Overview and Objectives

This lesson provides an analysis of Genesis 1-11, looking at the background, the literary structure, the original meaning, the theological purpose, and modern applications. Why did Moses choose to tell the history of the Creation, the Fall, the Great Flood, and the Tower of Babel in the way that he did? It is based on the Third Millennium DVD series by Dr. Richard L. Pratt, Jr.

In this lesson Dr. Pratt gives an overview of the “New Order” put in place after the flood (pgs 5-7 of the transcript). That New Order involves the descendants of Noah who populate a world that is quickly spoiled – first by the sin of Ham and second by the tower of Babel. A curse on Ham’s son Canaan (Gen. 9:24-27) is noteworthy in this lecture because of his ancestral connection to the later Canaanites.

Dr. Pratt does not mention the abusive interpretation of this text that supported slavery of people with dark skin for centuries; his focus is on the original, intended meaning. To be clear, the Canaanites were not all dark skinned; they were not all cursed; and perpetual, generational slavery is not mentioned! Because we are a global ministry, we want to ensure that our learners realize the dangers of interpretation that is self-serving and destructive. Although our Bible courses are not about the history of interpretation, we believe it is important on occasion to flag a controversial topic.

When you complete this lesson, you should be able to:

As you proceed through this lesson have the following question in mind.
In these chapters, what did Moses do to motivate the Israelites to move forward in battle? How can we apply this same motivation to spiritual warfare? How can you apply similar motivation in other battles you face?