Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 1

GENESIS
CLASS NOTES
Title

The English title comes from the Jerome’s Latin translation (the Vulgate), Liber
Genesis. This Latin translation comes from the LXX (the Greek translation of the OT) title,
genesis. The LXX title is a Greek translation of the Hebrew word tôledôt, which means, “these
are the generations of…” This is the heading of 11 (or 10) major sections following the creation
account.1 The Hebrew title of the book, as is often the case comes from the first word of the
book, berē’šît, “in the beginning.”2

Authorship

Genesis is the first of the five books that compose the Pentateuch (derived from the
Greek pentateuchos, literally, “five implements”).3 The authorship of Genesis is bound up with
the authorship of the Pentateuch as a whole. Until the mid-eighteenth century few questioned the
Mosaic authorship of Genesis.4 However since that time, scholarly opinion has shifted
considerably, and many interpreters today reject Moses as the author of the Pentateuch and
Genesis in particular. Instead, it is held that Genesis (along with the rest of the Pentateuch) is a
collection of documents put together by editors and redactors.

Scholars use differences in terminology, style, theology, etc. to posit four sources for
the Pentateuch. This is known as “the documentary hypothesis.” While there is much internal
debate among those who accept the documentary hypothesis, critical scholars generally agree
that there are four sources, JEDP. J derives its name from its use of the divine name “Jehovah,”
and is dated to the ninth century. E derives its name from its use of “Elohim” to refer to God, and
is dated to the eighth century. D is identified as “the book of the law in the Lord’s temple”
discovered during Josiah’s reign around 622 BC. P is a “priestly document” dated to the fifth
century BC. According to this theory the present form of the Pentateuch did not exist until ca.
400 BC. Critical scholars holding to this view reject Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch, and
Genesis in particular, which they generally hold to be a compilation of J and E.5

1
Eugene H. Merrill, Mark F. Rooker, and Michael A. Grisanti, The World and the Word: An
Introduction to the Old Testament (Nashville: B&H, 2011), 173.

2
Ibid., 170.

3
Ibid., 163.
4
Ibid., 171.

5
Ibid., 136–37.
Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 2

However, there are significant problems with the documentary hypothesis. First, there
are increasingly complex reconstructions such as the introduction of even more sources (K, L,
and S), which indicates the inadequacy of the view. Second, the attribution of anomalies within
texts to particular sources. Finally, archaeological evidence does not support the documentary
hypothesis. For example, a sixth century amulet inscribed with a text (Num 6:24–26) normally
attributed to P, which scholars have dated to the fifth century.6

There are three primary evangelical views. A minority of scholars hold Moses to be
the exclusive author. According to this view, Moses penned every word of the Pentateuch,
including Deut 34.7 Another view holds that Moses is the substantial author of the Pentateuch
(and Genesis). Although there is disagreement over the amount of non-Mosaic material is
present, proponents of this view hold that Moses is the compiler and author of Genesis (and the
Pentateuch). According to this view Moses used preexisting written sources, oral tradition, and
direct revelation to compose Genesis (and the Pentateuch). Someone after Moses’ time added
portions, such as, “Dan” in Gen 14:14, the “until this day” statements (e.g., Deut 3:14), and the
narrative describing Moses’ death and burial. A third evangelical view is that Genesis (and the
Pentateuch) is the work of a variety writers and editors. According to this view, Moses provided
a formative material for the Pentateuch, but that it reached its final form centuries after his
death.8 This view is very similar to that held by critical scholars, but does not share critical
scholarships anti-supernatural bias.

While the issue is very complicated, it seems best to regard Moses as the substantial
author of Genesis (and the Pentateuch). Although no statements concerning authorship are
present in Genesis, the Pentateuch as a whole contains statements supporting Mosaic authorship
(Ex 17:14; 24:4, 7; 34:27; Num 33:1–2; Deut 31:9, 24). Gleason Archer lists seven internal
reasons for maintaining Mosaic authorship,

1. Eyewitness details in the account of the Exodus which suggests an actual

participant in the events, but which would be altogether beyond the ken of an author
who lived centuries after the event… 2. The author of Genesis and Exodus shows a
thorough acquaintance with Egypt, as one would expect of a participant in the
Exodus… 3. The author of the Torah shows a consistently foreign or extra–
Palestinian viewpoint so far as Canaan is concerned… 4. The atmosphere of Exodus
through Numbers is unmistakably that of the desert, not of an agricultural people
settled in their ancestral possessions for nearly a thousand years (as Wellhausen
supposed)… 5. Particularly in the book of Genesis there are references to archaic
customs which are demonstrable for the second millennium B.C., but which did not
continue during the first millennium… 6. There are significant archaisms in language,
as well… 7. There is a most remarkable unity of arrangement which underlies the

6
Charles H. Savelle, “Genesis Argument,” (Unpublished Paper), 4.

7
E.g., W. D. Barrick, “The Authorship of Deuteronomy 34: Moses or a redactor” (paper presented at
the National Evangelical Theological Society meeting, Colorado Springs, November 15, 2001).

8
These three views are surveyed in Merrill, Rooker, and Grisanti, The World and the Word, 166–68.
Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 3

entire Pentateuch and links it together into a progressive whole, even though
successive stages in revelation (during Moses’ writing career of four decades) result
in a certain amount of overlapping and restatement.9

The external evidence also favors Mosaic Authorship, since the rest of the Old Testament
consistently affirms Mosaic authorship (Josh 1:7–8; 8:31–32; 1 Kgs 2:3; 2 Kgs 14:6; 21:8; Ezra
6:18; Neh 13:1; Dan 9:11–13; Mal 4:4). Jesus affirms Mosaic authorship of the “Law” (Matt
19:8; Mark 7:10; 12:26; Luke 18:29–31; John 5:46–47; 7:19). Not only Jesus, but other New
Testament writers affirm Mosaic authorship (Acts 3:22; Rom 10:5). Therefore, external evidence
in both the Old Testament and New Testament supports Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch.
Furthermore, Moses seems to be the best candidate for authorship given his training in Egypt, his
leadership of the Israelites, and his unique relationship with Yahweh.10

Date

The date of Genesis is tied to the issue of authorship. If one rejects Mosaic authorship
the final composition of the Pentateuch could be as late as 400 BC. However, given the
probability of Mosaic authorship, Genesis must have been written during his lifetime (ca. 1526–
1406 BC). Since Moses writes about the Exodus, the date of composition for the Pentateuch
must be after that event in 1446 BC.11 Therefore, the composition of Genesis (and the rest of the
Pentateuch) most likely took place during the forty years the Israelites wandered in the
wilderness (1446–1406 BC).12

Original Audience

If Moses is the author, which seems likely, then the original audience were the
Hebrews of the Exodus or post-Exodus generation. The Exodus generation wandered and died in
the wilderness, and the post-Exodus generation entered the promised land. Either, or both,
generations could have been the original audience for which Genesis was intended.
Deuteronomy 1:1–8 indicates that Deuteronomy was intended for the generation that was to
enter the promised land. Given the unity of the Pentateuch it seems likely that the primary
original audience was the Israelite generation that was to enter the promised land.13

9
Gleason Leonard Archer, Jr., A Survey of Old Testament Introduction, Updated and rev. ed. (Chicago:
Moody Press, 1994), 119–25.

10
Charles H. Savelle, “Genesis Argument,” 4.

11
This assumes an early date for the Exodus.

12
Charles H. Savelle, “Genesis Argument,” 4–5.

13
Ibid, 5.
Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 4

Canonicity

There have never been any serious objections to the canonicity of Genesis.14 In the
OT the Pentateuch was ascribed to Moses and carried authority (e.g. Josh 8:31–35).15 The NT
referred to the Pentateuch as a whole as well, ascribing it to Moses and carrying authority (e.g.
Luke 24:44). Despite its universal acceptance as canonical and its strategic place at the beginning
of the canon Genesis did not get as much attention in post-biblical Judaism as the other books of
the torah, especially Leviticus.16

Purpose

As the Israelites wandered in the desert and prepared to enter the promised land,
Moses wrote Genesis. One purpose would be to explain the beginning of all things, and how the
world came to be as it is now. Second, Genesis seeks to explain the destiny of God’s covenant
people. To do this, Genesis presents “the nature of the covenant God who created his people, the
nature of God’s people within creation, and the beginning of the covenant code in the revealed
acts of God.”17 All of this would encourage the Israelites to trust the sovereign Creator, who had
established a special relationship with Israel and was powerful and trustworthy enough to fulfill
His covenant commitment to her.

Contribution

The contributions of Genesis are many and far reaching. First, Genesis contributes
significantly to our understanding of the origin of all things. Secondly, Genesis contributes to our
understanding of how the world came to be as it is now. Genesis also contributes to our
understanding of God’s relationship with humanity, and Israel in particular.
Genesis also contributes significantly to NT theology. There are over 300 citations of
Genesis in the New Testament.18 For Paul, Abraham serves as the paradigm of saving faith and
the supreme example of justification by faith (e.g. Rom 4, Gal 3, etc.). Images, such as the tree
of life in the book of revelation, and some characters and incidents are used by the NT authors
(such as Peter and Jude).19 Also, Genesis contributes to NT Christology in the following ways:20
14
Merrill, Rooker, and Grisanti, The World and the Word, 171.

15
Ibid., 170.

16
Victor P. Hamilton, The Book of Genesis: Chapters 1–17, New International Commentary on the
Old Testament, ed. R. K. Harrison and Robert L. Hubbard Jr. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1990), 72–73.

17
Allen P. Ross, Creation and Blessing: A Guide to the Study and Exposition of Genesis (Grand
Rapids: Baker, 1988), 88.

18
According to Eberhard Nestle et al.,Greek-English New Testament, 28th rev. ed. (Stuttgart: Deutsche
Bibelgesellschaft, 1994).

19
Charles H. Savelle, “Genesis: Introduction to the Book,” (Unpublished Class notes for Centerpoint
Bible Institute, Fall 2005), 5.

20
The following list is taken from Charles H. Savelle, “Genesis: Introduction to the Book,” 5.
Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 5

1. The protoevangelium (lit. “the first gospel,” 3:15) that points to the ultimate
seed, Christ (Gal 4:4).
2. The “seed” of the Abrahamic covenant (12:3) is fulfilled ultimately in Christ
(Acts 3:25; Gal 3:7–9).
3. Jacob’s prophetic blessing of a “lion” from Judah (49:9-10) is fulfilled in
Christ (Rev 5:5).
4. Adam is a type of the second Adam Christ (Rom 5:12; 1 Cor 15:21-22).
5. The priestly order of Melchizedek (Gen 14:18-20) is the priestly order of
Christ (Heb 5–7).
6. Other characters in Genesis provide potential types of Christ: Abel (who
provides the more excellent sacrifice,” Heb 11:4), Isaac, and Joseph.

Literary Features and Structure

The majority of Genesis is composed of prose narrative, which includes, prayers,

speeches, and other types of indirect discourse. There are also genealogies (Gen 5, 10, 11, etc.),
poetry (24:60; 49), and prophetic statements (15:12–16; 49:8–12).21 The author of Genesis also
makes use of a number of chiastic structures (e.g. 6:9–9:19).22

At the broadest level Genesis can be divided into two large sections. The first section
is the account of primeval history (chaps. 1–11). The second section is the account of patriarchal
history (chaps. 12–50).23

The major structural marker in Genesis is the word tôledôt, which means, “these are
the generations of…” This is the heading of 11 (or 10) major sections following the creation
account.24 This structural marker has informed the following outline to a significant extent.

Message

The message of Genesis is, “A special relationship between humanity and the
sovereign Creator of all things is initiated and sustained through the Creator’s gracious choice
and blessing even with the introduction of sin and death, and individuals access this relationship
through faith.”

Basic Outline

I. The Primeval Account (1:1–11:26).

A. God sovereignly created the cosmos (1:1–2:25)
B. The Fall (3:1–24)
21
Merrill, Rooker, and Grisanti, The World and the Word, 172–73.

22
Charles H. Savelle, “Genesis Argument,” 8–9.

23
Merrill, Rooker, and Grisanti, The World and the Word, 173.

24
Ibid., 173.
Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 6

C. Account of Adam and Eve (4:1–5:32)

D. Account of the flood (6:1–9:29)
E. Account of the Nations (10:1–11:26)
II. The Patriarchal Account (11:27–50:26).
A. Account of Abraham (11:27–25:11)
B. Ishmael (25:12–18)
C. Account of Isaac (25:19–26:35)
D. Account of Jacob (27:1–37:1)
E. Esau (36:1–37:1)
F. Account of Joseph (37:2–50:26)

Exposition

I. A relationship between humanity and the sovereign Creator of all things begins with
creation and is maintained after the fall, which introduces sin and death into
creation, by the Creator’s continual care for creation and His preservation of those
who have a special relationship with Him through faith (1:1–11:26).

A. The creation of the cosmos began with God’s care and was accomplished by God’s
sovereign word in six creative days and a seventh day of rest with special emphasis
on the creation of humanity as male and female in God’s image (1:1–2:25).

1. The forming and filling of creation by the sovereign word of God in six
creative days and a seventh day of rest is detailed in a first account of creation
(1:1–2:3).

a. The creation of the universe was the work of God which began with
his care over its initial chaotic condition (1:1–2).

i. The creation of the universe was the work of God (1:1).

ii. The initial chaotic condition of creation is under the care of

God’s Spirit which ensures its future development (1:2).

b. The forming and filling of the formless and empty creation is

accomplished by the sovereign word of God in six creative days (1:3–
31).

i. The formation of light and the separation of light and darkness,

which God names “night and day,” is accomplished by God’s
sovereign word (1:3–5).

ii. The formation of an expanse by separating the waters above

from the waters below, which God names “sky,” is
accomplished by God’s sovereign word (1:6–8).
Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 7

iii. The formation of dry ground by gathering the waters below

into one place, which God names “land,” and the creation of
vegetation is accomplished by God’s sovereign word (1:9–13).

iv. The filling of the sky with luminaries is accomplished by

God’s sovereign word (1:14–19).

v. The filling of the waters and sky by the creation of sea

creatures and birds, whom God blesses, is accomplished by
God’s sovereign word (1:20–23).

vi. The filling of the dry land by the creation of animals and
mankind, whom God blesses, is accomplished by God’s
sovereign word (1:24–31).

a) The filling of the earth with animals is accomplished by

God’s sovereign word (1:24–25).

b) The creation of humanity, male and female, in the

image of God to rule over creation is sovereignly
accomplished by God (1:26–27).

c) The blessing and mandate to humanity to rule over

creation is given by the Sovereign Creator (1:28–30).

d) The sovereign Creator’s evaluation of His creation is

that it is “very good” (1:31).

c. The blessing and setting apart of the seventh day takes place because
the sovereign Creator rested after completing His creative acts (2:1–3).

i. The creation of the cosmos is summarized (2:1).

ii. The blessing and setting apart of the seventh day is done
because the sovereign Creator had completed his creative acts
and rested (2:2–3).

2. The creation of the cosmos is revisited with special emphasis on the creation
of humanity as male and female in a second account of creation (2:4–25).

a. The creation of the cosmos is reiterated with specific reference to the

creation of the first (male) human (2:4–7).

b. A garden is prepared by God for man’s inhabitation (2:8–14).

Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 8

c. The placement of man in the garden by God is for the purpose of

tending the garden comes with a warning not to eat from a specific tree
(2:15–17).

d. God’s creation of woman from the rib of the man as a compatible

companion to him culminates in the institution of marriage (2:18–25).

B. The fall of humanity results from Adam and Eve’s failure to resist the temptation of
the serpent, results in adverse effects on creation and humanity, and ushers in an
aftermath of judgment, mercy, and hope (3:1–24).

1. The fall of humanity results from Adam and Eve’s failure to resist the
temptation of the serpent and results in shame concerning their nakedness
(3:1–7).

a. The temptation of Eve to eat of the forbidden tree is perpetrated by the

serpent (3:1–5).

b. Humanity falls when Eve believes the serpent and eats from the
forbidden tree and Adam follows her in eating from the tree (3:6).

c. The results of Adam and Eve’s fall is the knowledge of their

nakedness and attempt to cover it up (3:7).

2. The response of Adam and Eve to God’s confrontation concerning their sin is
to blame others (3:8–13).

a. The response of Adam to God’s confrontation concerning Adam’s sin

is to blame Eve and God (3:8–12).

b. The response of Eve to God’s confrontation concerning her sin is to

blame the serpent for deceiving her (3:13).

3. The consequences for each participant in the fall result in adverse effects on
creation, female humanity, and male humanity, but God graciously maintains
his relationship with humanity (3:14–19).

a. The consequences for the serpent’s involvement in the fall is God’s

curse and the ultimate defeat of the serpent (3:14–15).

b. The consequences for Eve’s involvement in the fall is pain in child-

bearing and a strained relationship with man, both of which affect all
womankind (3:16).
Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 9

c. The consequences for Adam’s involvement in the fall is pain in

cultivating the ground as a result of the cursing of the ground by God
and death, both of which affect all of creation and mankind in
particular (3:17–19).

4. The aftermath of the fall contains elements of hope, mercy, and judgment
(3:20–24).

a. The naming of the woman “Eve” by Adam signifies hope (3:20).

b. The construction of animal skin garments for Adam and Eve by God is
a sign of His grace and continued relationship with humanity (3:21).

c. The expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden by God is an act of
judgment and mercy (3:22–24).

C. The account of Adam and Eve and their offspring shows that the fall has deeply
affected humanity but that the sovereign Creator continues to judge and care for
humanity, and that the creator will preserve a godly line (4:1–5:32).

1. The account of Adam and Eve’s offspring shows that the human race will
continue and that though there is a struggle as a result of the fall God both
judges and extends gracious care – ultimately preserving a godly line (4:1–
26).

a. The births of Cain and Abel show that the human race will continue
despite the fall (4:1–2).

b. The contrasting responses of the Lord to Cain and Abel’s offering

results in Cain’s anger (4:3–7).

c. Cain’s murder of his brother Abel results in judgment from the Lord,
yet the Lord is still gracious to him (4:8–15).

d. The genealogy of ungodly Cain culminates in ungodly Lamech (4:16–

24).

e. The birth of Seth, which replaces godly Abel and culminates in a

godly people, is a result of God’s continued sovereign care (4:25–26).

2. The genealogy of Adam and Eve, who were both made in the image of God,
through the godly line of Seth culminates in Noah (5:1–32).

D. The judgment on the whole world because of man’s extreme wickedness is only
avoided by Noah and his family because of Noah’s special relationship with the
Creator, who subsequently blesses Noah and commands him to populate the earth
which God promises in a covenant never to destroy again by means of a flood (6:1–
9:29).
Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 10

1. The sin of the sons of God and the daughters of men provide the basis for the
forthcoming judgment (6:1–4).

2. God’s intention to destroy all of creation is a result if mankind’s extreme and

constant wickedness but one man receives God’s favor (6:5–8).

3. The preservation of God’s creation, especially humankind, is the result of the

Creator’s gracious provision of salvation through obedient Noah, with whom
God has a special relationship (6:9–22).

a. God’s gracious selection of Noah to be saved from the flood is based

on Noah’s relationship with God and is juxtaposed against mankind’s
wickedness (6:9–12).

b. The coming judgment and means of escape through the building of an

ark to be filled with animals is announced to Noah, and God
announces He will make a covenant with Noah (6:13–21).

c. Noah’s obedience to the sovereign Creator is complete (6:22).

4. The judgment on the unrighteous and the salvation of righteous Noah and his
family is carried out by the sovereign Creator by means of a flood (7:1–24).

a. The instructions to Noah concerning entering the ark with the animals
are given by God to preserve His creation through the coming
judgment, and the instructions are followed by Noah (7:1–5).

b. Noah, his family, and the animals enter the ark in obedience to God in
order to escape the flood (7:6–9).

c. The flood covers the whole earth after the Lord shuts Noah, his family,
and the animals in the ark (7:10–20).

d. The destruction of all life on earth by God’s judgment through the

flood is contrasted with the salvation of Noah and those with him in
the ark (7:21–23).

e. The length of the flood is 150 days (7:24).

5. The end of the flood occurs because of God’s care for the inhabitants of the
ark, and it is followed by acceptable worship of the Creator by Noah and a
promise from God never to judge the earth the same way again. (8:1–22).

a. The abating of the flood waters is carried out by God because of His
care for Noah and those on the ark (8:1–5).

b. The end of the flood is confirmed by the sending out of birds by Noah
(8:6–12).
Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 11

c. The drying up of the flood waters is complete and the cover of the ark
is removed by Noah (8:13–14).

d. The command to Noah to leave the ark along with all its inhabitants is
issued by the sovereign creator and obeyed by Noah (8:15–19).

e. The sacrifices of Noah are accepted by the Lord and the sovereign
Creator promises never to judge the world in the same way, despite the
fact that humanity’s hearts remain evil (8:20–22).

6. The conclusion of God’s judgment on the earth by the flood is marked by the
sovereign Creator’s blessing and mandate to Noah, which renews that given to
Adam, and the Noahic covenant, which is signified by the rainbow (9:1–29).

a. God’s blessing of Noah and His mandate to populate the earth is a

renewal and expansion of the blessing and mandate given to Adam
(9:1–7).

b. The Noahic covenant is God’s promise to Noah, his descendants, and

all of creation never to flood the entire earth again and is signified by
the rainbow (9:8–17).

c. The blessing of Shem and Japheth and the cursing of Ham are a result
of their contrasting responses to Noah’s sin of drunkenness (9:18–27).

d. The years of Noah’s life and his death form the epilogue of the flood
narrative (9:28–29).

E. The confusion of humanity’s language and dispersion over the earth is the Lord’s
response to humanity’s pride and attempt to avoid spreading over the earth after the
earth was repopulated following the flood (10:1–11:26).

1. The genealogies of Noah’s sons show that the earth was populated after the
flood by the increasing of Shem, Ham, and Japheth’s descendants (10:1–32).

a. The introduction to the genealogies of Shem, Ham, and Japheth states

Noah sons populated the earth after the flood (10:1).

b. The descendants of Japheth increase and form the coastland peoples

with distinct locations and languages (10:2–5).

c. The descendants of Ham increase and include the first mighty man and
the dispersed clans of the Canaanites, all with distinct locations and
languages (10:6–20).

d. The descendants of Shem increase and spread with distinct locations

and languages (10:21–31).
Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 12

e. The descendants of Noah populated the earth after the flood (10:32).

2. The confusion of humanity’s language and dispersion over the earth is the
Lord’s response to humanity’s intention to make a name for themselves and
avoid spreading over the earth by building a city and a tower (11:1–9).

a. The earth’s population had one language and the people migrated to
Shinar (11:1–2).

b. The intention of the people was to make a name for themselves and
avoid being dispersed throughout the earth (11:3–4).

c. The Lord’s response to the people’s intention was to confuse their

language in order to force the people to abandon their building project
and to disperse (11:5–7).

d. The confusion of language results in the people abandoning the

building of city and tower and their dispersion over the earth (11:8–9).

3. The genealogy of Shem culminates with Terah’s sons Abram, Nahor, and
Haran, thus connecting Abram to Adam through Shem, Noah, Enosh, and
Seth (11:10–26).

II. The Patriarchal Account: A relationship between the sovereign Creator and
humanity is maintained and channeled through the redemptive covenantal
relationship with the Patriarchs, and this relationship is accessed by individuals
through faith (11:27–50:26).

A. The account of Abram/Abraham unfolds God’s special relationship with

Abram/Abraham and the covenantal purposes of Yahweh (11:27–25:11).

1. The genealogy of Terah introduces Abram and Sarai and reports their
migration from Ur to Haran (11:27–32).

2. The Lord’s call of Abram includes the Lord’s promises to bless Abram, to
provide descendants for Abram, to make a name for Abram, and that Abram
would be a blessing (12:1–3).

3. Abram’s obedience to travel from Haran to Canaan shows Abram’s faith and
the Lord promises to give Abram’s offspring the land of Canaan (12:4–9).

4. Abram’s fear motivated lie while sojourning in Egypt leads to his wife being
taken into Pharaoh’s harem and jeopardizes the promise, but God intervenes
(12:10–20).

a. Abram’s sojourn in Egypt results from a famine in Canaan (12:10).

Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 13

b. Sarai is taken into Pharaoh’s harem as a result of Abram’s fear

motivated lie (12:11–16).

c. The Lord plagues Pharaoh’s house because of Sarai (12:17).

d. The plagues on Pharaoh’s house lead Pharaoh to discover that Sarai is

Abrams wife, and Pharaoh rebukes Abram and expels him from his
country (12:18–20).

5. Abram’s return to Canaan and separation from Lot results in the reaffirmation
of the Lord’s promises to Abram (13:1–18).

a. Abram and his family return to Bethel and he worships God, but the
increase of Abram and Lot’s wealth results in strife (13:1–7).

b. Abram’s proposal that Lot take his choice of land shows generosity
(13:8–9).

c. Lot’s choice of land based on its beauty and fertility results in his
settlement among the wicked and Abram’s settlement in Canaan
(13:10–13).

d. The Lord’s promise of innumerable descendants and a land for them to

inhabit is reiterated and Abram builds an altar in Hebron (13:14–18).

6. Abram rescues Lot from the kings of the east (14:1–24).

a. The battle between of the five Dead Sea kings and the four kings of the
east results from the Dead Sea kings’ rebellion (14:1–4).

b. The retaliation of the four kings of the east results in the defeat of the
five Dead Sea kings after the kings of the east had swept through the
region (14:5–10).

c. Lot is taken captive when the kings of the east plunder Sodom and
Gomorrah (14:11–12).

d. The rescue of Lot is led by Abram and includes Lot’s family and
possessions (14:13–16).

e. Abram is blessed by Melchizedek, pays Melchizedek tithes, and

refuses to accept tribute for his rescue of the people (14:17–24).

7. Yahweh ratifies His covenant with Abram/Abraham (15:1–21).25

25
From this point forward the outline follows; Charles H. Savelle, “Genesis Argument,” 13–17.
However, I do not change Abram’s name to Abraham until 17:1–8.
Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 14

a. Yahweh comforts Abram by reiterating His promise that he will have

innumerable descendants (15:1–6).

b. Yahweh commands Abram to prepare animals for the covenant ritual

(15:7–11).

c. Yahweh prophesies concerning the future of Abram’s descendants

(15:12–16).

d. Yahweh ratifies His covenant with Abram and reiterates and clarifies
the land promise (15:17–21).

8. The birth of Ishmael by Hagar, Sarai’s maid (16:1–16).

a. Sarai initiates a plan to procure a son through Hagar (16:1–4).

b. Sarai experiences conflict with Hagar after Hagar becomes pregnant

(16:5–6).

c. Sarai expels Hagar but Yahweh intercedes (16:7–14).

d. Ishmael is born and named (16:15–16).

9. Yahweh renews His covenant by renaming Abram and Sarai and instituting
the sign of circumcision (17:1–27).

a. The reiteration of the covenant and renaming of Abram to Abraham

(17:1–8).

b. The requirement of circumcision (17:9–14).

c. The renaming of Sarai to Sarah emphasizes her role (17:15–21).

d. The response of Abraham (17:22–27).

10. Yahweh visits Abraham and proclaiming good news for Sarah and bad news
for Sodom (18:1–33).

a. Abraham receives three heavenly Visitors (18:1–8).

b. Abraham is told the Sarah will have son in a year (18:9–15).

c. Abraham is told that Sodom and Gomorrah are facing divine judgment
(18:16–21).
Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 15

d. Abraham intercedes for the cities by negotiating with Yahweh (18:22–

33).

11. Yahweh destroys Sodom and Gomorrah but Lot is spared (19:1–38).

a. Lot receives the angelic visitors (19:1–11).

b. The partial rescue of Lot and his family (19:12–17).

c. The request of Lot to go to Zoar (19:18–22).

d. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and Abraham remembered

(19:23–29).

e. Lot’s drunken incest (19:30–38).

12. Yahweh protects Sarah from Abraham and Abimelech (20:1–18).

a. The threat to Sarah and the Seed (20:1–2).

b. The intervention of Yahweh (20:3–7).

c. Abimelech confronts Abraham (20:8–13).

d. The return of Sarah and restitution of Abimelech (20:14–16).

e. The recovery of Abimelech and his household (20:17–18).

13. The birth of Isaac and the banishment of Hagar and Ishmael (21:1–21).

14. Abraham’s treaty with Abimelech (21:22–34).

15. God tells Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (22:1–19).

a. The command to sacrifice Isaac (22:1–2).

b. Abraham’s obedient response (22:3–8).

c. Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac (22:9–10).

d. Abraham is stopped from sacrificing Isaac (22:11–13).

e. Abraham names the place and the covenant promises are reaffirmed
(22:14–19).

16. The genealogy of Nahor, Abraham’s brother (22:20–24).

Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 16

17. Sarah dies and is buried in the cave at Machpelah (23:1–20).

a. The death of Sarah (23:1–2).

b. The purchase of the cave at Machpelah (23:3–16).

c. The cave is deeded to Abraham and Sarah is buried (23:17–20).

18. Abraham procures a wife for Isaac (24:1–67).

a. Abraham sends his servant to procure a wife for Isaac (24:1–9).

b. Abraham’s servant prays to Yahweh (24:10–14).

c. The arrival of Rebekah is the answer to the servant’s prayer (24:15–

28).

d. Abraham’s servant goes to Rebekah’s home and explains his mission

(24:29–49).

e. Agreement is reached for Rebekah to marry Isaac (24:50–60).

f. The servant brings Rebekah to Isaac and the marriage is consummated

(24:61–67).

19. Abraham marries Keturah and has more sons (25:1–6).

20. Abraham dies and is buried at the cave at Machpelah (25:7–11).

B. The genealogy of non–elect Ishmael provides a contrast to the elect Isaac (25:12– 18).

C. The account of Isaac (with Jacob) continues God’s special relationship to Abraham and
the covenantal purposes of Yahweh (25:19–26:35).

1. Esau and Jacob are born (25:19–26).

2. Esau and Jacob pursue different interests (25:27–28).

3. Esau “sells” his birthright to Jacob (25:29–34).

4. The stories of Isaac and Abimelech (26:1–33).

a. Yahweh appears to Isaac in the midst of a famine (26:1–5).

b. Isaac sojourns in Gerar and repeats the mistake of his father (26:6–11).
Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 17

c. Isaac is blessed by Yahweh (26:12–17).

d. Isaac quarrels with the Philistines (26:18–22).

e. Yahweh renews His covenant with Isaac (26:23–25).

f. The treaty between Isaac and Abimelech (26:26–33).

5. Esau grieves his parents by marrying Hittite wives (26:34–35).

D. The account of Jacob (with Isaac) continues God’s special relationship to

Abraham and the covenantal purposes of Yahweh (27:1–37:1).

1. Isaac blesses Jacob and Esau (27:1–45).

a. Jacob deceives his father and receives Esau’s blessing (27:1–29).

b. Isaac gives Esau a less significant blessing (27:30–40).

c. Esau makes plans to kill Jacob (27:41–45).

2. Jacob is sent to Laban to find a wife and get him away from Esau (27:46– 28:5).

3. Esau tries to please his parents by marrying a daughter of Ishmael (28:6– 9).

4. Yahweh reveals Himself to Jacob at Bethel and reaffirms the Abrahamic promises
(28:10–22).

5. Jacob meets Rachel (29:1–14).

6. Jacob works for Laban’s daughters Leah and Rachel (29:15–30).

7. Yahweh blesses Jacob and his family grows (29:31—30:24).

a. Leah has four sons (29:31–35).

b. Bilhah (Rachel’s maid) has two sons (30:1–8).

c. Zilpah (Leah’s maid) has two sons (30:9–13).

d. Leah has two more sons and a daughter (30:14–21).

e. Rachel has one son, Joseph (30:22–24).

8. Yahweh blesses Jacob and his flocks grow (30:25–43).

Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 18

9. Jacob leaves Paddan–Aram (31:1–55).

a. Jacob secretly flees from Laban (31:1–21).

b. Laban pursues Jacob, but Yahweh warns him (31:22–24).

c. Laban catches and confronts Jacob (31:25–42).

d. Jacob and Laban make a covenant (31:43–55).

10. Jacob makes plans to appease Esau (32:1–21).

11. Jacob sends his family on and has a divine encounter (32:22–32).

12. Jacob has a conciliatory meeting with his Esau (33:1–17).

13. Jacob comes to Shechem in Canaan (33:18–20).

14. Dinah is raped and her brothers retaliate (34:1–31).

a. The rape of Dinah (34:1–5).

b. The response (34:6–24).

c. The retaliation (34:25–29).

d. The rebuke of Jacob (34:30–31).

15. Jacob journeys to Bethel (35:1–15).

a. Jacob commanded to return to Bethel (35:1).

b. Jacob makes spiritual preparation to return to Bethel (35:2–4).

c. Jacob is divinely protected in returning to Bethel (35:5–8).

d. Yahweh renews His covenant with Jacob (35:9–15).

16. Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin and is buried (35:16–20).

17. Reuben sleeps with Bilhah (35:21–22).

18. Jacob’s twelve sons are listed (35:23–26).

19. Isaac dies and is buried (35:27–29).

Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 19

E. The genealogy of non–elect Esau provides a contrast to the elect Jacob (36:1– 37:1).

1. The family of Esau (36:1–14).

2. The chiefs of the sons of Esau (36:15–19).

3. The sons of Seir the Horite (36:20–30).

4. The kings of Edom (36:31–39).

5. The chiefs of Esau (36:40–43).

6. Summary statement of the genealogy of Esau (37:1).

F. The account of Joseph (with Jacob) continues God’s special relationship to Abraham and
the covenantal purposes of Yahweh (37:2–50:26).

1. Joseph is identified as the favored and ill–fated son (37:2–36).

a. Joseph is the favored son (37:2–4).

b. Joseph is the ill–fated son (37:5–36).

2. Interlude: Judah sins and Tamar’s sons (38:1–30).

a. Judah and his family intermarry with Canaanite women (38:1–11).

b. Judah sins against his daughter–in–law Tamar (38:12–23).

c. Judah confesses his sin and Tamar’s “righteousness” (38:24–26).

d. Tamar gives birth to twins: Perez and Zerah (38:27–30).

3. Joseph experiences suffering and success in Egypt (39:1–40:23).

a. Joseph becomes a slave of Potiphar and experiences initial success (39:1–

6).

b. Joseph resists the advances of Potiphar’s wife and is falsely

charged with rape (39:7–18).

c. Joseph is thrown into prison but experiences success (39:19–23).

d. Joseph successfully interprets some prisoners’ dreams but is not

remembered (40:1–23).

4. Joseph rises to prominence in Egypt (41:1–57).

Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 20

a. Pharaoh has a puzzling dream (41:1–8).

b. Joseph is finally remembered (42:9–13).

c. Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams (41:14–36).

d. Joseph appointed by Pharaoh to be a ruler in Egypt (41:37–57).

5. Joseph is reunited with his brothers (42:1–45:28).

a. Joseph’s brothers are sent to Egypt to buy grain (42:1–5).

b. Joseph recognizes his brothers but keeps his identity secret (42:6–
7).

c. Joseph tests his brothers by charging them with spying (42:8–17).

d. All the brothers except Simeon are permitted to return home

(42:18–38).

e. Joseph’s brothers make a second trip to Egypt accompanied with

Benjamin (43:1–15).

f. Joseph meets Benjamin (43:16–34).

g. Joseph tests his brothers a second time (44:1–17).

h. Judah intercedes for Benjamin (44:18–34).

i. Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers and they are reconciled
(45:1–15).

j. The brothers are sent home in order to bring the rest of the family
back to Egypt (45:16–28).

6. Jacob and his family leave for Egypt and Jacob and Joseph are reunited in Goshen
(46:1–30).

a. Jacob and his family worship God at Beersheba (46:1).

b. God affirms the sojourn in Egypt (46:2–4).

c. Jacob and his family leave for Egypt (46:5–7).

d. The genealogy of Jacob (46:8–27).

Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 21

e. Jacob and his family arrive in Egypt where he and Joseph are reunited in
Goshen (46:28–30).

7. Jacob and his family settle in Goshen (46:31–47:12).

8. Joseph establishes a famine program (47:13–26).

9. Joseph promises to bury Jacob in Canaan (47:27–31).

10. Jacob’s acts in his final days (48:1–49:33).

a. Jacob blesses and adopts Joseph’s two sons (48:1–22).

b. Jacob blesses his own sons (49:1–28).

c. Jacob dies after charging his sons to bury him in Canaan (49:29–
33).

11. Joseph buries Jacob in Canaan (50:1–14).

12. Joseph affirms his relationship with his brothers (50:15–21).

13. Joseph dies after arranging his final burial in Canaan (50:22–26).
Joshua Bramer Center Point Bible Institute 22

Select Bibliography

Archer, Gleason Leonard Jr. A Survey of Old Testament Introduction. Updated and rev. ed.
Chicago: Moody Press, 1994.

Cassuto, Umberto. A Commentary on the Book of Genesis. 1st English ed. Jerusalem,: Magnes
Press Hebrew University, 1961.

Davis, John James. Paradise to Prison: Studies in Genesis. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House,
1975.

Hamilton, Victor P. The Book of Genesis: Chapters 1–17. New International Commentary on the
Old Testament, ed. R. K. Harrison and Robert L. Hubbard Jr. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,
1990.

Hamilton, Victor P. The Book of Genesis: Chapters 18–50. New International Commentary on
the Old Testament, ed. R. K. Harrison and Robert L. Hubbard Jr. Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 1995.

Hartley, John E. Genesis. New International Biblical Commentary, ed. Robert L. Hubbard Jr. and
Robert K. Johnson, vol. 1. Peabody, MA.: Hendrickson, 2000.

Merrill, Eugene H., Mark F. Rooker and Michael A. Grisanti. The World and the Word: An
Introduction to the Old Testament. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2011.

Rad, Gerhard von. Genesis: A Commentary. Rev. ed. Old Testament Library, ed. G. Ernest
Wright. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1972.

Ross, Allen P. Creation and Blessing: A Guide to the Study and Exposition of the Book of
Genesis. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1987.

Skinner, John. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on Genesis. 2d ed. International Critical
Commentary, ed. Alfred Plummer Samuel Rolles Driver, Charles Augustus Briggs.
Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1930.

Waltke, Bruce K., and Cathi J. Fredricks. Genesis: A Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan,
2001.

Walton, John H. Genesis. NIV Application Commentary, ed. Terry Muck. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 2001.

Wenham, Gordon J. Genesis 1–15. Word Biblical Commentary, ed. David A. Hubbard and
Glenn W. Barker, vol. 1. Waco, TX: Word Books, 1987.

Wenham, Gordon J. Genesis 16–50. Word Biblical Commentary, ed. David A. Hubbard and
Glenn W. Barker. Dallas, TX: Word Books, 1994.