Table of Contents

Translator's Preface

Introduction to the Patriarchal Story: Genesis 12-50

1. The Significance of the Patriarchal Story

2. The Origin and Growth of the Patriarchal Story

3. The world of the Patriarchal Story and Its Setting: The Question of the Time of Patriarchs

Abraham and the Three Guests

Abraham Queries the Destruction of Sodom

The Destruction of Sodom and the Rescue of Lot

Lot's Daughters

Abraham and Abimelech

The Birth of Isaac

The Expulsion and Rescue of Hagar and Her Child

Dispute over the Wells and Treaty with Abimelech

Abraham's Sacrifice

The Descendants of Nahor

Sarah's Death and the Purchase of the Burial Cave

The Wooing of Rebekah

Conclusion of the Abraham Story

The Abraham Story in Retrospect

Structure, Origin, and Growth of Genesis

The Birth of Esau and Jacob

The Pot of Lentil Soup

Isaac and Abimelech

The Firstborn Cheated of His Blessing

Jacob's Departure and Esau's Wives

Jacob's Dream and Vow at Bethel

Jacob and Laban: Marriage with Leah and Rachel

The Birth and Naming of Jacob's Sons

Jacob Outwits Laban

Jacob's Separation from Laban

Preparation for the Meeting with Esau

The Attack on Jacob at the Jabbok

The Meeting of the Brothers

Dinah and the Shechemites

Jacob in Bethel and Hebron, Jacob's Sons, Isaac's Death

Esau's Descendants

Conclusion to Genesis

Abbreviations

Index of Hebrew words

Index of Biblical References

Index of Names and Subjects