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GENESIS

The book Genesis, as its title suggests, deals with the 'beginnings' - the Creation, the early history of Israel and mankind's approach and response to a loving God who first finds mankind and reveals His name and nature.

Some of the most beautiful and profound passages in the Bible are contained in this book. The myths, legends and history contained in it are deservedly as popular today as they ever were.

Genesis 1 to 4 v.16

The story of the Tower of Babel has interesting and valuable insights particularly in reference to the Christian observance of the Feast of Pentecost.

Genesis 11.vv.1-9

The full account of the early days of Abram are lost in the mists of time but the account of his call and departure from Haran shows the importance of Abram as the 'Father of the Nation of Israel'. God's gracious promises to His people are enshrined in a 'Covenant' to which generations of Jews have looked back and which they hold is still binding.

Genesis 12.vv.1-9

The gripping story of the near-sacrifice of Isaac is for many Christian people linked with the account of the Cross of Christ.

Genesis 22.vv1-19

We include the charming story of Isaac (Abram's son) and Rebekah but omit the further details of Abram's descendants.

Genesis .24.vv.1-67

The stories of deception by Jacob his son and by Rebekah his wife upon Isaac, the cheating of Esau by Jacob and their outcome are omitted, but taken up in the account of Jacob fleeing his brother's wrath and finding God still with him in exile and disgrace.

Genesis 27.vv.21-45, and 28.vv.10-22

The account of 'Wrestling Jacob', the happy reunion with Esau and the changing of Jacob's name to 'Israel' is of the utmost importance.

Genesis 32.vv.9-31

The promise of God to Jacob/Israel and the reference to Bethel are of great importance in understanding the history and religion of the nation.

Genesis 35.vv.9-15

Even if the historical details of Israel's stay in Egypt could be established, very little of importance and interest would be gained by their inclusion, but the story of Joseph in Egypt is splendidly told. It contains a fascinating account of God's dealing with Jacob's son who on first acquaintance is far from being a loveable character until God 'takes him in hand'. A brief passage forms a link with the book Exodus.

Genesis 50.vv.24-26

EXODUS

The passages selected from this book are chosen to illustrate the theme that God rescued His people from slavery in Egypt. This conviction of Israel is at the very heart of the 'Good News' and for Christians looks forward to that immeasurably greater event when God sent His Son to be the Saviour of the world.

The exact historical details of the Exodus are not verifiable and are doubtless intermixed with saga, legends and myths, but the call of Moses as 'Servant of the Lord' and the outline of the Exodus events speak of an act of God which is historically based and of supreme religious importance.

Exodus 3.vv.1-17

The narrative of Passover is so important in the Old and the New Testaments that a brief account of it is essential. Doubtless it is based upon a genuine remembrance of a series of catastrophes that struck the Egyptians, facilitating the escape of the people of Israel and in which they perceived the hand of God.

Exodus 12.vv.1-13

The crossing of the 'Sea of Reeds' (Yam Suph, the 'Red Sea') enabled the Israelites to escape the pursuing Egyptians. Israel saw in this event also the hand of God. This conviction is reinforced in the triumphal song of chapter 15.

Exodus 15

The knowledge that God sustained His people in the wilderness wanderings lies at the root of the 'Bread of Heaven' to which Jesus alludes in the New Testament.

Exodus.16.vv.1-15

Of enduring value in the Old and New Testaments is the giving of the Ten Commandments.

Exodus.20.vv.1-17

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