The Primeval History

Discover why Genesis 1-11 wasn't simply a historical record but was also a forceful argument encouraging Israel to follow Moses to the Promised Land.

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About this Lesson Series

Instructor: Dr. Richard L. Pratt, Jr.
Discipline: Old Testament
Course Group: Pentateuch
Download: Course Materials, Academic Packets

Genesis 1-11 contains some of the most familiar stories in the Bible. The creation week, Adam and Eve, the Garden of Eden, Noah's ark, the Tower of Babel - Christians know these stories well. But how many believers know what Moses intended these stories to teach?

In its ancient context, this primeval history was not a simple historical record. Rather, it was a forceful argument condemning Egypt and encouraging Israel to follow Moses to the Promised Land.

Series Goals:

  • Orient students to Moses' role as Israel's leader.
  • Explain the function of primeval narratives in the ancient Near East.
  • Summarize the structure, content, original meaning and modern application of Genesis 1-11.