Genesis is a word meaning simply Beginnings or Origins. Thus, the first book of the Bible is a book filled with beginnings. Here you will find the origins of a great many things (e.g. the earth, nations, languages, and customs). You actually will lose count of the beginnings as you study this book of origins. God has chosen here to give us the answers to so many of life’s questions such as Where did I come from? and Why am I here?
The first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) are actually a collective work known as The Pentateuch. These five books are the books of The Law or The Books of Moses upon which Jewish beliefs and practices are also based and are referred to in the Jewish religion as The Torah. Genesis is the first book of this five-book collection.
The book of Genesis is believed to have been written by Moses after God had delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt during the 40-year journey from Egypt to The Promised Land. The events of Genesis occurred between the time of creation until about 2000 B.C. Then, there was about a 400-year gap before Moses entered the scene in the book of Exodus. We also know that many of the events in the book of Genesis occurred before writing was in use so there has been much discussion among Bible scholars over the sources of the information Moses recorded. Many archeological finds have shown various facts recorded to be quite accurate though explanations beyond divine inspiration have been explored. You can find this type of information and discussion easily on the internet or in various Bible commentaries on the subject if you are interested.
Our study of Genesis will cover a myriad of topics. We will divide this study into the following three sections:
Creation – Chapters 1 through 11
- Creation of the World
- The Fall of Man
- Flood
- Scattering of the Peoples
The Patriarchs – Chapters 12 through 36
- Abraham
- Isaac
- Jacob
Slavery in Egypt – Chapters 37 through 50
These devotions are the study of the book of Genesis. We will attempt to understand the teaching contained there by reading the text and then comparing it to other writings within the Scriptures. Optional topics for further research are offered for those who are interested. Finally, we will seek to strengthen our relationship with a Most Holy God by applying what we are learning into our daily lives. I pray that your soul will be fed, your life will be changed, and your relationship with God will be all that you hope it could be.
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