Genesis: A Comprehensive Study Guide

This study guide will help you review and deepen your understanding of the Book of Genesis, from creation to the death of Joseph.

Review Questions

Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each. Click on any question to reveal the answer.

1. Describe the sequence of creation as presented in Genesis chapter 1.

In Genesis 1, creation unfolds over six days: Day 1: light and darkness; Day 2: the expanse (heavens) separating waters; Day 3: dry land, seas, and vegetation; Day 4: sun, moon, and stars; Day 5: fish and birds; Day 6: land animals and humankind. God declared each stage "good" and the whole creation "very good."

2. What was the purpose of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden?

The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was placed in the Garden of Eden as a test of obedience for Adam and Eve. Eating from it was forbidden, with the consequence of death, to establish a boundary and the importance of trusting God's command.

3. Explain the primary reason for God's judgment of a global flood in Noah's time.

God initiated the global flood due to the great wickedness of humanity on earth. Every purpose of man's heart was only evil continually, and the earth was filled with violence and corruption, grieving God's heart.

4. What covenant did God establish with Noah after the flood, and what was its sign?

After the flood, God established a covenant with Noah and all living creatures, promising never again to destroy all flesh by a flood. The sign of this everlasting covenant was the rainbow in the cloud.

5. Why did God scatter the people and confuse their language at Babel?

God scattered the people at Babel and confused their language because they were united in a project (building a city and a tower to reach the heavens) that demonstrated their ambition to make a name for themselves and prevent their scattering, rather than fulfilling God's command to fill the earth.

6. Summarize God's initial promises to Abram when He called him out of his homeland.

God promised Abram that He would make him a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and that he would be a blessing. Furthermore, those who blessed him would be blessed, and those who cursed him would be cursed, and all families of the earth would be blessed through him.

7. Describe the conflict that led to Abram and Lot separating their households.

The conflict between Abram and Lot arose because their combined wealth, particularly their livestock, was so great that the land could not sustain them dwelling together. This led to strife between their herdsmen, prompting Abram to suggest they separate to avoid further contention.

8. How did Joseph's brothers betray him, and what was the immediate consequence for Joseph?

Joseph's brothers betrayed him by conspiring to kill him, but Reuben intervened to have him thrown into a pit instead. Ultimately, they sold him to Ishmaelite traders for twenty pieces of silver, resulting in Joseph being taken to Egypt as a slave.

9. Explain why Joseph's brothers traveled to Egypt, and what significant event occurred upon their arrival.

Joseph's brothers traveled to Egypt to buy grain because a severe famine had struck the land of Canaan. Upon their arrival, they unknowingly bowed down to Joseph, who had become the potentate over Egypt and was in charge of selling food, fulfilling a part of his earlier dreams.

10. What prophecy did Jacob give regarding Judah, and what was its significance for future leadership?

Jacob prophesied that the scepter would not depart from Judah, nor the lawmaker from between his feet, until "Shiloh" came, and the obedience of the peoples would be His. This signified that Judah's lineage would hold royal authority and that a significant future leader or Messiah would come from his line.

Essay Topics for Deep Study

These essay questions are designed for deeper reflection and analysis. Consider using them for group discussions or personal study.

1. Covenant Development

Analyze the concept of covenant as it develops in the early chapters of Genesis. Discuss the terms, signs, and significance of the covenants established with Noah and Abraham, and how they set the stage for later biblical themes.

2. Sibling Rivalry

Compare and contrast the characters of Cain and Abel, and then Esau and Jacob. What do their stories reveal about human nature, divine favoritism (or lack thereof), and the consequences of personal choices within a family context?

3. Deception and Consequences

Discuss the repeated motif of deception and its consequences throughout the Book of Genesis. How do various characters engage in deceit (e.g., the serpent, Jacob, Abraham, Joseph's brothers), and what are the short-term and long-term effects on individuals, families, and divine plans?

4. Dreams and Divine Communication

Examine the role of dreams and divine communication in Genesis, particularly in the narratives of Jacob and Joseph. How do these supernatural encounters guide characters' actions, reveal God's will, and foreshadow future events?

5. The Theme of Blessing

Trace the theme of "blessing" through Genesis. Identify instances where blessing is pronounced, inherited, or sought after. How does God's blessing shape the destiny of individuals and the developing nation, and what conditions (if any) are associated with its reception?

Glossary of Key Terms

Essential terms and concepts from Genesis. Click on any term to expand its definition.

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