This Is The Family Tree Of...

Genesis 1-10

You'll notice in the first bunch of chapters that there are a lot of names. Why all the genealogies? Remember what the name "Genesis" means? Beginning. Genesis is Israel's account of where they came from, of their beginnings. It's a long string of stories attached to their family tree.

The book of Genesis is laid out in ten sections, ten family trees. I'm using the Message version, but if you are using the NIV, then it will be translated "the account of...", or if you are using the ESV it will be translated "the generations of...". Check out these references to see what I mean: Genesis 2:4, 5:1, 6:9, 7:1, 9:12, 10:1, 11:10, 11:27, 25:12, 25:19, 36:1 & 9, 37:2. A genealogy was how you remembered your ancestors - a way to honor them. It was also the root of your identity, and how you understood the other people in your family. A genealogy was a revered set of information - and a source of great stories!

When you're reading through Genesis - especially the first ten chapters - resist the urge to ask: did this really happen? Avoid questioning whether creation or temptation or the flood happened exactly as recorded in Genesis. That line of thinking is a distraction from the purpose of Genesis - stories hinged on the genealogies. It's interesting to note the genealogy in chapter 5 - no mention of Cain or Able. It's also worth noting in the flood story the reason behind Noah's name - and it's connection to God's blessing when the earth is dried. How does that shape our understanding of this terrible, devastating, ugly story?

One last thing: the genealogies about Shem, Ham, and Japheth reveal a lot about how Israel viewed their neighbors and enemies. Ham was the father of their enemies (Canaan, Egpyt, Babel, etc), while Japheth was the father of their good neighbors. When you're sitting around the campfire, and your little boys ask about where the marauding caravans come from, you go back through the genealogy, explain how you are connected to them, but how they are cursed. Makes for dramatic storytelling at midnight!

Remember to ask: what do these stories teach me about Israel, their beginnings, and about how they understood God.