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

Note: This series has been redesigned and enhanced with updated graphics and professor interviews. If you were studying the previous version of this series and would like to continue, go to the previous course page.
You may also download the materials on our download page.

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.