Genesis is the book of beginnings in more than one way. The word itself is a Greek word which means ‘In the beginning.’ It was first used when the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, was finished somewhere around 247BC.

There are fifty chapters that range from creation to Joseph’s death.

The book is, of course, attributed to Moses, as are all the first five books also called the Pentateuch. It is estimated that he wrote it around 1500BC.

Genesis Outline

I. History of Humanity in General (1-11)

A. Creation of the heavens and earth (1-2)

B. Adam and his family (3-5)

1. The Fall of Man (3:1-24)

C. Noah and his family (6-11)

1. The Flood (6-10)

2. The Babel Rebellion (11:1-32)

II. History of Israel in Particular (12-50)

A. Abraham – The father who gave his son (12:1-25-18)

B. Isaac – The son who took a bride (25:19 - 26:35)

C. Joseph – The providence of God (37:1-60:26

Notice that the outline breaks Genesis into two parts. The first part is the history of man before God called Israel into being, and the second part is all about Israel after that.

The reason for that is very clear. After what God had to deal with in the first half, He gave mankind another chance to do it right. He gave them all the things they needed and even told them they were His chosen children.

But as we all know, they blew it!