Commentary on Genesis

An Overview of the Book of Beginnings

The book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, is foundational to understanding the entire biblical narrative. Its name, derived from the Greek word for “origin” or “beginning,” perfectly encapsulates its purpose. It chronicles the origins of the universe, humanity, sin, and the nation of Israel. It sets the stage for God’s redemptive plan, introducing the core themes of covenant, promise, and faith that will be developed throughout the rest of Scripture.

• **Creation:** Genesis establishes God as the sovereign, all-powerful Creator who brought the universe into existence from nothing.
• **The Fall of Man:** It explains the origin of sin and death and the separation of humanity from God.
• **Covenant and Promise:** Genesis introduces God’s covenants with Noah and Abraham, setting a pattern for how God interacts with His people.
• **Faith and Obedience:** The lives of key figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are presented as examples of both faith and human failure, demonstrating God’s faithfulness despite human weakness.
• **Divine Sovereignty:** The narrative consistently shows God’s sovereign control over history, from the lives of individuals to the fate of nations.

Genesis can be divided into two primary sections:

**1. Primeval History (Chapters 1-11):** This section covers the creation of the world, the fall of man, the great flood, and the dispersion of nations at the Tower of Babel. It provides a universal history from creation to Abraham, explaining how the world came to be in its current state of sin and brokenness.

**2. Patriarchal History (Chapters 12-50):** This section focuses on the lives of four key figures: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. It narrows the focus from all of humanity to one specific family line through whom God’s redemptive plan would unfold, culminating in the family of Israel taking refuge in Egypt.

Genesis is the seedbed of all biblical doctrine. Without Genesis, we cannot fully understand the need for a savior, the nature of sin, or the basis for God’s covenantal promises. It provides the historical foundation for the Messiah’s lineage, culminating in the prophecy that the scepter will not depart from Judah, which is a key messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ.