Old Testament Survey IOld Testament Survey I

GenesisGenesis

StructureStructure ““These are the generations of” occurs 11 These are the generations of” occurs 11

times, beginning with the generations of times, beginning with the generations of the heavens and earth in 2:4 (cf. 5:1; 6:9; the heavens and earth in 2:4 (cf. 5:1; 6:9; 10:1; 11:10; 11:27; 25:12; 25:19; 36:1; 10:1; 11:10; 11:27; 25:12; 25:19; 36:1; 36:9; 37:2).36:9; 37:2).

Another way to see the book:Another way to see the book: 1-11: Four key events: 1-11: Four key events:

Creation (1-2)Creation (1-2) Fall (3-5)Fall (3-5) Flood (6-9)Flood (6-9) Babel (10-11)Babel (10-11)

12-50: Four key people: 12-50: Four key people: Abraham (12-23)Abraham (12-23) Isaac (24-26)Isaac (24-26) Jacob (27-36)Jacob (27-36) Joseph (37-50)Joseph (37-50)

Abraham’s Journeys

Major ThemesMajor Themes Origins – of the universe and of the nation of Origins – of the universe and of the nation of

Israel. Includes origin of:Israel. Includes origin of: Universe and MankindUniverse and Mankind MarriageMarriage Languages and nationsLanguages and nations SinSin Worship and faithWorship and faith

The Sinfulness of ManThe Sinfulness of Man Adam and EveAdam and Eve CainCain Generation of the FloodGeneration of the Flood Men at Babel and Sodom and GomorrahMen at Babel and Sodom and Gomorrah

Character of GodCharacter of God His power in and over creationHis power in and over creation His judgment against sin (flood, Babel, Sodom and His judgment against sin (flood, Babel, Sodom and

Gomorrah)Gomorrah) His grace and compassion in being willing to saveHis grace and compassion in being willing to save His sovereignty in directing eventsHis sovereignty in directing events

Major ThemesMajor Themes

Abrahamic CovenantAbrahamic Covenant Promises made in Gen 12Promises made in Gen 12 Covenant formalized in Gen 15Covenant formalized in Gen 15 Sign of circumcision given in Gen 17Sign of circumcision given in Gen 17 Covenant affirmed to Isaac in Gen 26, Covenant affirmed to Isaac in Gen 26,

then to Jacob in Gen 28then to Jacob in Gen 28 God begins to fulfill his covenant God begins to fulfill his covenant

promises by blessing Abraham personally, promises by blessing Abraham personally, by blessing others who bless Abraham by blessing others who bless Abraham and his descendants, and by and his descendants, and by orchestrating events to fulfill His orchestrating events to fulfill His covenant promises.covenant promises.

Purpose StatementPurpose Statement

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

Interpretive IssuesInterpretive Issues Creation theoriesCreation theories

Gap theory Gap theory – – Proposes that God reconstructed the Proposes that God reconstructed the earth after the judgment resulting from the fall of earth after the judgment resulting from the fall of Satan; takes “was” in Gen 1:2 to mean Satan; takes “was” in Gen 1:2 to mean “became.”“became.”

Since there was a long period between vv. 1 and 2, can Since there was a long period between vv. 1 and 2, can still hold to 24 hour days in Genesis 1.still hold to 24 hour days in Genesis 1.

Poses the gap to reconcile Gen 1 with modern scientific Poses the gap to reconcile Gen 1 with modern scientific theory. No evidence for such a gap either in Genesis or theory. No evidence for such a gap either in Genesis or elsewhere in Scripture.elsewhere in Scripture.

Day-age theory - Re-defines “day” as a “day-Day-age theory - Re-defines “day” as a “day-age.” Claims to interpret Gen 1 literally! Denies age.” Claims to interpret Gen 1 literally! Denies any interpretive value to Exod 20:8-11; 31:15-17any interpretive value to Exod 20:8-11; 31:15-17

6 Day Creation6 Day Creation 3 days of creating and separating:3 days of creating and separating:

Light from darknessLight from darkness Waters above from waters belowWaters above from waters below Dry land from sea, vegetationDry land from sea, vegetation

3 days of forming and filling3 days of forming and filling Lights in the expanseLights in the expanse Water creatures and birdsWater creatures and birds Land animals and manLand animals and man

Interpretive IssuesInterpretive Issues

The Extent of the FloodThe Extent of the Flood Local, known worldLocal, known world WorldwideWorldwide

““Sons of God” in Gen 6Sons of God” in Gen 6 KingsKings Godly line of SethGodly line of Seth AngelsAngels

Interpretive IssuesInterpretive Issues

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

Next Time: ExodusNext Time: Exodus