Assignment Background: This lesson enters into the biblical narrative where God intercepts with documentable history (in contrast to the primeval narrative of Genesis 1-11). The universal character of the Creator God becomes particular as God invites an individual person, Abram (along with his family) on a journey with God. This pilgrimage is based on a promise (Covenant) with specific dimensions related to geography (land), progeny (children) and the Abrahamic calling to be a blessing to all people. Thus, the implications of this covenant are particular and universal. Genesis records the dynamic and circuitous journey of the Abrahamic family as they pilgrim through each phase of their faith journey.
This initial encounter between God and a specific people covers the historical period from the time of Abraham and Sarah (Gen 12; approx. 2000 BCE) to the growth, migration/journey and eventual enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt (Gen 50, Exodus 1; approx 1680 BCE). This period is traditionally referred to as the Patriarchal Period (here Ancestor Period) and records key stories of the joys, challenges, and uncertainly of faith and family as recorded from a later faith perspective. The biblical narrative records the beginning generations of the descendants of Abraham as they to grow in faith, knowledge and confidence in Yahweh, the One God of creation.
Beginning with Abraham and ending with Joseph, the characters unfold not as “ideal types” but as humans struggling along the journey of faith. These generations of Abraham conclude with the Israelites migrating to Egypt where eventually they become enslaved to the Egyptians. Questions guiding the readings and lesson include: What characterizes a faith relationship between humanity and God? What promises did God give to Abraham and his descendants?
1. Discuss with students and/or do a bit of research on your own, determine what the three religious symbols represents above. Why are they included on this assignment? How many people in the world are represented with these religious symbols?
2. Listen to Sarah Koenig Video on blackboard (only from the beginning to 7 minutes) and respond to questions:
a. What does the term Pentateuch reference?
b. What does Torah reference?
c. Who wrote the Torah and when?
d. What does the documentary hypothesis reference?
3. Read A Compact Guide to the Whole Bible, pp. 39-50 filling in the genealogical chart as the names appear (e.g., Abram [Abraham], Sara [Sarah], Isaac, Jacob (Israel) Joseph. The biblical reading below fills in the gaps not covered in this chapter.
a. Other names/words to know. Please note that some of these are included in the glossary at the end of the book: Moses, Joshua, covenant, Pentateuch, Torah, Genesis, redemption, Catholic Epistles
4. Read Genesis 11.27-13.18 (this means chapter 11, verse 27 through chapter 13, verse 18)
a. 15-17 (chapters 15 through 17). Note 15.7-21 and the footnotes. What does “cutting a covenant” mean in this context? What is a comparable action today for “making a deal?” What is the sign of the covenant?
b. 21.1-21; 22.1-19;
c. Story of JACOB (Israel) 24.1-51; 25.1-2, 19-34; 27; 29; 32, 34 (Story of DINAH).
d. Skim chapters 37-50 which recounts the story of Joseph.
e. Additional (optional) readings include the very short Handbook articles posted on Blackboard. This might be particularly helpful for “Joseph” if you are not familiar with his story.
5. As you read fill in the genealogical chart. This will assist you in visually organizing the generations/names together.
Answer the Following Questions:
1. Covenant Making. One of the primary ways God relates with God’s people is through covenants (Hebrew berit trb; Greek diatheke diaqeke, Latin testamentum). In fact, the whole Bible is organized into “old covenant” and “new covenant.” Covenants were ancient ways of making agreements, which often consisted of stated promises, requirements, and signs. Identify those elements in the biblical covenants God makes with Noah and Abram.
Noah (Gen 9:8-17) Abram/Abraham (Gen 12:1-3 ; 15:8-21; 17.1-22; 22.15-18)*
Promises: what will God do/not do?
*There are three things God promises throughout this section; they can be found more clearly delineated in Genesis 12:1-3; 22:17.
Requirements: what, if anything, is required of the human?
Signs: what is the external sign of the covenant? Whom will it remind?
Terms, Names and Concepts for Understanding:
• Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 12-25)
• Covenant
• Circumcision (Genesis 17) and its symbolic significance
• Land of Canaan
• Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 16; 21.8f)
• Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 24)
• The sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22)
• Jacob & Esau (Genesis 25.19f)
• Jacob, Rachel, Leah and Laban (Genesis 29f)
• Jacob wrestles with God (Genesis 32.22-32), name change to Israel
• 12 Sons of Israel & Dinah (Genesis 34)
• The stories of Joseph (Genesis 37-50)
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|