Genesis

Genesis

Genesis is an English title, which originated from a Greek word geneseos that often appeared in the Septuagint, which was a Pre-Christian Greek translation. The meaning of Genesis, based on its context, means genealogy, an origin of history or birth. According to both Greek and Hebrew forms, Genesis traditionally refers to its contents as the book of beginnings. However, Moses is believed by both Christians and Jews to be the author of the book of Genesis. This is because Moses is known as a  compiler and an author of the first five books of the Bible, which are referred to as Pentateuch.  Jews traditionally saw these five books that were written by Moses as the law of Moses. Mosaic customs such as circumcision was used to prove that Moses was the author of the Book of Genesis.

Genesis is a book that focuses on account of the beginning of creation. These creations involve light and darkness, heaven and earth, lands and vegetation, land animals, and sea creatures. The creation is also aimed at human beings, which reflects the highest creative activity of the Supreme being. Genesis further focuses on the elemental wisdom of man towards creating marriages, families, and societies. Civilization was also evolved as a result of sin and redemption for humanity.

Moreover, the book of Genesis is often regarded as a foundation towards imparting knowledge and understanding about the entire Bible. It outlines elements that are rich and complex in their message, which gives a summary message of the whole Bible. Genesis is a significant book that often highlights the relationship between human beings, the bond between God and creation, and the connection between humankind and God. The book of Genesis is a book that also emphasizes on monotheistic ideas and embraces pantheism, which means believing in divinity.  Conversely, the book is always against polytheism, which is about the worshipping of many gods. Besides, Genesis opposes atheism, which is based on claims that there is no god. Moreover, the book of Genesis is aimed at revealing some facts concerning the existence of one Supreme God, who is worthy of all names such as Yahweh and Elohim. Also, the book teaches people in various ways that God exercises his power and freedom in overturning traditions, plans, and customs of humankind. Genesis further introduces several ways in which God pledges his love, faithfulness, initiate, and makes promises and covenants to his chosen people. Genesis emphasizes the issue of offering sacrifices as a way of redeeming people’s life (Ch.22). Several selected animals were offered as sacrifices to God to seek redemption from the evil forces.

Nonetheless, the book of Genesis reveals an ancient culture and life in Mesopotamia (Ch.38). Some vital concerns of Mesopotamian people included genealogies, creation, people’s migration, destructive floods, legal customs and procedures, purchasing and selling of lands, cattle raising, sheepherding, techniques in construction, mapmaking, and geography. The book also locates the first home of humankind known as Eden, which is designated by the author, to be in Mesopotamia. Eden was referred to as the original home for various patriarchs such as Abram who was born in Mesopotamia, Isaac and his wife Rebecca relocated to Mesopotamia. It was a land in which Jacob had lived for 20 years. Also, a Tower of Babel had been built in Mesopotamia.

Moreover, some essential sets of documents such as Mari letters and Nuzi tablets were used in the first chapters of Genesis, to reflect Mesopotamia. Mari letters that dated back from the patriarchal period were used in identifying some patriarchs’ names of those ages, such as Jacob and Abram. These letters were also used in illustrating the freedom of traveling, which was made accessible between various Amorites worlds that were lived by patriarchs. On the other hand, the Nuzi tablets that occurred some centuries after the patriarchal era were used in reflecting some lights on patriarchal customs (Sheridan 424). These customs existed for many centuries, and they involved several practices such as an adopted slave or household member inheritance right, and a barren wife obligation to secure her husband by providing sons through a servant girl. In addition,  other cultural practices abolishment from servant girl expulsion and a son, such as in the case of Sarah and Hagar, were also a form of patriarchal practices. Other legal oral statements, such as the deathbed legacy written in the ancient Near Eastern law, were demonstrated in the Mesopotamian document.

Nevertheless, Egyptian influence has been indirectly illustrated in the book of Genesis (Ch. 39-50). Some examples of some Egyptian power include the riverside scene and the cultivation of Egyptian grapes. Also, Egypt was regarded as a Canaan breadbasket, social and religious customs of Egyptians were highly respected, and most of the Egyptian consumption products were derived from the land of Canaan. Additionally, the administrative procedures of the Egyptians and the funeral practices of the Egyptians reflect some Egyptian power(Ch.50). Also, several chapters in the book of Genesis used Egyptian words and names, which is further regarded as a book that acquired most of the influence of the Egyptians.

In conclusion, Genesis is a book that describes the origin and history of creation. The book is based on the redemption of humankind from sins through sacrifice. Eventually, the book of Genesis gives people an enhanced understanding of the Bible.

Work Cited

Sheridan, Mark, ed. by. Genesis 12-50 (Ancient Christian Commentary On Scripture: Old Testament, Volume II). IVP Academic, 2002, p.424.

Louth, Andrew, ed. by. Genesis 1-11 (Ancient Christian Commentary On Scripture: Old Testament, Volume I). IVP Academic, 2001, p.249.