The Primeval History

The Primeval History cover art
Instructor: Dr. Richard L. Pratt, Jr.
Lessons: 4
Discipline: Old Testament
Course Group: Pentateuch

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.

Course 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.

62 min.

Lesson 1: A Perfect World

Gives an overview of the primeval history, the literary structure, original meaning and modern application of Genesis 1-11.
62 min.

Lesson 2: Paradise Lost and Found

Examines Genesis 2:4-3:24, the story of Adam and Eve's sin in the garden.
62 min.

Lesson 3: A World of Violence

Examines Genesis 4:1-6:8, describing how human beings began to fill the world with violence, and how God reacted to those troubles.
61 min.

Lesson 4: The Right Direction

Examines Genesis 6:9-11:9, describing the direction God established for his people to follow after the great flood in the days of Noah.