A brief introduction to the book of Genesis

Today we begin a journey into the book of Genesis. Before we dive into the book, let us first be briefly acquainted with some background information of this book. In the Hebrews Old Testament, it takes its title from the first three words, “In the Beginning.” The title “Genesis” was given much later. A panel of translators was commissioned to translate the Hebrew Old Testament into the Greek Old Testament, about 250 years before Christ came. This translated Greek Old Testament is known as the Septuagint. The first five books of the Bible are collectively termed the Pentateuch in the Septuagint. It is here that the first book is titled, Genesis, meaning “Origin” or Beginning.” This title is so appropriate because it details for us the beginning of light, the universe, the hemispheres, the luminaries, the earth, the sky, the sea, the vegetation, and all life forms. The crown of all God’s creation of course is the man, made in God’s image and likeness. Hence we can clearly conclude that life begins with God.

Moses was believed to be the author. His information came directly from God. Thus, in a sense, God is the real author. In fact, the content reflects Him as the author. Who else could have such clear and precise knowledge of all the things written in this book? It was God Who had all the needful information revealed to Moses, the human author. Moses then had them penned and written into this book. It was written with the end in mind. God Who has a purpose and plan, objectively has a holistic revelation. He knows the end from the beginning. He is all-knowing, hence He knows everything from the beginning, everything in between and everything at the end. Genesis is God’s account of the beginning.

In the very first verse, Genesis assumes that the immortal God is the Creator. He is not a created being. He was there in eternity past and has been there before time began. He was also there when time first began and has continued to be in time since. And He is also here now. We know that He dwells in Heaven. Everything we see and experience is a result of His creative genius. He created them at a point in time. He is an eternal being whereas we are earthly creatures. Take note that Genesis does not just deal with the beginning, it also deals with life’s ultimate question. It deals with where our universe began, but more importantly when mankind and life began. And where we will be going ultimately.

Genesis is not a scientific book but science cannot disprove it. It contains information that science collaborate. Whatever the case, this is a foundational book for us who believe in God. The first eleven chapters essentially detail the dawn of creation to the time of the Great Universal Flood during Noah’s day. This portion is usually referred to as the prologue of Genesis. The rest of the book from chapter 12 onward, share with us the life of Abraham and the story of his family lines and their exploits. Genesis 12-50 deal with the call of Abraham from his hometown, Ur of Chaldea, and his journey and stops on the way. Here we also find the genesis and history of his sons, Ishmael and Isaac, and his sons' sons and families. Although Abraham and his sons, and many grandsons and members of their families died on the way,Abraham's legacy continues. The plan of God has been to bless all the people in the world through that nation Abraham had begun. This mandate that Abraham and his family embraced, must also be the same one we, believers of Jesus, must embrace today. Unfortunately, while the first verse of Genesis begins with God as Creator, the last verse mentions Joseph in a coffin. But fortunately, the rest of the Bible leads us to God’s redemption plan in the coming of Christ, culminating in His imminent return. In Revelation, the final book of the Bible, we will see the restoration of the new heaven and new earth in God’s ultimate plan.

From Genesis 12 onward, the story of Abraham slowly unfolded till through Isaac and his promised descendants became the nation of Israel, a nation that ended up in Egypt in bondage. We shall see how God took them through their triumph and was with them through their low time. And He will also do the same for us if we dare to trust Him. Wonderfully, we will discover that God who never forsook them will never forsake us too. Although He will deal with our flaws, He will never leave us in the lure if we return to Him. We have a Great God, Who will also journey with us in life as He did with Adam, Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Shem, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph.

Be ready for some personal reflections. Our journey and exploration will be a devotional one. It is not meant to be an exposition of the book, though we will have details to make clear the text. Let’s be more prepared to see the spiritual lessons we can draw for personal application each day. Meanwhile, let’s fasten our seats, we are about to take off soon!