Summary: Recurring Themes And Issues In Genesis
Recurring Themes and Issues in Genesis
Throughout Genesis, there is a reoccurrence of tests of faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This is seen both between God and man and amongst men. Tests of faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation are indicative of God’s expectation that man will be like Him in His forgiveness and reconciliation and are faithful to Him. Faith is seen especially through Abraham within his covenant with God and his willingness to do what God asks. Forgiveness is exemplified through Joseph and his brothers. Finally, Abraham is another example, this time of reconciliation with Abimelech.
Faith is shown with Abraham numerous times. For instance, God promised Abraham numerous descendants in their covenant although his wife Sarah is barren. Abraham does …show more content…
Although they wanted to kill him and then sold him into slavery, he eventually forgives them. It is not until his brothers seem genuinely repentant for what they did to him that he reveals himself. He says: “And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life/ God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors” (Genesis 45: 5, 7). Essentially, it is Joseph’s purpose as instilled in him by God that allows him to forgive his brothers. There is more to his life then the anger he could have towards them. In Genesis 50, the brothers outright apologize for harming Joseph and offer themselves as slaves. Joseph counters this, once again saying: “even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones” (Genesis 50: 20-21). Not only has Joseph forgiven his family, but he will also protect them. This is largely due to his recognition of God’s purpose for
Throughout Genesis, there is a reoccurrence of tests of faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This is seen both between God and man and amongst men. Tests of faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation are indicative of God’s expectation that man will be like Him in His forgiveness and reconciliation and are faithful to Him. Faith is seen especially through Abraham within his covenant with God and his willingness to do what God asks. Forgiveness is exemplified through Joseph and his brothers. Finally, Abraham is another example, this time of reconciliation with Abimelech.
Faith is shown with Abraham numerous times. For instance, God promised Abraham numerous descendants in their covenant although his wife Sarah is barren. Abraham does …show more content…
Although they wanted to kill him and then sold him into slavery, he eventually forgives them. It is not until his brothers seem genuinely repentant for what they did to him that he reveals himself. He says: “And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life/ God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors” (Genesis 45: 5, 7). Essentially, it is Joseph’s purpose as instilled in him by God that allows him to forgive his brothers. There is more to his life then the anger he could have towards them. In Genesis 50, the brothers outright apologize for harming Joseph and offer themselves as slaves. Joseph counters this, once again saying: “even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones” (Genesis 50: 20-21). Not only has Joseph forgiven his family, but he will also protect them. This is largely due to his recognition of God’s purpose for