Genesis is often referred to as the book of beginnings because it provides an extensive explanation of the origins of the human race,the created universe, and the birth of the nation of Israel. Written by the hands of Moses somewhere between 1445-1405 BC, these words were given to him by special revelation from God (2 Timothy 3:16) since Moses was born nearly three centuries after the events of Genesis were completed. These words would give Israel, God’s chosen people, an understanding of the history and theology of their existence. This book is foundational to all of Scripture and without a proper understanding of it, many other parts of the Bible may be misunderstood (marriage, family, sin, forgiveness, government, judgment, languages/people groups). In the pages of this first book of the Bible, the reader discovers significant explanations to events such as the creation of the universe, origin of the human race, relationship between God and man, sin and death, and the unveiling of God’s plan to save mankind from the penalty of sin (3:15). The events of Genesis occur in three distinct locations: Mesopotamia (Genesis 1-11, creation-2090 BC), the promised land of Canaan (Genesis 12-36, 2090-1897 BC), and Egypt (Genesis 37-50, 1897-1805 BC).
Although Moses never argues for the existence of God in this first book of the Bible, he clearly distinguishes Him as the one, true God over all other gods created in the minds of wicked men. There is an obvious battle occurring throughout Genesis between the evil forces of Satan (a fallen angel) and the all-powerful forces of God. Satan repeatedly attempts to destroy mankind by tempting them to disobey God’s ways and worship false deities. God fights for the hearts and minds of mankind seeking to lead them to a life of blessing and reward. This struggle between good and evil is evident on every page of Genesis as the reader witnesses the beginnings of God’s redemptive plan to save mankind from the penalty of sin by using the nation of Israel to bring forth a Deliverer, Jesus Christ.
Dear God, thank You for providing written details concerning the beginnings of the universe and the creation of mankind. As I read the words of this book, may I be challenged to live a life of obedience to Your ways and resist the forces of evil around me.
