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Musings

A Blog

Genesis 12-50

Legends of the Patriarchs

The material in chapters 12-38 traces the complicated family history of the Patriarchs. Here you will find one of the most self-consciously literary sections of the Bible, filled with easily discernible motifs, themes, devices, narrative patterns, and character development.

Genesis Study Questions

The Patriarchs

Abraham
Isaac & Ishmael
Jacob & Esau
Joseph and his Brothers
(Compare the story of Joseph in the Bible with the same story as told in the Qur'an).

The Covenant(s) with Abraham (Ch 12-18)
Group Questions about the Covenant

Sodom & Gomorrah (Ch 19)

Check out David Plotz's entry on Sodom & Gomorrah

Salt Pillars in the Dead Sea (click for larger images)



The Binding of Isaac
  • Some interpretations of the Binding of Isaac.
  • An intriguing sermon by Robert Krulwich to a Jewish Synagogue about the story of Abraham and Isaac, called "In Silence." (Krulwich is one of the hosts of WNYC's Radiolab, which is an examination of scientific issues in a popular - and amazing - format.  He approaches the story historically and with a scientific bias.  It would be interesting to see if you could answer the questions he raises.)
Some Links

Images from Genesis



Other Resources
A short and useful document from Ms. Robertson on the Literary Structure of Genesis.
Subpages (1): Covenant Questions