Last week we began a new class called “Foundations.” The purpose of this second class will be to review the importance of seeing the “big picture” along with a basic five step hermeneutical method to prepare us for study. We will then take a look at the first two steps of the hermeneutical method by researching who wrote the book of Genesis, to whom and when. This will include the purpose of the book to help set us up as we begin to dive into a deeper study with Genesis chapters 1 and 2 next week.

Defending our faith and developing a Biblical worldview based on our understanding of God’s Word takes time and practice, and must be part of a lifetime commitment we make to the LORD. It should form our purpose and identity in everyday life as we grow closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, modeling Him to our family, friends and neighbors. As Christians, it is more important than ever to know what we believe, and why we believe it, and then apply that to who we are on a consistent basis, and this can only be done if we know Jesus and what His Word teaches.

All class sessions include a time for prayer and reflection, a presentation, and a Bible study section. You will find the presentation overview and Bible study questions at the website: truthfaithandreason.com. Basic answers to the Bible study will be also be posted for your review there and, or as a leader’s guide.

Watch this week’s class presentation:

Foundations Bible Study, Session Two: Who Wrote Genesis, to Whom and When?

Class Review

Prayer Cards:

Do you have anyone that you are hoping to share what you are learning with? Write that person(s) name down on your prayer card along with any other prayer request you might have, and exchange with your table group at the end of the evening.

1. Review last week by discussing the importance of studying the Bible, and some of the things we should understand and believe before starting a study.

2. What are two important things to consider when doing Bible Study?

Focus Verse:

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

Genesis 3:15 ESV

Bible Study

Each week, we are encouraging you to take some dedicated time and spend it in God’s Word. Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

Bible Study Practice for homework:

Using your study Bible, or other research methods, discuss the first two steps of the hermeneutical method for the book of Genesis from your homework last week (do this before reviewing basic answers below:

Author and Audience: Who wrote it, to whom; when and where? Discuss the historical setting of the narrator (who he was and where he fits into the Biblical history), and his audience. Include date of events and writing.
Purpose: Why was it written? Get some background: Explore what was going on in the culture at the time of the events. Include the type of genre (literary style).

Basic Answers from the class notes:

(all Bible references are from the NASB unless otherwise cited)

1. Author and Audience: Who wrote the book, to whom; when and where?

Moses: He is the author of the first five books of the Bible known as the Torah (Hebrew), Pentateuch (Greek); also known as the Books of Moses
God gave Moses all that is in the Torah at Mt. Sinai (after the exodus from Egypt and crossing of the Red Sea); and he wrote from God to the Nation of Israel during the forty-year period of wandering in the desert after the exodus from Egypt, 1446-1406 BC
The Biblical time-period of events begin at creation (ca. 6000 BC) and end just before the Nation of Israel’s entry into the Promised Land (ca. 1406 BC).

REASONS TO ACCEPT MOSES’ AUTHORSHIP OF THE TORAH
link to a reference article at answersingenesis.org that presents four arguments:

https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/moses/evidence-mosaic-authorship-of-torah/

Traditional-historical attribution
Historiographical differences between the Torah and later Biblical records
Archeological confirmation of early writing
Extra-biblical textual evidence for Proto-Hebrew script

Biblical References for Moses’ Authorship

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua”” Exodus 17:14a
“Then Moses came and recounted to the people all the words of the Lord and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words which the Lord has spoken we will do!” Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord. Then he arose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.” Exodus 24:3-4
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.” -Exodus 34:27

Also refer to Moses’ authorship in Numbers 33:1-2, Deuteronomy 31:9, Joshua 1:8, and 2 Kings 21:8

Biblical References for God’s own writing

God Himself wrote on the tablets…

“When He had finished speaking with him upon Mount Sinai, He gave Mosesthe two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God.” -Exodus 31:18
”Now the Lord said to Moses, “Cut out for yourself two stone tablets like the former ones, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the former tablets which you shattered. So be ready by morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to Me on the top of the mountain.” -Exodus 34:1-2

From the New Testament

“But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken.” Mark 12:26-27
“For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness.” Romans 10:5
Paul tells us: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” -2 Timothy 3:16-17
And, Peter tells us: ”So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that , no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” -2 Peter 1:19-21

Most important: Jesus spoke about Moses’ authorship

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up;” John 3:13
“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. I do not receive glory from men; but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”” John 5:39-47
Other recommended resources:

patternsofevidence.com; creation.com; isgenesishistory.com; icr.org; creationtoday.org

2. Purpose: Why was it written? (taken from gotquestions.org)

The Book of Genesis has sometimes been called the “seed-plot” of the entire Bible. Most of the major doctrines in the Bible are introduced in “seed” form in the Book of Genesis. Along with the fall of man, God’s promise of salvation or redemption is recorded (Genesis 3:15). The doctrines of creation, imputation of sin, justification, atonement, depravity, wrath, grace, sovereignty, responsibility, and many more are all addressed in this book of origins called Genesis.
Many of the great questions of life are answered in Genesis. (1) Where did I come from? (God created us – Genesis 1:1) (2) Why am I here? (we are here to have a relationship with God – Genesis 15:6) (3) Where am I going? (we have a destination after death – Genesis 25:8). Genesis appeals to the scientist, the historian, the theologian, the housewife, the farmer, the traveler, and the man or woman of God. It is a fitting beginning for God’s story of His plan for mankind, the Bible.
In addition, the book of Genesis serves as a historical record for the people of Israel so that they would remember, and pass along, the greatness, power, wonder and loving care of their God.

HOMEWORK

3. Context: What does it say? Get the big picture by carefully reading and then summarizing the whole story line. This might include the entire book, a chapter(s) or just a specific passage in one sitting. Consider the who, what, why, when, where and how type of questions.

Practice step three, Context, for the Hermeneutical Method

Read Genesis Chapters One and Two
Re-read by taking notes for each section – you can also answer the focus questions for each chapter to help with your notes

FOCUS QUESTIONS FOR GENESIS CHAPTERS 1 AND 2

What are some characteristics we can list about God from our reading in these chapters? What are some things you can add to that list that you know to be true of God?
Make a chart of, or list, the things God did for each day of creation in chapter 1.
How many times does God say “it was good” and why do you think He said that?
How many times is the word “kind” used; how and why?
What did God do on the seventh day, and why?
Chapter 2, verse 4, begins the re-telling of what God did on day six with more detail. What are some things you notice about this day that makes it different from all the others?
What does God say to Adam in verses 16-17? Discuss why you think He gave him that command.
What does God say specifically about man and woman in 1:27 and 2:24? How can we reflect on that for our culture today?

Jot down any questions you have for the shelf…

Please continue to join us each week for Foundations Bible Study – the book of Genesis!

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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.

Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.

Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15