Page 12 - Advanced Genesis - Creationism - Student Textbook

Who wrote the Book of Genesis?’

3. Compilation of Patriarchal Records
This is a view that Moses compiled and edited earlier written records that had been handed down
written on tablets of stone or clay from each of the Patriarchs in their day each in their own lifetime
then Moses under the direction of the Holy Spirit selected and compiled the book of Genesis. This school
of thought while not being able to be rigidly proven is the one that best fits the facts. This allows Genesis
to be broken down into 9 subcategories

1. The generations of the heavens and the earth – Gen. 1:1 - 2:4
2. The book of the generations of Adam – Gen. 2:4b -5:1
3. The generations of Noah – Gen. 5:1b – 6:9
4. The generations of the sons of Noah – Gen. 6:9b – 10:1
5. The generation of Shem – Gen. 10:1b – 11:10
6. The generation of Terah – Gen. 11:10b – 11:27
7. The generation of Isaac – Gen.11:27b – 25:19
8. The generation of Jacob – Gen. 25:19b – 37:2
9. The generation of the sons of Jacob – Gen. 37:2b – Ex.1:1

Principles of Interpretation
Many liberal writers on Genesis put forth an allegorical approach to its meaning, especially of the first
eleven chapters. However, most serious Bible scholars reject this and adopt a literal translation. They
understand that Jesus Christ Himself took a literal interpretive view and to do otherwise would be seen
as at worst correcting and at best disagreeing with Jesus.

Context and Background of Genesis

The events recorded in Genesis occurred in an area known as the Fertile Crescent. The book begins with
the creation account and discussion of an area known as the Garden of Eden. Though no one is certain
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