Thursday, January 1, 2009

Genesis

What better way to start the new year? My little book of inside information says this about Genesis:

Genesis is a real-life history of individual people, a fact that is emphasized by the ten sections within it that usually begin, "These are the records of the generations of..." (NASB). This thrust provides a natural unity to the book. Genesis is a book about the beginning of many things: the world, man, sin, civilization, the nations, and Israel. Genesis also contains important theological themes, including the doctrine of the living, personal, God; the doctrine of man made in the image of God, the of sinful man; the anticipation of a Redeemer; and the covenant promises made to the nation of Israel.

Genesis takes us from creation to the settling of Jacob's descendants in Egypt; although three-fourths of the book concentrates on the four generations from the call of Abraham to the death of Joseph.

The names of God vary in Genesis. God is called "the Mighty One" when He creates the universe, but it is Yahweh who personally forms Adam and Eve, enjoys fellowship with them in the garden, and even provides for them after their sin. (Genesis 2-3). Note, too, that Melchizedek worships God Most High (El Elyon), but that Abram, who has a special covenant relationship with God, knows Him more intimately as Yahweh God Most High (14:18-24).

Several such compound names or titles give us additional insight into God's attributes and actions. Besides El Elyon, the most famous is El Shaddai, "God Almighty," although this name occurs only 48 times in the Bible.
Read through the Bible in a Year, John R. Kohlenberger III, pg10.

in the beginning, God created...

May you have a most blessed beginning!

4 comments:

  1. In the beginning, here we are standing on the promise of a bright and joy-filled year again in His Word. I love the beautiful blog you've created and am starting today off right, in Genesis. Thank you, Lord. And thanks, Karen, for hosting this. Love, Annette

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  2. I have to agree with Annette. Thank you for doing this!!!! I woke up this morning and was pumped to get started!
    Yvonne

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  3. Karen,
    Are you "hosting" the chronological reading of the Bible this year? If we have a post, do we post on this site? I'm not sure how it works. Are you posting the daily readings on this site? Please let me know.
    Anyway, I'm very interested :)
    I also commented on your posting on KY Siestas this am.
    Cheri

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  4. I bought the wrong Bible. That sounds funny to type! The readings don't match up with yours. I bought "The Daily Bible: In Chronological Order 365 Readings". Oh well, it should be close enough, right? I'll read this one and hope we are somewhat on the same page. Or, should I take it back? Hmmm...

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