Genesis: The Beginning of God's Plan of Salvation

by Richard P. Belcher Jr.

Overview

Genesis provides us with a foundation for correctly understanding the world. Within Genesis, the character and the role of human beings within the world God has created is revealed. In reading Genesis we find on every occasion, in his dealings with mankind, God steps in by his grace and demonstrates that he is in control.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781845509637
Publisher:	Christian Focus Publications
Publication date:	09/20/2012
Series:	Focus on the Bible
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Richard P. Belcher, Jr. is the John D. and Frances M. Gwin Professor of Old Testament and the Academic Dean at Reformed Theological Seminary Atlanta. He is the author of ‘The Messiah and the Psalms’, as well as commentaries on Genesis, Job and Ecclesiastes and has a decade of pastoral experience.

Table of Contents

Preface 9

Abbreviations 11

Introduction 13

The Question of Authorship 14

The Documentary Hypothesis 15

Moses as the Fundamental Author 16

The Role of Narrative and Poetry in Genesis 20

Genesis in the Context of the Ancient Near East 21

The Days of Genesis 25

The Day-Age View 26

The Literary Framework View 29

The Analogical Day View 34

Variations of the Regular Day View 39

The Regular Day View 45

The Structure of Genesis 47

Study Questions 49

Chapter 1 Laying the Foundations for Correctly Understanding the World (Genesis 1) 51

Primeval History (1:1-11:9) 51

Prologue: Creation (1:1-2:3) 52

The Character of God and Creation 52

The Creation and Role of Mankind 54

Study Questions 59

Chapter 2 God Provides Everything for Adam and Eve (Genesis 2) 61

Study Questions 69

Chapter 3 The Destructive Power of Sin (Genesis 3-4) 71

The Fall and Its Results (3:1-24) 71

The Character of Two Communities (4:1-26) 78

Study Questions 83

Chapter 4 The Preservation of the Godly Line (Genesis 5-6a) 85

The Genealogy of Adam (5:1-32) 85

The Increase of Wickedness: A Precursor to the Flood (6:1-8) 87

Study Questions 92

Chapter 5 The Judgment of the Flood and the Salvation of a Remnant (Genesis 6b-9) 93

Preparations for the Flood (6:9-22) 93

Preservation of Noah's Family through the Flood (7:1-8:19) 95

God's Covenant with Noah (8:20-9:17) 97

The Continuing Problem of Sin after the Flood (9:18-29) 99

Study Questions 102

Chapter 6 The Division of the Nations: Continuing Sin and the Line of Salvation (Genesis 10-11) 103

The Genealogy of Shem, Ham and Japheth (10:1-32) 103

The Tower of Babel (11:1-9) 107

The Generations (Toledot) of Shem (11:10-26): The Chosen Line of Peleg 109

Study Questions 110

Chapter 7 The Life of Abraham: God's Call and the Promise of Land (Genesis 11:27-14:24) 111

The Call of Abram (11:27-12:9) 111

Faith in God's Promise of Land (12:10-14:24) 115

Fearful in Egypt (12:10-20) 115

Secure in God's Promise (13) 117

A King Defending the Land (14) 118

Study Questions 121

Chapter 8 The Life of Abraham: God's Covenant and the Promise of a Seed (Genesis 15-17) 123

God's Covenant with Abram (15:1-21) 123

Producing an Heir through Human Means (16:1-16) 126

The Covenant of Circumcision (17:1-27) 129

Study Questions 136

Chapter 9 The Life of Abraham: A Man of Intercession (Genesis 18-20) 139

Abraham's Intercession for Sodom (18:1-33) 139

The Rescue of Lot from the Destruction of Sodom (19:1-38) 142

Abraham Prays for Abimelech's Household (20:1-18) 146

Study Questions 148

Chapter 10 The Fulfillment of God's Promise in the Preservation of the Godly Line (Genesis 21-22:19) 149

The Birth of the Promised Child (21:1-21) 149

Abraham's Treaty with Abimelech (21:22-34) 151

The Sacrifice of Isaac (22:1-19) 154

Study Questions 159

Chapter 11 The Fulfillment of God's Promise in Faithful Preparation for the Future (Genesis 22:20-25:18) 161

The Burial of Sarah and the Promise of Land (22:20-23:20) 161

A Wife for Isaac: Preserving the Future Seed (24:1-67) 163

The Death of Abraham: The End of an Era (25:1-18) 167

Study Questions 169

Chapter 12 The Family of Isaac: Conflict and Favoritism (Genesis 25:19-27:46) 171

Family Conflict Based on the Character of the Sons (25:19-34) 171

The Blessing of God on Isaac's Family (26) 174

Family Conflict Based on Parental Favoritism (26:34-27:46) 178

Study Questions 183

Chapter 13 The Crucible of Family Conflict (Genesis 28-30) 185

The Beginning of Jacob's Journey (28:1-22) 185

The Humbling of Jacob: Laban's Deceit (29:1-30) 188

The Passivity of Jacob: Building the Family through Conflict (29:31-30:24) 192

Study Questions 196

Chapter 14 From a Prayerless Schemer to a Man of Faith (Genesis 30:25-33:20) 197

God is the Source of Jacob's Wealth (30:25-43) 197

Prayerful Planning to Meet a Crisis (32-33) 202

Study Questions 207

Chapter 15 Transition from One Generation to the Next Generation (Genesis 34:1-37:1) 209

A Glimpse into the Character of Jacob's Family (34:1-31) 209

Covenant Blessings at Bethel (35:1-15) 213

The End of an Era (35:16-29) 214

The Generations (Toledot) of Esau (36:1-37:1) 216

Study Questions 218

Chapter 16 The Beginning of the Joseph Story: Major Problems among Brothers (Genesis 37:2-38:30) 219

Conflict among the Sons of Jacob (37:2-36) 220

The Development of the Character of Judah (38:1-30) 224

Study Questions 228

Chapter 17 Joseph's Rise to Power in Egypt (Genesis 39-41) 229

God's Abundant Blessings in Adverse Circumstances (39:1-23) 229

Faithfulness in Prison: Preparing the Way for the Future (40:1-22) 231

'God's Purposes Shall Ripen Fast' (41:1-57) 234

Study Questions 239

Chapter 18 The Testing of Joseph's Brothers (Genesis 42-44) 241

The First Trip to Egypt: 'You are spies' (42:1-38) 241

The Second Trip to Egypt: Sacrifice for the Family (43:1-44:34) 246

Study Questions 252

Chapter 19 The Reconciliation of a Family (Genesis 45-47) 253

A Stunning Revelation: God's Hand at Work (45:1-28) 253

The Family of Jacob Moves to Egypt with God's Blessing (46:1-30) 256

The Sons of Israel in Egypt: Separation not Assimilation (46:31-47:12) 257

The Administration of Joseph: A Savior in Egypt (47:13-31) 259

Study Questions 261

Chapter 20 Looking to the Future through Faith in the Promises of God (Genesis 48-50) 263

The Adoption of Joseph's Two Sons (48:1-22) 264

The Future Significance of the Sons of Jacob (49:1-28) 267

God's Purposes and His Future Promises (49:29-50:26) 273

Study Questions 277

Subject Index 279

Scripture Index 285

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“a clearly written and judiciously researched guide to the entire question of the meaning of the book of Genesis (not just to its first three chapters, pivotal though these are).”

Douglas F. Kelly, Richard Jordan Professor of Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary Charlotte, North Carolina

“The words 'thoroughness', 'fairness' and 'lucidity' spring to mind to describe the whole work. Indeed, I cannot think of an important 'stone left unturned'! The treatment, for example, of the creation narrative ranks among the fullest and fairest I have ever read, but, without exaggeration every page has its quota of good things, problems solved, and truths illuminated.”

Alec Motyer, Well-known Bible expositor and commentary writer.

“Richard Belcher’s commentary on Genesis is rigorously faithful to the content of the book, thoughtfully responsive to the issues of the day and easily as well as enjoyably navigated by any and all who have the privilege of opening its pages.”

Harry L. Reeder, III, Pastor Teacher, Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama

“Richard Belcher walks us through the familiar pages of Genesis in ways that go beyond what we often find in commentaries…This commentary will serve pastors well as they preach and teach. It will serve lay people well as they seek to understand the implications of Genesis for their lives."

Richard Pratt, President, Third Millennium Ministries, Orlando, Florida

“This commentary deserves a wide appreciation, as it will help pastors, leaders, and Christians see how Genesis proclaims the deepest message of the Bible: the grace of God for sinners and those who suffer.”

Justin Holcomb, executive director of the Resurgence, lead pastor of Mars Hill Church, U-District, Seattle, Washington, & adjunct professor at Reformed Theological Seminary

Editorial Reviews

"Richard Belcher walks us through the familiar pages of Genesis in ways that go beyond what we often find in commentaries...This commentary will serve pastors well as they preach and teach. It will serve lay people well as they seek to understand the implications of Genesis for their lives."

Richard Pratt

"Richard Belcher's commentary focuses on the big picture of Genesis, tracing God's story of redemption through the biblical narrative. His careful exposition shows how Genesis reveals God's intentions for his creation and his unstoppable purpose to bless his people and redeem them out of slavery, bringing good out of evil. God's people can live with confidence that God will be faithful to his promises to redeem and restore the broken and the suffering. He is able to take what people mean for evil and turn it into good. This commentary deserves a wide appreciation, as it will help pastors, leaders, and Christians see how Genesis proclaims the deepest message of the Bible: the grace of God for sinners and those who suffer."

Justin S. Holcomb

"It is hard to think that more material was ever packed into a brief compass, or with greater clarity, helpfulness and ease of reading than Dr. Belcher has managed in this commentary. The words 'thoroughness', 'fairness' and 'lucidity' spring to mind to describe the whole work. Indeed, I cannot think of an important 'stone left unturned'! The treatment, for example, of the creation narrative ranks among the fullest and fairest I have ever read, but, without exaggeration every page has its quota of good things, problems solved, and truths illuminated. In a word, I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and warmly commend it."

"The meaning of creation (and/or evolution) has taken its place at the front of the intellectual/cultural stage for over a century and a half, and shows no sign of moving from the center of discussion and debate. Secularists and Christians - both liberal and conservative - instinctively understand the high significance of the issue, and hence, the intensity of the continuing debate. Whether God is real and Scripture is true are both tied up in the foundational text of the Bible: Genesis chapters one to three. Richard Belcher's Genesis is a clearly written and judiciously researched guide to the entire question of the meaning of the book of Genesis (not just to its first three chapters, pivotal though these are)."

Douglas F. Kelly

"The meaning of creation (and/or evolution) has taken its place at the front of the intellectual/cultural stage for over a century and a half, and shows no sign of moving from the center of discussion and debate. Secularists and Christians - both liberal and conservative - instinctively understand the high significance of the issue, and hence, the intensity of the continuing debate. Whether God is real and Scripture is true are both tied up in the foundational text of the Bible: Genesis chapters one to three. Richard Belcher's Genesis is a clearly written and judiciously researched guide to the entire question of the meaning of the book of Genesis (not just to its first three chapters, pivotal though these are)."

Douglas F. Kelly(Professor of Theology Emeritus

"Richard Belcher walks us through the familiar pages of Genesis in ways that go beyond what we often find in commentaries...This commentary will serve pastors well as they preach and teach. It will serve lay people well as they seek to understand the implications of Genesis for their lives."

Richard Pratt(President

"Richard Belcher's commentary focuses on the big picture of Genesis, tracing God's story of redemption through the biblical narrative. His careful exposition shows how Genesis reveals God's intentions for his creation and his unstoppable purpose to bless his people and redeem them out of slavery, bringing good out of evil. God's people can live with confidence that God will be faithful to his promises to redeem and restore the broken and the suffering. He is able to take what people mean for evil and turn it into good. This commentary deserves a wide appreciation, as it will help pastors, leaders, and Christians see how Genesis proclaims the deepest message of the Bible: the grace of God for sinners and those who suffer."

Justin S. Holcomb(Adjunct Professor of Theology

"It is hard to think that more material was ever packed into a brief compass, or with greater clarity, helpfulness and ease of reading than Dr. Belcher has managed in this commentary. The words 'thoroughness', 'fairness' and 'lucidity' spring to mind to describe the whole work. Indeed, I cannot think of an important 'stone left unturned'! The treatment, for example, of the creation narrative ranks among the fullest and fairest I have ever read, but, without exaggeration every page has its quota of good things, problems solved, and truths illuminated. In a word, I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and warmly commend it."

Alec Motyer((1924–2016) Well known Bible expositor and commentary writer)

It is not often that the Christian community is provided a commentary which is both scholarly and practical. Richard Belcher's commentary on Genesis is rigorously faithful to the content of the book, thoughtfully responsive to the issues of the day and easily as well as enjoyably navigated by any and all who have the privilege of opening its pages. It is my privilege to commend it to you without reservation.

Harry L. Reeder III((1948 – 2023) Senior Pastor

"It is hard to think that more material was ever packed into a brief compass, or with greater clarity, helpfulness and ease of reading than Dr. Belcher has managed in this commentary. The words 'thoroughness', 'fairness' and 'lucidity' spring to mind to describe the whole work. Indeed, I cannot think of an important 'stone left unturned'! The treatment, for example, of the creation narrative ranks among the fullest and fairest I have ever read, but, without exaggeration every page has its quota of good things, problems solved, and truths illuminated. In a word, I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and warmly commend it."

Alec Motyer

It is not often that the Christian community is provided a commentary which is both scholarly and practical. Richard Belcher's commentary on Genesis is rigorously faithful to the content of the book, thoughtfully responsive to the issues of the day and easily as well as enjoyably navigated by any and all who have the privilege of opening its pages. It is my privilege to commend it to you without reservation.

Harry L. Reeder III

"Richard Belcher walks us through the familiar pages of Genesis in ways that go beyond what we often find in commentaries...This commentary will serve pastors well as they preach and teach. It will serve lay people well as they seek to understand the implications of Genesis for their lives."

Richard Pratt - President

"Richard Belcher's commentary focuses on the big picture of Genesis, tracing God's story of redemption through the biblical narrative. His careful exposition shows how Genesis reveals God's intentions for his creation and his unstoppable purpose to bless his people and redeem them out of slavery, bringing good out of evil. God's people can live with confidence that God will be faithful to his promises to redeem and restore the broken and the suffering. He is able to take what people mean for evil and turn it into good. This commentary deserves a wide appreciation, as it will help pastors, leaders, and Christians see how Genesis proclaims the deepest message of the Bible: the grace of God for sinners and those who suffer."

Justin S. Holcomb - Adjunct Professor of Theology

It is not often that the Christian community is provided a commentary which is both scholarly and practical. Richard Belcher's commentary on Genesis is rigorously faithful to the content of the book, thoughtfully responsive to the issues of the day and easily as well as enjoyably navigated by any and all who have the privilege of opening its pages. It is my privilege to commend it to you without reservation.

Harry L. Reeder - Pastor of Preaching & Leadership

"The meaning of creation (and/or evolution) has taken its place at the front of the intellectual/cultural stage for over a century and a half, and shows no sign of moving from the center of discussion and debate. Secularists and Christians - both liberal and conservative - instinctively understand the high significance of the issue, and hence, the intensity of the continuing debate. Whether God is real and Scripture is true are both tied up in the foundational text of the Bible: Genesis chapters one to three. Richard Belcher's Genesis is a clearly written and judiciously researched guide to the entire question of the meaning of the book of Genesis (not just to its first three chapters, pivotal though these are)."

Douglas F. Kelly - Richard Jordan Professor of Theology

"It is hard to think that more material was ever packed into a brief compass, or with greater clarity, helpfulness and ease of reading than Dr. Belcher has managed in this commentary. The words 'thoroughness', 'fairness' and 'lucidity' spring to mind to describe the whole work. Indeed, I cannot think of an important 'stone left unturned'! The treatment, for example, of the creation narrative ranks among the fullest and fairest I have ever read, but, without exaggeration every page has its quota of good things, problems solved, and truths illuminated. In a word, I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and warmly commend it."

Alec Motyer - Well known Bible expositor and commentary writer

"It is hard to think that more material was ever packed into a brief compass, or with greater clarity, helpfulness and ease of reading than Dr. Belcher has managed in this commentary. The words 'thoroughness', 'fairness' and 'lucidity' spring to mind to describe the whole work. Indeed, I cannot think of an important 'stone left unturned'! The treatment, for example, of the creation narrative ranks among the fullest and fairest I have ever read, but, without exaggeration every page has its quota of good things, problems solved, and truths illuminated. In a word, I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and warmly commend it."

Alec Motyer - (1924-2016) Well known Bible expositor and commentary writer

"Richard Belcher walks us through the familiar pages of Genesis in ways that go beyond what we often find in commentaries...This commentary will serve pastors well as they preach and teach. It will serve lay people well as they seek to understand the implications of Genesis for their lives."

Richard Pratt ~ President

"Richard Belcher's commentary focuses on the big picture of Genesis, tracing God's story of redemption through the biblical narrative. His careful exposition shows how Genesis reveals God's intentions for his creation and his unstoppable purpose to bless his people and redeem them out of slavery, bringing good out of evil. God's people can live with confidence that God will be faithful to his promises to redeem and restore the broken and the suffering. He is able to take what people mean for evil and turn it into good. This commentary deserves a wide appreciation, as it will help pastors, leaders, and Christians see how Genesis proclaims the deepest message of the Bible: the grace of God for sinners and those who suffer."

Justin S. Holcomb ~ Adjunct Professor of Theology

"It is hard to think that more material was ever packed into a brief compass, or with greater clarity, helpfulness and ease of reading than Dr. Belcher has managed in this commentary. The words 'thoroughness', 'fairness' and 'lucidity' spring to mind to describe the whole work. Indeed, I cannot think of an important 'stone left unturned'! The treatment, for example, of the creation narrative ranks among the fullest and fairest I have ever read, but, without exaggeration every page has its quota of good things, problems solved, and truths illuminated. In a word, I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and warmly commend it."

Alec Motyer ~ (1924-2016) Well known Bible expositor and commentary writer

It is not often that the Christian community is provided a commentary which is both scholarly and practical. Richard Belcher's commentary on Genesis is rigorously faithful to the content of the book, thoughtfully responsive to the issues of the day and easily as well as enjoyably navigated by any and all who have the privilege of opening its pages. It is my privilege to commend it to you without reservation.

Harry L. Reeder ~ Pastor of Preaching & Leadership

"The meaning of creation (and/or evolution) has taken its place at the front of the intellectual/cultural stage for over a century and a half, and shows no sign of moving from the center of discussion and debate. Secularists and Christians - both liberal and conservative - instinctively understand the high significance of the issue, and hence, the intensity of the continuing debate. Whether God is real and Scripture is true are both tied up in the foundational text of the Bible: Genesis chapters one to three. Richard Belcher's Genesis is a clearly written and judiciously researched guide to the entire question of the meaning of the book of Genesis (not just to its first three chapters, pivotal though these are)."

Douglas F. Kelly ~ Richard Jordan Professor of Theology

"It is hard to think that more material was ever packed into a brief compass, or with greater clarity, helpfulness and ease of reading than Dr. Belcher has managed in this commentary. The words 'thoroughness', 'fairness' and 'lucidity' spring to mind to describe the whole work. Indeed, I cannot think of an important 'stone left unturned'! The treatment, for example, of the creation narrative ranks among the fullest and fairest I have ever read, but, without exaggeration every page has its quota of good things, problems solved, and truths illuminated. In a word, I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and warmly commend it."

Alec Motyer ~ Well known Bible expositor and commentary writer

Provides clear teaching about our beginnings

From the Publisher