Encountering the Book of Genesis

by Arnold, Bill T.

• ISBN13: 9780801021770
• ISBN10: 0801021774
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-03-01
• Publisher: Baker Pub Group

Summary

Arnold moves through Genesis section by section, exploring its main themes. Although his primary goal is to explain the book's central message, Arnold also sorts through the difficult interpretive issues and does not shy away from controversial matters, such as the nature of creation, the extent of the flood, and the history of Adam and Eve. Arnold discusses the central themes of Genesis: human sinfulness, God's grace, and covenant. Includes maps, charts, and photos. November '98 publication date.

Author Biography

Bill T. Arnold (Ph.D., Hebrew Union College) is professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages at Asbury Theological Seminary

Table of Contents

Editor's Preface	11	(2)
Publisher's Preface	13	(2)
To the Student	15	(1)
Author's Preface	16	(1)
Abbreviations	17	(1)
Before You Begin	17	(4)
PART 1: Encountering God's Creation (Genesis 1--11)
The Grandeur of God's Perfect Creation (1:1-2:3)	21	(10)
The History of the First Human Family (2:4-4:26)	31	(12)
What's Wrong with This Picture?	43	(12)
Sin's Contamination of Creation (5:1-11:26)	55	(14)
PART 2: Encountering Abraham: God's Faithful Servant (Genesis 12--25)
The Beginning of Our Faith Heritage (11:27-14:24)	69	(8)
Tracking Abram and His Family	77	(12)
``Then God Gave Him the Covenant'' (15:1-17:27)	89	(10)
Standing on the Promises of God (18:1-25:18)	99	(18)
PART 3: Encountering Jacob: God's Troubled Servant (Genesis 25--36)
Jacob Struggles with His Family (25:19-31:55)	117	(14)
Jacob Struggles with God (32:1-37:1)	131	(12)
PART 4: Encountering Joseph: God's Model Servant (Genesis 37--50)
Joseph in Egypt (37:2-41:57)	143	(12)
Joseph over Egypt (42:1-50:26)	155	(12)
PART 5: Encountering the Authorship of Genesis
Evidence for Authorship	167	(14)
Interpretations of the Evidence	181	(26)
Conclusion: Genesis and Beyond	199	(8)
Notes	207	(12)
Bibliography	219	(2)
Glossary	221	(4)
Subject Index	225	(6)
Scripture Index	231