Welcome to week 3 of Rooted's Old Testament reading plan. This week, we will continue our reading of Genesis, covering chapters 8-12. The first eleven chapters of Genesis are often considered to be primeval history, relating to the earliest ages. But, with chapter twelve, a new age dawns. From here on out, Genesis is squarely rooted in the account of Abraham and his descendants.


Discussion Questions:


As you get started, here are some questions to help you explore the truths contained in these chapters.

• In what way does chapter 8 resemble chapter 1 of Genesis? (Gen. 8:5, 17)

• What covenant did God establish with all living things? (Gen. 9:12-17)

• What purpose is served by listing all of the descendants of Noah’s three sons? (Gen 10)

• What was the issue with the Tower of Babel? (Gen. 9:7, 11:4)

• How are all people on earth blessed through Abraham? (Gen. 12:1-3)




Some Answers to Last Week's Questions:

• In Genesis 2:17, God told Adam that on the day he ate from the Tree of Knowledge, he would die. So what happened to him when he ate from the tree? (Gen. 3:6) – His innocence was lost, he lost his intimate relationship with God, and he was cut off from the tree of life.

• What did God mean when He told Cain that sin was crouching at the door and its desire was for him? (Gen. 4:7) – Sin was being personified as a lion who wanted to eat him. If he did not resist the temptation, sin would ultimately consume him.

• What happened to Enoch? And why? (Gen. 5:21-24) – He walked with God. A close and intimate walk. And God took him to heaven while still alive. Enoch did not die physically.

• Does God change His mind? (Gen. 6:5-7) – No. The word translated as "regret" also means "grieved". Even knowing what humans would become, God still grieved.

• How does Genesis 7:11 reflect the cosmology (structure of the creation) of the ancient world? - The floodgate of heaven being opened reflects the belief that there was a dome holding back the waters above. When the floodgates were opened, the water could pour down. And the springs of the deep reflected a belief that the earth was floating on the water below. When they were opened, the water could pour out. (This web page will help with this question: https://icsresources.org/wp-content/uploads/Ancient-Cosmologies.pdf)


Helpful Resources:


• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration 


• Bible Project Old Testament overview videos 

• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps

• A Clay Jar Devotionals