Revised by Kathryn M. Schifferdecker (11/24)
1. The Primeval Story (Genesis 1:1—11:26)
God, with the help of various agents (for example, the “us” of Genesis 1:26), creates the world. Human sin intrudes, with social and cosmic effects (including the flood), in the wake of which God’s promises enable a new world order.
2. The Story of Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 11:27—25:18)
God calls AbrahamGod promised that Abraham would become the father of a great nation, receive a land, and bring blessing to all nations. More and makes promises to him and his descendants through both Hagar and SarahAbraham’s wife and mother of Isaac. More and their sons Ishmael and Isaac, though it is only through IsaacSon born to Abraham and Sarah in fulfillment of God’s promise. More that the covenant is established.
3. The Story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel (Genesis 25:19—36:43)
JacobThe son of Isaac and Rebekah, renamed Israel, became the father of the twelve tribal families. More steals his brother Esau’s blessingBlessing is the asking for or the giving of God’s favor. Isaac was tricked into blessing Jacob instead of his firstborn Esau. At the Last Supper Jesus offered a blessing over bread and wine. To be blessed is to be favored by God. More, but God renews the promises to Jacob. His name is changed to Israel, and his 12 sons (with LeahLaban’s oldest daughter and Jacob’s first wife. More, RachelLaban’s younger daughter and Jacob’s second wife. More, BilhahOne of the concunbines of Jacob. More, and ZilpahZilpah was Leah’s servant and one of Jacob’s concubines. More) become the tribes of Israel.
4. The Story of Jacob’s Sons, Especially Joseph (Genesis 37:1—50:26)
The story of Joseph becomes the prism in and through which the development of Jacob’s family is portrayed. Egypt is the primary setting for this story, which sets up the narrative in the Book of Exodus.