Genesis

Genesis First Impressions:

What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

I see that in the book of Genesis it was clearly written to the israelites. It mentions one of the main characters Abraham and tells the many different stories of him and his family (Isaac, Jacob and Joseph). Abraham was the one whom God chose " for you will be the father of many nations" (17:4-6) and have his covenant with. Secondly the sourceview insights show that "all families on earth will be blessed" (12:3), in a way not only is it written to the Israelites but also to the gentiles. In conclusion we see that the primary group this book is written to is the Israelites but still all people on earth can benefit from the message of Genesis.

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The sourceview insights suggest that Moses is the author of Genesis.

What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is one sentence summary of "the main idea?"

There are a couple main themes in the book of Genesis. One being, God has a plan for redemption (3:15) (14:18). Though man has fallen, God still has a plan to redeem his people and bring them back into relationship with Him. Secondly we see God reassuring his faithfulness and promises to His people. Take Noah for example… "Noah found favour with the Lord" (6:8) God used Noah to restart life on earth. God had decided to "destroy all living creatures, for they have filled the earth with violence" (6:13) but because God found favour with Noah He was able to restart life after the flood. Also look at Sarah, Abrahams wife "Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!" (21:7) Sarah was to old to bear children but God was faithful and kept his promise to Sarah saying she would give birth to a son for Abraham. 

The main idea of the book of Genesis is God has a redemptive plan for his people and He is faithful to his word!

What is the primary reason this book was written?

The primary reason Genesis was written was so that the Israelites would know their identity. "Let us make human being in our image, to be like us." (1:26) God clearly says there that they are meant to be like Him. After the fall in the garden of Eden their identity is lost, they no longer see themselves as God saw them. They then see out of the eyes of insecurity. " I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked." (3:10) In conclusion I believe the primary reason Genesis was written was to speak hope of identity over a lost/fallen people.

Genesis Theme tracing:

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

The book of Genesis displays many characteristics of God. We see His love for humanity in the first couple chapters displayed when Adam and Eve sinned. God had a plan for redemption because he loved them so much. " He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel." (3:15)This is God foreshadowing that He is going to save His people because He loves them so much because they are his creation. We also see the orderly creative nature of God in the first couple chapters showed. God seems to get more detailed each day adding more to his creation. (1:6)(1:9)(1:12) We also see Gods mercy shown towards Abraham because he stands in the gap for Sodom and Gomorrah because of how badly they are caught in sin. Abraham takes a step of courage to talk to God about not destroying the city. We see God reason with Abraham which shows Gods mercy.(18:20-32) This is just a few stories that display the character and nature of God.

What does this book show about gods redemptive plan for mankind?

This book shows Gods heart for redemption. He loves His people and wants what is best for them. We see God foreshadow his redemption plan with Abraham when he is about to sacrifice his son to God. "God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son." (24:8) We see God leading his people to the promise land aka Canaan. "And I will give the entire land of Canaan where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God." (17:8) We also see a promise of God in here that he will give the entire land to the israelites. In conclusion God has a plan for mankind because He loves them so much and we see Him giving promises to His people and proving himself faithful in all circumstances even when people don't remain faithful to Him. God is still faithful and loving and always has a plan to get his people back in relationship with Him.

Genesis Application Questions:

Personal Application

I guess for me the biggest thing in my life right now that applies to this book would be me trusting in Gods faithfulness in my life. Trusting him that he is directing my steps in his ways and that He is going to lead me into the fullness he has for me. Like Abraham even though I do not see the fulness of the promises I believe God is bringing me closer to them as I trust and follow in his steps.

Point of Passion

I have not yet heard clearly on this.