Eden to Eternity Vol. 1, Genesis 1-11
Come along with me as I complete The Daily Grace Co.’s Eden to Eternity study!
This chronological Bible study dives into the 66 books of God’s Word while encouraging self-reflection and biblical application. In the following posts, I intend to discuss the content, existing themes, and perceived messages to encourage others who may be struggling in their attempt to dwell in scripture.
I hope that together we can approach scripture with an open heart and fall more in love with Christ, who had our eternal salvation in mind all along!
Genesis 1/66 | Author(s): Moses & anonymous contributors | Old Testament | Pentateuch/Torah | 4000-1800 B.C. (estimated)
The very beginning.
Genesis chapters 1–3 introduce us to the creation of the world as we know it today. God intricately cultivates a place for what will be His pride and joy: us!
Genesis Chapters 4–7 continue to discuss sin and its aftershocks as it takes the form of murder and wickedness. It also introduces one of the first genealogies that lays the groundwork for generations that will ultimately point to our Savior! Today's final chapter will focus on God’s plan to reset the ways of His creation.
8-11 reveals what happens once the flood subsides, introducing a new covenant between God and His people. The concluding chapters of today’s reading provide insight into Noah’s family line, which will eventually lead to Abraham.
Genesis 1-11 Summary:
1. THE CREATION
Day 1: God created the heavens and the earth (also translated as the universe). God saw that this vastness lacked form and sought to create structure and order. He provided the earth with light, naming the differentiation between light and darkness “day” and “night.”
Day 2: God created the skies, which separate this space from the abundant seas.
Day 3: God moved the water around to form their own bodies, contrasting with the dry area He used to form land. God commanded the earth to produce food-bearing plants.
Day 4: God created the sun and the moon as signifiers of time, along with the stars.
Day 5: God formed aquatic creatures and aviary animals. God granted them the blessing of reproducing to fill the earth.
Day 6: God produced other animals of different breeds to roam the earth. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and over every animal of the land, and the creatures that scurry on the earth” (Genesis 1:26, CSB). So – He did just that. Man was constructed from dust, coming to life with the breath God released. God famously created human beings in His image, in both male and female forms.
Day 7: Creation was completed. God rested, or “ceased”, proclaiming this seventh day as holy.
2. MAN AND WOMAN IN THE GARDEN
In the Garden of Eden, God placed the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The man, whom we now know as Adam, was inserted into this garden to tend to the plants. God carefully instructed Adam that he was free to eat from any tree or plant he wished, with one exception: “You must not eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die” (Genesis 2:16-17, CSB). Then, because the animals were not enough company, God fashioned a woman, Eve, from the rib of the man to fill the loneliness Adam felt.
“This one, at last, is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh; this one will be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken from man” (Genesis 2:23, CSB).
Fun fact, "Adam" in Hebrew translates to "man of the earth" which corroborates the introduction of this man since God formed him from the dust of the earth (Benner, 2022).
3. THE TEMPTATION AND THE FALL, AND SINS CONSEQUENCES
The serpent, classified as “the most cunning of all wild animals” (Genesis 3:1), questioned Eve about eating from the tree that God warned them of.
Genesis 3:1-5, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?”
Eve replied, “We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’”
“No! You will not die, in fact, God knows that on the day you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will divine like God, knowing good and evil.”
Eve, convincing herself that the tree did look enticing and that acquiring this insight would be beneficial, fell to temptation. Taking fruit from the forbidden tree, she and her husband indulged. Instantaneously, they realized they were naked and created clothing for themselves.
God enters the garden, calling out to the man and woman who were hiding. God, a supernatural, omniscient being, inquires about the shift that has taken place. Eve admits that she defied God and recounts the situation with the serpent and the fruit of the tree.
God’s response to the serpent:
“Because you have done this, you are cursed more than any livestock and more than any wild animal. You will move on your belly and eat dust all the days of your life. I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3: 14-15, CSB).
God’s response to the woman:
“I will intensify your labor pains; you will bear children with painful effort. Your desire will be for your husband, yet he will rule over you” (Genesis 3: 16, CSB).
God’s response to the man:
“Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘Do not eat from it’: The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. You will eat food by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground, since you were taken from it. For you are dust, and you will return to dust” (Genesis 3: 17-19, CSB).
Since sin is an act of rebelling against the Creator of life, Adam and Eve could no longer rest in the garden. God then ensured that the Tree of Life was guarded from sin.
4. CAIN MURDERS ABEL & THE LINE OF CAIN
Adam and Eve give birth to two boys, Cain and Abel. Cain begins to develop jealousy toward God’s apparent approval of Abel. God presents some foreshadowing, seeking to assist Cain.
“Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you furious? And why has your face fallen? If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.'” (Genesis 4:6, CSB).
Well, Cain let sin invade and murdered his brother.
God called out to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”
Cain replied, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s guardian?”
The Lord heard Abel’s blood “crying out” to him from the earth (Genesis 4:10, CSB). Because of this act, God alienates Cain. Cain pleads for some form of mercy so that he can avoid being killed when people find out what he's done. So, God places a curse on anyone who is to strike Cain. After receiving a signifying mark from God, Cain left the Lord’s presence.
In this section of Chapter 4, we receive a family tree of the generations deriving from Cain. Cain proceeds to bore his own children as well as build the city of Enoch. During this time, Lamech is born from the line of Cain. Lamech is important to mention because we see sin and rebellion rise as Lamech is boastful, greedily possesses two wives, and claims to be more vindictive than Cain. We will also see what having faith in a line of sin can do for future generations.
Then, Adam and Eve give birth to Seth, whom Eve proclaimed was God’s blessing since Abel was taken away from her.
“At that time people began to call on the name of the Lord” (Genesis 4:26).
5. THE LINE OF SETH (Records of Adam)
Like all genealogical content in the Bible, this section is intricate but important. We are given more information to fill the gaps of generations between Adam and Seth, leading to Noah. These rich records display the details of God’s plan for creating human life and tending to it. No one is insignificant in God’s redemptive design.
Adam -> Seth -> Enosh -> Kenan -> Mahalalel -> Jared -> Enoch -> Methuselah -> Lamech -> Noah
Noah, which translates to “bring us relief,” also fathered Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Genesis 5:29, CSB).
6. SONS OF GOD AND DAUGHTERS OF MANKIND, JUDGEMENT DECREED, & GOD WARNS NOAH
As the earth populates, men take wives for themselves. They also seek positions of power, idolizing themselves and their own capabilities.
“My Spirit will not remain with mankind forever, because they are corrupt” (Genesis 6:3).
Similarly, the lifespan of man is observed to shorten at this time, decreasing from the estimated 900-year lifespan to 120 years (Genesis 6:3, CSB).
Sinfulness and corruption have become rampant among mankind. So much so that “the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and his heart deeply grieved” (Genesis 6:6, CSB).
“‘I will wipe mankind, whom I created, off the face of the earth, together with the animals, creatures that crawl, and birds of the sky – for I regret that I made them'." (Genesis 6:7, CSB).
Except for Noah, who "found favor with the Lord” (Genesis 6:7, CSB). He was favored because he was a “righteous man, blameless among his contemporaries; Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9, CSB).
After informing Noah of His plans to present a devastating flood, God provides Noah with instructions. These instructions were necessary for Noah to appropriately build an ark. THE ark! This guidance was carefully given by God, down to the measurements, types of materials, and layout. Then, God created a covenant with Noah.
“’But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark with your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives. You are also to bring into the ark two of all the living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. Two of everything – from the birds according to their kinds, from the livestock according to their kinds, and from the animals that crawl on the ground according to their kinds – will come to you so that you can keep them alive” (Genesis 6:18-20, CSB).
If you're wondering, Noah was obedient.
7. ENTERING THE ARK & THE FLOOD
Since Noah was a man of righteousness, God spared his life and the lives of his family members. At 600 years of age, Noah, along with the “clean” pairs of animals, was receiving a sacred invitation to the world’s second chance! Noah was informed that in seven days, God would deliver heavy rain for forty days and forty nights.
On the seventh day, as God had spoken, “all the sources of the vast watery depths burst open, the floodgates of the sky were opened, and the rain fell on the earth for forty days and forty nights” (Genesis 7:11–12).
As days passed, the water rose above 20 feet, taking every living creature with it as the depths increased. Noah and his passengers remained safe on the ark designed by God.
8. THE FLOOD RECEDES & THE LORD’S PROMISE
“God remembered Noah, as well as all the wildlife and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. God caused a wind (“spirit”) to pass over the earth, and the water began to subside.” (Genesis 8:1).
The flood was over.
As the water levels receded, Noah opened the windows of the ark to inspect the area around him. To determine if there was dry ground, Noah sent out a raven and a dove. The raven “went back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth,” but the dove “found no resting place for its foot. It returned to him in the ark because water covered the surface of the whole earth” (Genesis 8:7-9).
Noah waited seven days and sent the dove out again. The dove returned with an olive branch, signifying the growth of vegetation. After an additional seven days, Noah sent the dove out again, but this time it did not return.
“By the twenty-seventh day of the second month, the earth was dry” (Genesis 8:14).
The type of bird utilized is biblically significant because “ravens don’t get comfortable," they continue searching (Shirer, 2020, p. 47, 67-70). Whereas doves, representing peace and renewal, return to their original source once they realize they can not find what they are seeking. In this instance, the dove's original return signified that there was no dry ground to land on.
Then, God instructed the inhabitants of the ark to come out and fill the earth.
Noah created an altar to worship the Lord properly. He approached with burnt offerings consisting of clean animals. (Don't worry, we will dive deeper into sacrificial practices soon!)
“When the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma, He said to Himself, ‘I will never again curse the ground because of human beings, even though the inclination of the human heart is evil from youth onward. And I will never again strike down every living thing as I have done’.” (Genesis 8:21).
9. GOD’S COVENANT WITH NOAH AND PROPHECIES ABOUT NOAH’S FAMILY
God encouraged Noah and his sons to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 9:1). Then God granted authority over the animals and plants to Noah and his lineage (9:2). God does warn Noah to 1) refrain from eating meat that still has blood in it and 2) to acknowledge that if one life is taken, the life of the guilty is required.
“Understand that I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you… I establish my covenant with you that never again will every creature be wiped out early by floodwaters; there will never again be a flood to destroy the earth. I have placed my bow in the clouds” (Genesis 9:9-17).
Noah had three sons at this time: Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Genesis 9:18).
One day, Noah became drunk and was accidentally exposed to Ham. Ham’s brothers covered their naked father without viewing his body. Upon waking up, Noah cursed Ham’s descendants.
I immediately thought back to Adam when I read this story. Ham realized his father was naked and felt such shame that he had to cover him, as Adam felt when he realized he was unclothed. Perhaps this portrayal of embarrassment dishonored Noah. Whatever the reason, this passage is vital because Ham will someday birth the nation of Canaan. This curse inflicted by this interaction between Noah and Ham will come to fruition as the people of Canaan struggle with sin and its consequences.
Eventually, Noah passes away at around 950 years old.
10. THE TABLE OF NATIONS
This chapter breaks down Noah’s son’s familial lines. From these three sons, the nations and their accompanying communities were formed.
11. THE TOWER OF BABYLON & SHEM TO ABRAM
At this point, the earth was not just populated; it was becoming civilized. In fact, “the whole earth had the same language and vocabulary” (Genesis 11:1). This is also where man begins crafting and utilizing brick!
With this level of engineering, men began to ponder building larger structures for themselves, honoring their names above anyone else. God saw this and “came down,” and said, “If they have begun to do this as one people all having the same language, then nothing they will plan to do will be impossible for them. Come let’s go down there and confuse their language so that they will not understand one another’s speech” (Genesis 11:5-7). The Lord scattered the people and the building of their towers ceased. This was the making of Babylon, or Babel, which translates to “confuse,” since God confused their understanding of one another’s language (Genesis 11:9).
The records of Shem are also shared in Chapter 11. Abram (known as Abraham) is a descendant of Shem and Noah. Abram marries Sarai (who we will come to know as Sarah). Abram, Sarai, their nephew, Lot, and their grandfather, Terah, intended to relocate to Canaan but settled in a nearby village.
As we continue to read the early chapters of the Bible, do you notice how forgiving God is? Moreso, do you notice that it is not God "letting bad things happen" but us choosing certain attitudes or behaviors for ourselves? One thing is clear: God is constantly looking to undo our wrongs.
My question for y’all: In your current season, do you find yourself resonating with the character of a raven, or that of a dove?
DG’s Reflection Questions (pg. 13, 15, 17):
1. In Genesis 1:26, we see God make humans in His own image, which means we reflect aspects of His character. How is your identity shaped by being an image-bearer of God?
2. How does God’s sacrifice to clothe Adam and Eve point you to the way God sees you in Christ?
3. Take time to reflect on the atoning work of Jesus. Thank God that He provided a way for your sin to be forgiven through Christ.
4. We see how the effects of sin spread beyond the Garden of Eden. How does this help you to see the seriousness of your own sin?
5. Throughout the Bible, we will read passages that include long lists such as genealogies, laws, and judgments. How should we read these sections in light of 2 Timothy 3:16?
6. How does Noah’s obedience encourage you to step out in faith, even when the future seems uncertain?
8. How are you tempted to place your hope in your circumstances rather than in God?
9. In what ways do you desire your own name to be made great over the name of Jesus?
As an image-bearer of God, my identity continues to be shaped around a love for people. God is love; thus, we are called to include love in everything we do! I enjoy helping others feel comforted and celebrated in their trials and triumphs. This compassion was seen in God's character, especially when providing discernment in the Garden of Eden while still granting free will to human beings to make these life-altering decisions for themselves. God wants us to live free of sin without being tyrannical, because love in its purest form cannot exist in a relationship that is tightly controlled.
God's clothing for Adam and Eve is significant because, to put it simply, He didn’t have to. It emphasizes His ability to love unconditionally and be a doting father. Even when we stray and sin, He wants us to find comfort, not shame. He is constantly coming to our rescue!
The story of Adam and Eve remains relevant today. We have all considered what we would do in this scenario, but we continue to grasp onto our own versions of forbidden fruit each day, rationalizing these decisions with worldly views of right and wrong. Satan snuck in and fed Eve lies so that she would defy God. This sin led to Adam and Eve's eventual doubt, insecurity, shame, and the consequence of being removed from a life of peace to endure suffering.
What is the difference between this sin and our sin? A savior!
No matter what we choose to do with our lives and the free will granted by the Lord, Jesus is prepared to carry our sorrow and heavy burdens—all for us to experience freedom and a renewed spirit.
I am thankful that God has a history of redeeming. From the very beginning, He was determined to create a world full of people who cherish one another as much as He treasures us.
The effects of sin did indeed spread beyond the Garden of Eden. This helps me perceive the seriousness of sin to an even greater extent. Sin seeps into every relationship and endeavor. It is a catalyst for misfortune, strife, and struggle. As I strive to establish freedom and faith in our Lord, I hope to consider how my attitudes and actions affect (my) future generations.
We should interpret the intimidating genealogies as being “profitable for teaching” (2 Timothy 3:16). This verse confirms that all scripture is inspired by God and emphasizes how important the details are to God's bigger blueprint. It reminds us of how important each life is on earth, no matter the status.
2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All Scripture is breathed by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Noah’s obedience encourages me to step out in faith by reminding myself that God is already in control and has a far bolder plan for me (and all of humanity). God is the Creator of everything; why should we not trust Him? It is easier said than done, but I hope to surrender more of my life to God each day.
I believe I have experienced God using me, no matter my weaknesses and imperfections, to assist others who may be suffering in their own struggles. In fact, I believe God has used my weaknesses and imperfections so that I can be empathetic and understanding. Upon further reflection, I can see how God has carefully placed individuals in my path for us to help one another in our walks of life. I have been a voice of reason in situations that lack clarity.
I have been bold when I felt helpless.
I have had the opportunity to speak with purpose when I felt scatterbrained and ill-equipped.
I have cheered others on when I felt unsupported.
I led when I was searching for my own sense of direction.
I have given when I had little for myself.
But isn't this the way of Jesus?
In regards to the second question, sometimes I am tempted to "place my hope in circumstances rather than God" by believing that I can find security, comfort, and fulfillment in tangible things. Unfortunately, it is human strategy (pride) to achieve things on our own. Maybe it was the 'three before me' rule our teachers implemented years ago because there have been many times that I have exhausted all resources until I can do nothing but frantically sprint to God with more problems. Meanwhile, He is waiting for us to come to Him, like we are waiting for things to change. He should always be our first choice. In seeking to serve and secure ourselves, we end up with additional feelings of helplessness and insecurity.
Wow! Ways that I may "desire my name to be made great over the name of Jesus" include the need to achieve everything on my own. I seek to do things without remembering who I am doing them for. I want to fix all of the world’s problems in a snap of my fingers when the world has already had a Savior! We are not called to replace Jesus and become miracle workers ourselves, but to simply know and love Jesus, living in close relation to Him and His ways as He continues to redeem and renew!
I seek to lessen my raven-like mannerisms of continuously searching for my own answers and solutions and instead seek to apply the characteristics of a faithful, easy-going dove.
Gratitude List:
Fall scents - and upcoming fall menu releases at our favorite coffee shops!
Christopher Nolan movie nights.
Christ-filled convos!
Finishing books and finding new authors!
Late-night runs (and Hokas)
Living room pallet slumber parties (I don’t care how old I am, I’m partaking until my back asks me to stop)!
Fresh flowers.
Home offices and prayer closets.
Clothes that used to be fitted become oversized (all glory to God!)
Weddings and watching friends enter new seasons full of newfound love!
A home and a marriage that always feels like a getaway (again, all glory to God!)
Monthaversaries: After getting some inspiration from a sweet friend, my husband and I decided to start celebrating our anniversary monthly! It's great to pour back into one another and focus on the marriage we're building in union with God!
A growing church community: It's been amazing to find a church that I connect with and am excited to attend every weekend. We equally rave about our Pastor, who was without a doubt called to be a leader. But it's been an even greater privilege to witness how they are impacting the lives of many as they expand globally!
Sharing show, movie, book, and song recommendations: It is so cute when friends think of me and mention something I would love!
Spiritual growth: I am thankful that my husband and I can establish standards and values on the foundation of God and His character. We have observed the disparity in habits, priorities, or attitudes we used to implement when feeding into our selfishness vs. living a life that honors God.
Opportunities to spread the gospel: I appreciate the "Hm, I was made for this moment" instances with friends, family, colleagues, and strangers.
A/C: This is one that BJ said I needed to include, and oh, I do! 108 degrees, Texas?? We are thankful for the central air that keeps our home at a cozy 68 degrees year-round!
McDonald's inside Walmart: Yet another recommendation made by my hungry husband. Food is our love language. We aren't really Walmart-goers thanks to the beauty and bliss of HEB, but there is a Walmart location near us that still has Mickey D's to greet you as you walk in! Oh, the nostalgia! The smell of salty McDonald's fries and the sound of beeping kitchen appliances > the smell and eerie silence of Subway.
Catching up with friends and making plans for the near future. Things change for everyone in such a short amount of time; it's great to gather, laugh, and be in awe of one another!
Evening walks in up-and-coming neighborhoods: I am grateful that this area is somewhat still and quiet when the construction workers have completed their tasks for the day! But it is also a cool thought about who God will bring to this specific area and what they might do in their ministry.
Realizing that success is not mine but comes in the form of sweet gifts from God. We can really set out for whatever we desire when it is aligned with God, and He seems to be a Father who might say, Alright, but give me a minute, but has never simply said No.
Car convos with the husband: I appreciate the confidant God has given me in my husband. Support, confidence, love, compassion, patience, generosity, humor, intelligence, self-control, wisdom, etc. We have found our groove in facing life as one. This is important because his grandma loves to remind us that in our marriage, we are one with God, and boy, is she right!
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References
Benner, J. A. (2022). Definition of Hebrew names: Adam. Definition of Hebrew Names: Adam. https://ancient-hebrew.org/names/Adam.htm
Daniels, K., Dickerson, T., Dickson, K., Hess, A., & Turner, S. (2022). Eden to Eternity (Vol. 1). The Daily Grace Co.
Myers, R., & Williams, A. B. (2020). She Reads Truth Bible. Holman Bible Publishers.
Shirer, P. (2020). Cherith. In Elijah: Faith and fire (pp. 47–70). essay, LifeWay Press.
