Reflections on the Book of Genesis

In the Beginning

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep…

Let There be Light

Then God said, “Let there be light;” and there was light.

In His Image

God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

And It Was Good

God saw everything God had made, and indeed, it was very good.

Go Forth

God saw everything that God had made, and it was very good.

The Seventh Day

And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done

Eve

Then the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner…

The Fall

…she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate.

Cain and Abel

Then the LORD said to Cain, Where is your brother Abel? He said, I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?

The Flood

The LORD saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth…and the LORD was sorry that he had made humankind on the earth…

A Bow in the Clouds

I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

The Tower of Babel

Now the whole earth had one language and the same words.

Abraham

And the LORD said to Abram, Go forth from your land and your birthplace…

Count the Stars

“Fear not, Abram, I am your shield. Your reward shall be very great.”

Sarai and Hagar

Now  Sarai, Abram’s wife, bore him no children.

Sarah's Laugh

The Lord said to Abraham, Why did Sarah laugh…?

Sodom

Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city?

The Sacrifice of Isaac

After these things God tested Abraham.

Rebekah

Abraham was old and well advanced in age, and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things.

Jacob and Esau

Isaac loved Esau, because he was fond of game; but Rebekah loved Jacob.

Isaac's Blessing

His father Isaac said to him, Who are you? He answered, I am your firstborn son, Esau.

Jacob's Ladder

When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.

Rachel and Leah

When morning came, it was Leah!

Bearing Gifts

I have sent to tell my lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight.

Wrestling with God

Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.

Joseph's Coat

Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age...

Tamar

...[Tamar] put off her widow’s garments, put on a veil, wrapped herself up, and sat down at the entrance to Enaim.

Potiphar's Wife

Now Joseph was handsome and good-looking. And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph.

Pharaoh's Dreams

Joseph said, Now therefore let Pharaoh select a man who is discerning and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.

I Am Your Brother

Joseph said to his brothers, I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.

Joseph's Faith

Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good…