Nature of Genesis 1 11
One of the favorite targets of all historical attacks on the Bible has been the first eleven chapters of Genesis. ... The brunt of their attacks is felt most strongly in Genesis 1-11. ... Only when one accurately understands the material presented in Genesis 1-11 can he have (1) a full appreciation for his origin, (2) a sense of responsibility for his present, and (3) a genuine awe concerning his destiny. The reason why we study Genesis 1-11 is for two reasons: (1) because it covers a long period of time and (2) because it outlines the universal events that are going on. Look at the time frame in which Genesis 1-11 covers: Now let us look at the events that are covered also in Genesis 1-11. • 1:1-2:3 – This passage is a majestic march through the creation week from a universal perspective. ... • 2:4-5:1 – This section comprises the genesis of the human race complete with an account of mans initial condition at the time of his creation (2:4-25), the subsequent misuse of freewill that introduced sin and death into the world (3:1-24), and the earliest development of the division of the race into the wicked (4:1-24) and the righteous (4:25-26). • 5:1-32 – Genesis chapter five records a genealogical sketch of the patriarchs from Adam, the first main character of discussion, to Noah, the next main character of discussion. ... • 6:1-9:17 – These chapters discuss the worldwide flood that occurred in the days of Noah as a divine punishment for universal sin. ... • 9:18-11:32 – This section explains the history of humanity from the post-flood patriarchs to the divine call of Abraham. ... The nations of the world formed as a result of the supernatural confusion of languages at Babel (10:1-11:9), and the ancestry of the patriarchs are recorded from Noah to Abraham, the father of the Hebrew nation (11:10-32).