Egypt. many people had food and did Q: Who did Joseph work for in not starve to death Egypt? Q: Who came to Joseph looking A: The non-Christian king Pha- for food? raoh. A: His mean brothers who sold Q: Why was Joseph thrown in him into slavery and had not seen jail? him in many years. A: A woman told a terrible lie Q: What did Joseph to do his about him. brothers? Q: What supernatural power A: Joseph loved them and forgave does God give Joseph? them for sinning against him A: He can interpret people’s Q: Did Joseph get to be reunit- dreams to tell them what God is ed with his daddy? saying in their dreams A: Yes, Joseph got to see his Q: What dream does Joseph daddy after being separated for interpret for Pharaoh? many years A: Joseph told Pharaoh to save food because for seven years there would not be any and if he didn’t people would starve

Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers (Genesis 45:1-5, 9-15)

184 185 Resources for Further Study

fter surveying the Books Providing an Overview mountain of books on of Genesis Genesis and the issues • Genesis in Space and Time by raised therein one theologian Francis Schaeffer rightly said that the interpre- • Encountering the Book of tive trends are as faddish and Genesis by Bill T. Arnold changing as women’s fashion. • Old Testament Theology by Trying to keep up with all of the Paul R. House commentary and speculation that surrounds Genesis is simply Detailed Studies of Genesis 1-2 overwhelming. So, in an effort to • In the Beginning: The Opening be of assistance to those who Chapters of Genesis by Henri aspire to study more deeply I Blocher have compiled the following list of • Genesis Unbound by John resources that is no way exhaus- Sailhamer tive. Each of these books is in my • Creation and Change by personal library and something I Douglas F. Kelly have read, or at least referenced, and can attest that they are in- Commentaries on Genesis sightful. However, I do not agree • Genesis by Bruce Waltke with each of these books, but • Genesis by John Sailhamer rather find them helpful in at least (Expositors Bible Commentary explaining the various positions Series) that emerge from issues found in • The Beginning of Wisdom by Genesis. Leon R. Kass • Genesis by Walter Books on the Pentateuch Brueggemann • From Paradise to Promised • Creation and Blessing by Allen Land by T.D. Alexander P. Ross • The Pentateuch As Narrative by • Genesis by John Calvin John Sailhamer • Genesis edited by Bill Moyers • Exploring the Old Testament: Jacob Comes to Egypt A Guide to the Pentateuch by Commentaries on Genesis 1-2 (Genesis 46:2-7,29,30) Gordon Wenham • In the Beginning: The Opening Chapters of Genesis by Henri Blocher

186 187 • Genesis Unbound by John • Darwin on Trial by Philip Books Seeking to Reconcile Books on the Age of the Earth Sailhamer Johnson Science & Scripture • Creation and Time: A Biblical • Lie: Evolution by Ken Ham • The Genesis Question: and Scientific Perspective on Books Debating Views of • Evolution: A Theory in Crisis by Scientific Advances and the the Creation-Date Controversy Creation Michael Denton Accuracy of Genesis by Hugh Ross • The Genesis Debate edited by • Icons of Evolution: Science or by Hugh Ross • A New Look An Old Earth by David Hagopian Myth by Jonathan Wells • The Creator and the Cosmos: Don Stoner • Three Views on Creation and • Defeating Darwinism by How the Latest Scientific • The Young Earth by John D. Evolution edited by Stanley Opening Minds by Phillip E. Discoveries of the Century Morris Gundry Johnson Reveal God by Hugh Ross • Creation In Six Days: A • Darwin’s Black Box: The • Beyond the Cosmos by Hugh Defense of the Traditional Books on Creation & Intelligent Biochemical Challenge To Ross Reading of Genesis One by Design Evolution by Michael J. Behe • Big Bang and the Bible by James B. Jordan • The Case for a Creator by Lee Gerald Schroeder Strobel Books On Particular Issues • Science and Evolution: Web Sites on Creation • Intelligent Design by William A. Related to Genesis Developing a Christian www.answersingenesis.org Dembski • One Blood: The Biblical Worldview of Science and www.icr.org • The Design Revolution: Answer to Racism by Ken Ham Evolution by Charles W. www.christiananswers.net/ Answering the Toughest • The Genesis Flood: The Colson creation Questions about Intelligent Biblical Record and Its • Finding Darwin’s God: A www.discovery.org/csc Design by William A. Dembski Scientific Implications by John Scientist’s Search for Common www.iscid.org • Doubts about Darwin: A History C. Whitcomb Ground Between God and www.ideacenter.org of Intelligent Design by Thomas • Bones of Contention: A Evolution by Kenneth R. Miller www.origins.org Woodward Creationist Assessment of the www.reasons.org/index.shtml • By Design: Science and the Human Fossils by Marvin L. Books Examining the Search for God by Larry Lubenow Foundations of Science Videos on Intelligent Design Witham • Primeval Saints: Studies in the • Reason in the Balance: The • Icons of Evolution by Philip • Scientific Creationism by Henry Patriarchs of Genesis by James Case Against Naturalism in Johnson M. Morris B. Jordan Science, Law & Education by • Unlocking the Mystery of Life • The Land of Promise edited by Phillip E. Johnson by Philip Johnson Books Critiquing Evolution Philip Johnson • Christianity and the Nature of • The Privileged Planet by • Where Darwin Meets the Bible: • New Creation in Paul’s Letters Science by JP Moreland Guillermo Gonzalez Creationists and Evolutionists and Thoughts by Moyer V. • The Biblical Basis for Modern in America by Larry Witham Hubbard Science by Henry M. Morris • Answers Book: The 20 Most- • From Creation to New Creation • The Wedge of Truth: Splitting Asked Questions About by Bernhard W. Anderson the Foundations of Naturalism Creation, Evolution, and the • The Genesis of Sex by O by Phillip E. Johnson Book of Genesis Answered by Palmer Robertson Ken Ham • The Christ of the Covenants by O Palmer Robertson

188 189 Notes Notes

190 191 Notes

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