The Patriarchs

This is Volume 3 of a step by step series of studies which look at the key issues addressed in Genesis. This volume covers Genesis 12-50 and the book of Job! These studies integrate theological, historical and scientific considerations and evidence.

This volume deals at length with the birth of a nation: Israel. No nation has survived the centuries and had a greater impact upon humanity than Israel. With God all people are always in view and are the object of His love and care; however, He has long had special plans for Israel. God selected one man, Abraham, and from him raised up many people groups; but the story line of God’s personal account (the Bible) is centered on Abraham’s descendents through Isaac and Jacob. This study guide looks carefully at Abraham especially from a spiritual standpoint. The issue of eternal salvation by faith is rooted here. Abraham’s faith and God’s promises to him are explored both physically and spiritually. It is here that God addressed the issue of homosexuality. This study guide looks carefully at Isaac, Jacob and Esau. It addresses the question of why God loved Jacob and hated Esau.

Job was a contemporary of Jacob. He too was a patriarch. His story is probed and studied in this series of lessons. Many intriguing scientific issues are raised and answered in the book of Job. One of the main themes in Job is the issue of human suffering.

The last chapters of Genesis are given to Israel in Egypt and to the great patriarch Joseph who was used of God to sustain them there. His is one of the greatest studies of all times on dealing successfully with adversity and evil treatment. Joseph is one of the great men of the Bible and a study of his life is fascinating.

In this and each of the three study guides, there are 12 lessons plus a systematic review. Each study includes a succinct outline which organizes the Genesis and Job accounts into natural units of study. A prose summary of each biblical text under consideration is also included. Each lesson in this series cites many corroborating Bible passages along with many other references to substantiate the claims of the book. The aim and key verse of each study are given along with daily Bible readings which prepare those who study or teach the lessons. These studies are ideal for teachers and preachers but all who would learn God’s account of origins and early humanity will be greatly enriched.

The studies in this series cover the entire book of Genesis along with Job. The first guide covers Creation through the fall. The second guide covers Cain and Abel through the Tower of Babel. Much of it is given to the great Noahic Flood. This third guide deals with the birth of a nation and the great biblical Patriarchs whom He initially used to nurture His special, unique people.