Genesis Chapters 12-50: God's Promise and the Patriarchs

Q1: After Noah's failure, who will save the world?

Following the events of the flood and the Tower of Babel, Genesis introduces Abram (later known as Abraham). God calls Abraham to leave his homeland for Canaan, promising to make him into a great nation, bless him, and make his name great.

Q2: Why does God choose to bless Abraham and his family?

God's purpose in blessing Abraham extends beyond just one family. Through Abraham, God intends to bless all the families of the earth.

Q3: How will all families on earth be blessed through Abraham?

God's plan unfolds gradually. Abraham's family, later known as Israel, will become a kingdom of priests, demonstrating God's character to all nations. Biblical prophets foretell that the fulfillment of God's promise of a "wounded victor" (from Genesis 3) will come through Israel's messianic king, bringing justice and blessings to all nations.

Q4: What is Abraham's role in this plan?

Abraham is the starting point of God's redemptive plan. Despite the moral failures of Abraham's descendants, God remains faithful, continually rescuing them and reaffirming His commitment to bless all nations through them.

Q5: What is God's covenant with Abraham?

God formalizes His promise to Abraham through a covenant. Despite Abraham and Sarah's childlessness, God promises Abraham numerous descendants. Abraham trusts God, and in response, God covenants with him, promising that he will father many nations and that global blessings will come through him. The sign of this covenant is male circumcision.

Q6: Which of Abraham's descendants are key to the promise's development?

Abraham's son Isaac and grandson Jacob (later renamed Israel) are crucial figures. Jacob, despite his flaws, receives Abraham's blessings after wrestling with God.

Q7: Did God bless Jacob?

Yes, God honored Jacob's determination, passing Abraham's blessings to him and renaming him Israel.

Q8: What happened to Jacob's children?

Jacob had 12 sons but favored Joseph, causing jealousy among his brothers. They sold Joseph into slavery in Egypt.

Q9: How did God bless Joseph?

Despite his brothers' betrayal, God elevated Joseph to a position of power in Egypt. Joseph saved Egypt and his family during a famine, recognizing that God had used the evil intentions of others for good.

Q10: Is Joseph the promised savior?

No, the promise of a "wounded victor" is connected to Judah, Jacob's fourth son. Jacob's deathbed blessing predicts that Judah's tribe will produce royal leaders, culminating in a king who will command the nations' obedience and fulfill God's promise to restore blessings to the world.

Conclusion

Genesis 12-50 sets the foundation for God's redemptive plan through Abraham's family. Despite human failings, God's faithfulness prevails, pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment of His promises in the coming Messiah.