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Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 47

"For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.'" Romans 4:3

Text: Genesis 11:1-32

A QUICK SURVEY OF THE BRIEF HISTORY OF MANKIND

With swift broad strokes, Moses, the author of the Book of Genesis, painted brief but significant sketches of the history of mankind. His authorial intent was obvious. He was leading to this point when he could introduce Abraham, as the father of both physical and spiritual Israel.

1. Brief Sketch of the Family Line of Adam (Cf. Genesis 1-5)

This was a brief sketch. It ended in dark tragedy. God sent a Great Flood to destroy the wicked! Mankind’s life-line was nearly terminated but for the fact that Noah found grace from God.

2. Brief Sketch of the Family Line of Noah’s Sons (Cf. Genesis 6-10)

Another sketch was made. This too ended in disaster. The descendants of the three brothers became so separated that the sons of Japheth were called “Gentiles” in prolepsis (Cf. Genesis 10:5). The sons of Ham made an arrogant but vain attempt to build the tower of Babel. The project was abandoned before too long, because “the Lord confused the language of all the earth” (Genesis 11:9). Their punishment was that they were “scattered upon the face of all the earth” (Genesis 11:9).


AN INTRODUCTION OF THE FAMILY LINE OF ABRAHAM

Abraham occupies a place of honour and pride, second to none, in the history of Israel. It is therefore no surprise if both time and space are devoted to do a semi-biographical of this distinctive man of faith in the book of Genesis.

1. From the Line of Shem

Abraham’s genealogy may be traced all the way back to Shem (Genesis 11:10-26).

2. The Birth-place of Abraham

The native land of Terah, the father of Abram, his original name, was Ur of the Chaldeans (Genesis 11:28).

3. Decision to Move from Ur of the Chaldeans

Terah, one day decided that he would re-locate. His plans were to settle in Canaan (Genesis 11:31). However, enroute to Canaan, Terah passed away in Haran (Genesis 11:32)

 

ONLY A HANDFUL OF OUTSTANDING MEN OF FAITH

Only a very small number of people were singled out for special mention and honoured for their faith in God thus far. These were Abel (Cf. Genesis 4:1-8), Enoch (Cf. Genesis 5: 21-24) and Noah (Cf. Genesis 6-9)! Why were the faithful so few in number?