Main Objective: Conduct a whole book survey of Genesis, focusing on structure and flow.
Misconceptions:
Whole book surveys are not meant to be busy work or sermon points.
They are not outlines, though outlines can be helpful.
Purpose: To create a graphic representation of the structure and flow of a biblical book, making it easy to visualize and understand connections within the text.
What Whole Book Surveys Are
Graphic Representation: Focus on structure and flow.
Easy to Process: Unlike long outlines, they provide an easy way to visualize the connection of a passage to the entire book.
Starting Point for Sermons: Can serve as a foundation for any sermon on a passage from the Pentateuch.
Structure of Genesis
Two Major Sections:
Primeval History (Genesis 1-11/11:26)
Patriarchal History (Genesis 12-50/11:27)
Primeval History:
Focuses on early human history and God's relationship with all humanity.
Key Figures: From creation to early humanity.
Patriarchal History:
Focuses on the specific history of God's chosen people.
Key Figures: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and his sons.
Toledot Structure
Meaning: "Generations of"; a structural device in Genesis.
Occurrences: Appears 10 times – 5 times in each major section.
Primeval History's Toledot:
Begins at Genesis 2:4, includes stories like the creation, fall, flood, and Tower of Babel.
Patriarchal History's Toledot:
Focuses on Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
Emphasizes God's covenant with His people.
Key Themes and Passages
Covenant: A central theme in Genesis.
Major Covenant Passages: Genesis 12, 15, 17, 22, 26, 28.
Purpose: God's covenant is ultimately for the blessing of all nations.
Covenantal Relationship: Involves promise, blessing, and response/responsibility.
Response: Live lives of righteousness and justice, reflecting God's image.
Conclusion
Covenant's Ultimate Purpose: Blessing upon every nation, involving a relationship with God.