The Old Testament genealogies serve to trace the patrilineal descent in a structured order to preserve the lineage of those that had come before them. It is only the males that were recognized in these lineages and females were mentioned under special circumstances such as polygamous marriages. Also, the genealogies highlight the role of Adam, Noah, and Abraham as key individuals in the development of the relationship between God and man (Richter, 2010).
The “Function” of the Flood Narrative
According to Richter, the flood served as an “epoch divider” laying the boundary between the antediluvians and the present world. It marks the end of God attempting to work with the generation leading to the flood in the salvation of man and a new beginning with the generation after the flood for the same goal (Richter, 2010).
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Biblical Events in Mesopotamia
Several major events occur in the Mesopotamia region which includes
Immediate origin of Abraham
Historians and the epic of Gilgamesh recognize the region as the most stricken by floods.
Possible location of the garden of Eden
Location of Mount Ararat where the ark of Noah rested after the flood
Location of the tower of Babel
Place of captivity for Israelites
Joshua and The Division of the Land Up
After the conquest of Canaan, the land was divided along tribal lines (Richter, 2010).
931 B.C. and the reign of Rehoboam
In 931 B.C during the reign of Rehoboam, a civil war occurs which led to the division of Israel into the northern (10 tribes) and the southern (2 tribes) countries (Richter, 2010).
Conquering of The Southern and Northern Tribes
538 B. C.
In 538 B.C as Belteshazzar is holding a feast in his royal palace, the nations of Medo-Persia, under the leadership of Cyrus and Darius, descend on him overthrowing and establish the Medo-Persian Empire as the ruling power (Daniel 5). Cyrus issues a decree releasing the children of Israel from captivity (Richter, 2010).
Genesis 37:3-34; Genesis 39:1-22; Genesis 40:1-23; Genesis 41:8-39
The narrative provides an interesting story of the fall and rise of Joseph. It is intriguing that he whom his brothers had despised, hated becomes a revered person before Pharaoh. The power of God in the exultation of Joseph is encouraging. Joseph is established as a prophet of God can interpret dreams for the butler and the baker and Pharaoh.
The main cultural obstacle is in conceptualizing the value or the worth of the court of many colors that could inspire such hatred towards Joseph.
Exodus 1-2; Exodus 3:1-10
The accounts of Exodus 1-3 records the preparation of Moses for his mission to deliver God’s people from captivity. The longsuffering of God is manifested in His use of Moses who was a murderer. Also, His power in preserving Moses and humbling him in the wilderness experience is here revealed. The accounts may not create the actual impact due to time difference since the event occurred and the meaning it had for the Israelites and Moses to be delivered and used as a deliverer respectively.
References
Richter, S. L. (2010). The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament . InterVarsity Press.
