Context


 * Context of the writing of the book:**

The Pentateuch, also known as the Old Testament, was written by many authors, it is a conglomeration of writings from different sources. There are four main styles of writing in the Pentateuch, the Yahwist, who use ‘Yahweh’ as God’s name and emphasized an anthropomorphized ideal of God to make him more ‘human’. The Elohist authors referred to God as ‘Elohim’ or ‘Lord’ and focused on God speaking through more symbolic means such as Moses and the burning bush. The Deuteronomist authors emphasized laws as being of utmost importance. Lastly the Priestly authors emphasized rituals and the purpose of the priesthood in all aspects.

The Book of Genesis is the first of the five books of the Pentateuch, due to this, the Book of Genesis’ main purpose is to explain the creation stories and provide a basis for the remaining books of the Pentateuch. This book covers the very beginnings of creation, with God bringing light to the darkness and creating the world. It follows this with introducing Adam and Eve, the first human beings, followed by the stories of their early descendants through to Abraham and finally to Joseph.