Genesis: The Mysterious Beginning (Part 2)

The brief description of the various Genesis stories continues...

> Introduction of Isaac (Gen 17)        

It was during the same time period when the Creator changed Abram's name, that He also changed Sarai's name to Sarah. The Creator once again made a promise to Abraham that Sarah would conceive a child and his name would be Isaac (17:19). Abraham found this amusing as he and Sarah were now old in their years (17:17-18). But the Lord was not deterred,  "And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her." (17:16). God went on to say that the covenant he had established with Abram (Abraham) would be passed down through Isaac's lineage, not Ishmael's. However, the Creator assured Abraham that from Ishmael twelve kings would rise and He would make his firstborn a mighty nation, too (17:20). It is not recorded if Abraham was pleased with these turn of events, but this is where the introduction of Isaac ends.

> Abraham and the Three Men (Gen 18)
A new mystery is presented when three men suddenly show up in a grove not far from the entrance to Abraham's tent. Who they were exactly is unknown, as names are never mentioned, but many scholars agree that Abraham initially perceived them as being angels of the Lord. He offers to wash their feet and feed them, which these mysterious men gladly accepted; Abraham instructs Sarah to prepare the meal (18:6-7). After returning to his guests, the transcendental men asked about Sarah's whereabouts, to which Abraham replied, "Behold, in the tent." (18:9). When they informed the patriarch that Sarah would soon conceive a male child, Abraham was totally convinced the men were angels. This time Sarah overheard their conversation and laughed silently, and just like Abraham when the Creator told him the same news, the thought was amusing to Sarah [as she was now an old woman] (18:11-12). One of the spiritual men called her out and asked what was so funny (18:12-13). Sarah immediately denied laughing, for she was quite afraid, but the angel again adhered to her deception, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (18:14). It is not recorded how Sarah reacted to his comment, but it is duly noted she was reprimanded. 

> Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 18-19)
A new tale begins with the same three mysterious men - who informed Sarah would conceive - walking towards the city of Sodom. Being a gracious host, Abraham joined the men and walked with them (18:16). When he discovered the Creator was unhappy with the wicked city and planned to destroy it, Abraham came to defense of those who were righteous (such as his nephew, Lot). After two of the 'angels' began their journey to the wicked city, Abraham found himself bargaining with the angel of the Lord that remained (18:23-32); it was finally agreed upon that if ten righteous people could be found in the city, the Lord would not destroy it (18:33). Satisfied, Abraham took his leave. The two mysterious men continued into the city and found Lot sitting at the gate, who also recognized them as angels of the Lord (19:1-2). He invited them into his home and was in the process of feeding them when a few of the inhabitants of city noticed the "strange men" who went into Lot's house. They demanded that Lot turn the quaint men over to them so they "would know them." (19:5). Lot instantly offered up his virgin daughters instead, but the rowdy and unholy men wanted the holy strangers. As soon as Lot was pulled inside by the angels, the sinful men tried to break the door down. The heavenly threesome held out their hands and blinded those who were trying to intrude (19:11). What happened next is unknown, but this episode of the story highlighted the wickedness of the city.

> Lot Fleeing From Sodom (Gen 19)
The saga of Lot and the angels continue and a new story develops. When Lot is told to gather his household and leave, he implored his future sons-in-laws to abide by his request. However, they refused, "his sons-in-law thought he was joking." (19:14). One of the angels then instructed Lot to take his wife and his virgin daughters and flee into the mountains. However, Lot requested instead to go to a small town that was much nearer to safety. The angel agreed, " I will not overthrow the town you speak of. But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it.” (That is why the town was called Zoar.)" (19:21-22). Obeying their words, Lot gathered his wife and daughters and left; soon brimstone and fire began raining down upon the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (19:23-25). They were all instructed to exit the city quickly and not to look back, for God was going to destroy the city in their wake. Everyone obeyed the angel's demand except for Lot's wife, who did look back and was instantly "turned into a pillar of salt" (19:26).  This bizarre twist to the tale has the theologians debating whether or not this occurrence actually happened even unto our present day. The story ends with Abraham looking down at the ruins that once was Sodom, "So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived." (19:29).

> Lot and His Two Daughters (Gen. 19)

Not long after the disastrous event of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot left the city of Zoar and fled to a cave with his daughters for fear of being seen by anyone who could have possibly survived the destruction of the cities. It's at this point in the story where it becomes quite taboo. It is recorded that the older daughter enticed her father with wine, got him drunk and lay with him in the most biblical sense (19:33). Upon waking the next day, the older sister told the younger sister what she had done and encouraged her sibling to do the same so that the seed of their father would be preserved for future generations. The younger daughter also made her father drunk and instigated sexual relations (19:35). Most biblical scholars contend that these two sisters feared the Creator had wiped out mankind again and wanted to make sure the human race survived. The elder conceived Moab (father of the Moabites) and the younger brought forth Benammi (father of the Ammonites). Unprecedentedly, further life events of Lot and his daughters fade from the scriptures. It is not recorded if Abraham and Lot ever crossed paths again.

> Abraham and Abimelech (Gen. 20)
This allegory is quite similar to the story of Abraham's deception in Egypt, where he told the pharaoh Sarah was his sister. Again, the patriarch portrays his wife as his sibling and Abimelech, king of Gerar, is smitten with her beauty and took her (20:2). But, before the king was able to consummate their union, God came to him in a dream and threatened to kill him if he touched Abraham's wife. Abimelech was fast to defend his ignorance of the situation that had been presented to him. The Creator found him to be a righteous king and gave him two options: 1) release Sarah back to Abraham; 2) or prepare to die. Of course, the king chose option one (1), and then questioned Abraham on his unfounded falsehood, to which the patriarch answered, "Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake." (20:11). The story takes a sudden, unexpected turn and we discover that Sarah is actually his half-sister (9:12) - they shared the same father (Terah) - and traveling through strange lands the prophet did not want to take a chance on being killed because he was her 'husband'. All ended well, albeit it turned out to be quite a future warning to the king of Grear. Abraham was gifted livestock, silver and servants and his choice of land, while Abimelech was rewarded with the opening of the women's wombs in his kingdom's household, allowing his wife and servants to bare children. (20:17-18). The holy book does not mention why the king's household was barren to begin with! A mystery within a mystery.

> Hagar and Ishmael (Gen 21)
Chapter 21 begins with the covenant between the Creator and Abraham being fulfilled with the birth of Isaac being announced. Other than the mention of Isaac being circumcised and weaned (which entailed a great feast) and Sarah inferring her joy, no other information is given on the birth of Isaac (21:1-7). On the same day of Isaac's weaning feast, Sarah noted that Abraham's son by Hagar mocked the proceedings, which incensed Sarah enough that she told Abraham, "Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac." (21:10). This turn of events was very distressing for Abraham, but God told him, "Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called." (21:12). So Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away. It's not recorded how long, but mother and child wandered in the wilderness (later to become known as Beersheba) for a time before their supply of water ran out. Hagar was beside herself, wondering how they would survive and she "cast the child under the shrubs" (21:15) and began crying, asking God how she could sit there and watch her son die. The Creator saw her dilemma and sent an angel to soothe her fears, reiterating that Ishmael was destined to become a great nation, as the Lord had promised Abraham. A well of water appeared next to her and Hagar filled her bottle, knowing the Creator would take care of them. This story ends by relating that Ishmael grew up to be a mighty archer who lived in the wilderness of Paran and obtained an Egyptian wife (21:20-21).

> Story of Abraham and Abimelech Continues (Gen 21)
This continuing saga begins a new chapter with Abimelech stating to Abraham, "Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned." (21:23) Apparently some kind of mishap occurred with a water well Abraham had dug, in which the king's men had destroyed. The king of Gerar pleaded his innocence, stating he had no idea this had happened (21:26). Abraham believed him and made a covenant with him that same day, giving him oxen, sheep and setting aside seven ewe lambs. When the king asked the patriarch why he set the lambs aside, Abraham proclaimed, "For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have dug this well." (21:30). Abraham called the place Beersheba, which was a part of Philistine land. Soon afterward, Abimelech - who dwelt among the Philistines - left satisfied with the covenant between him and God's prophet.

> Abraham and Isaac (Gen. 22)
The next tale that emerges leaves one a bit befuddled in the beginning when the Creator tempts Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, according to the specifications God delivered. How Abraham reacted to this request is not recorded, but the patriarch obeyed the command and began the journey to Mt. Moriah with his son and two young men from his tribe, as he had been instructed (22:3). Directing the two young men of his household to remain behind and watch after the donkey, Abraham and Isaac ventured further up the mountain. Abraham's young son did not question his father's motives until he realized there was no animal to present to their God for a sacrifice. When Isaac inquired about this, his father answered, "My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:" (22:8). Any child would find this accepting, but how Isaac felt when Abraham bound him, put him on the altar and raised a knife above him [intending to slay him] is not recorded either. Some scholars would say the lesson in fearing God was instilled in Isaac that day, too. Regardless, a happy ending occurred when the angel of the Lord stopped him, saying, "Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me." (22:12). Some theologians of religion believe this is indicative of the relationship between the Creator and Jesus. The end of the story provides "a ram caught in a thicket by his horns" (22:13) for Abraham to sacrifice before God, whom was well pleased with his faithful prophet. This suspenseful story ends when the angel once more reminded Abraham that his seed would be as numerous as "the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore." (22:17).

> Death of Sarah (Gen. 23)
In this chapter of the Abraham's saga we learn about the death of Sarah at the age of 127. The matriarch of the household was living at Kirjatharba - in the land of Canaan - at the time of her death. Abraham was a stranger in the land during this time, but came among the sons of Heth and asked for a burial spot to inter his wife (23:3-4). He must have been extremely well known throughout the land of Canaan by this time because Abraham was invited to choose any burial ground he so desired. The prophet chose "the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan." (23:9) which was owned by Ephron the Hittite,  son of Zohar.  He paid four hundred shekels of silver to secure "possession of a burying place by the sons of Heth." (23:20).

> Put and Rebekkah (Gen. 24)
Not long after Sarah's death, Abraham asked his trusted manservant, Put, to travel to the land of his father's kin and find a suitable wife for his son, Isaac (24:4). Abraham specifically requested that he not find a wife among the Canaanites. Feeling both honored and weary, Put questioned Abraham, "And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again." (24:8). Abraham basically agreed if he did not find the proper wife it would be God's will and he would not be required to return to the land of his master's kinfolk. Put left his master's house and traveled to the city of Nahor (so named for Abraham's brother) in the land of Mesopotamia. There he stopped near the well and asked the Creator for guidance on whom to choose. "And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master." (24:14). Rebekkah was the damsel that gave him and his camels water to drink (24:15-19). After making an audience with Rebekkah's father (Bethuel) and explaining he had come to find a suitable wife for his master Isaac, Bethuel eventually agreed to the union [much to the dismay of Bethuel's wife and son, Laban] and sent his daughter off to marry Abraham's son (24:54-58). It is recorded, "And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death." (24:67)

> Abraham, Keturah and the Patriarch's Death (Gen. 25)
This is a brief and somewhat odd story that crops up in scripture. The Bible mentions that Abraham married a woman named Keturah after the death of Sarah (25:1). The holy book lists the names of their five children: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. However, a brief genealogy is given that lists only the descendants of Jokshan and Midian. It was made known that Isaac was to be the receiver of all his father's household and wealth in this short story, not the sons of Keturah. "But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country." (25:6) Why Abraham sent his own children away remains a mystery, but it is stated that he soon after "gave up the ghost and died in a good old age..." (25:8).

> Ishmael and Isaac (Gen. 25)
The sudden announcement of Abraham's death strangely coincides with the sudden arrival of Isaac's older brother (Ishmael) being mentioned in scripture again. It is recorded, "And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre; The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife." (25:9-10) Nothing else is documented about Ishmael's sudden appearance other than the Bible listing the names of his twelve sons: Nebajoth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadar, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These sons of Ishmael became mighty nations and cities were named for them. The story ends with Ishmael dying at 137 years and being among his own brethren at the time. (25:17-18).

> Jacob, Esau and the Birthright (Gen 25)

The Bible records that after the death of Ishmael, Isaac called upon the Lord on behalf of his barren wife, Rebekkah, to conceive a child. The Creator heard his plea and granted his wish by giving him twin sons - Esau and Jacob. Even from the womb these brothers struggled inside their mother (25:22). When Rebekkah questioned the Lord about doing something wrong to deserve such a punishment, God told her, "Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger." (25:23). "And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents." (25:27). The story jumps ahead and we suddenly find the elder son (Esau) coming into the younger son's (Jacob) tent; there he demanded to be fed because he was starving and needed nourishment. Jacob told his older brother he would feed him if Esau would agree to sell him his birthright (25:31). Traditionally, the Hebrew birthright is bestowed upon the oldest son of each household. On this particular day, Esau did not hesitate to do his younger brother's bidding and agreed, therefore selling his birthright for a mere bowl of venison (25:33). 

> Isaac in the Land Of Gerar (Gen. 26)
This chapter of Genesis opens with the Creator informing Isaac where he must live and reinforced his covenant with Abraham's son, informing Isaac that his seed will multiply just as God had promised Abraham (26:2). The saga of Abraham's son abruptly diverts and Isaac is found duping the king of the Philistines (Abimelech) into believing that Rebekkah was his sister (just as Abraham had done with Sarah) and once again the king caught them in their lie (26:9). Regardless, Abimelech charged his people, "He that touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death." (26:11). It is recorded that after this episode, Isaac pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar and was spared from the king's wrath. This story shows that history repeated itself.

> Isaac and the Water Wells (Gen. 26)
Abraham's tribe had been digging water wells in the land during the patriarch's era and the Philistines stopped them by filling the dug holes with dirt (26:18). However, not long after Abimelech had sent Isaac away, the patriarch's son resumed digging the wells in the land of Gerar, just as the Creator had instructed him to do (26:19). In the beginning the tension between Isaac's herdsmen and Gerar's herdsmen increased with each well that was dug, but upon the completion of the third well, the tenseness abated and Isaac proclaimed, "For now the Lord hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land." (26:22). The king of Gerar was astounded at this strange tribe's persistence and the fear of their God overcame Abimelech. The king proclaimed, "We saw certainly that the Lord was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;" (26:28). An agreement was sealed between Isaac and Abimelech, a feast was held and the king would soon after leave on good terms.

Click here to continue reading stories 36-54.

(20-35)

Genesis: The Mysterious Beginning (Part 1)

In the Book of Genesis there are 70 different stories scattered throughout the canon of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles. Most of the stories are incredibly brief, leaving a person wondering why they even made the final cut, while other chronicles take you on the journey with them through the continuing tales.


The following is a brief description of the various Genesis stories:     

> Creation (Genesis 1 - 2)

The Book of Genesis begins with a mysterious Creator fashioning a universe together. For six days the Bible records that this omni-potent God separated light and darkness (1:4); divided the waters which were under the heavens from the waters which were above heaven (1:6-7); made the dry land, seas, grass, trees and herbs (1:10-12); the sun, moon and stars were created to divide the day from the night (1:14); fish and fowl were made to multiple upon the Earth (1:21); animals, beasts, insects and mankind [created in the image of the Creator] were brought into being (1:25-26). It is pointedly noted that the Creator rested on the seventh day after a busy week of articulating an entire universe, including a new inhabited planet known as Earth (2:2). This story, that is contained within the first chapter of Genesis, continues to remain quite mysterious among the scholars, theologians and scientists even unto our present time.

> Garden of Eden (Genesis 2 - 3)       

After creating man and woman, the Creator gave them a lovely place to live [Garden of Eden] with the following simple instructions to heed unto : 1 - be fruitful and multiply; 2 - take care of the land and animals; 3 - not to eat from a certain tree in the garden known as the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (2:15-17). Like any curious child just learning right from wrong, Adam and Eve disobeyed the Supreme Being that created everything and broke one of His major rules by eating from the tree that was off limits (3:6). Remarkably, it was a wily serpent that enticed the newly-formed humans to violate God's instructions. Most biblical scholars believe it was Satan, who took the form of a snake, to deceive God's creation (mankind). Christians refer to this episode as the "original sin" that has brought heartache upon mankind since almost literally the beginning of time. Judaism and Islam, on the other hand, does not hold Adam and Eve responsible for the sins of humanity, but the Jews and Muslims believe Adam and Eve were equally responsible for their transgression. However, all three Abrahamic religions agree that Adam and Eve were soon after evicted from the Garden of Eden for their sinful offense (3:23). A life of hardship would soon follow...

> Cain and Abel (Genesis 4)

Not long after leaving the Garden of Eden, the Bible says that two sons are born to Adam and Eve: Cain and Abel (4:1-2). The brothers' story is so brief, yet a horrific occurrence marks it for inclusion into scripture. The story of Cain and Abel is born of a fit of jealous rage in which the older brother becomes enraged with the younger brother over their offerings to the Creator. Abel took much consideration when choosing the fattest firstling from his flock, while Cain is assumed to take fruit from the ground without consideration. When Abel's offering is acceptable [in the eyes of the Lord], but his brother's is not, Cain is so incensed that he killed his own brother (4:8). However, God did spare Cain from being killed in a likewise manner [as his brother, Abel] by placing a mark upon his head so no man would kill him (4:15); his punishment was to be evicted from the land of his parents (Adam & Eve) and sent far away to a place called Nod (4:16). According to the Book of Jubilees, Cain murdered his brother with a stone. Afterwards, Cain was killed by the same instrument he used against his brother; his house fell on him and he was killed by its stones.

> Enoch, Son of Cain (Genesis 4)  
One of the shortest stories in Genesis is found in the story of Enoch, son of Cain. Cain, who was banished to the land of Nod, suddenly has a wife, she becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son [Enoch] (4:17a). Most biblical scholars believe Cain's wife was one of the unnamed daughters of Adam and Eve. However, according to Jubilees 4:9, Enoch's mother was listed as being named Awan. The story goes on to proclaim that a city was built and named for Cain's son [Enoch] (4:17b). It is unclear who exactly built the city of Enoch, whether it was Cain or Enoch himself. Then the story ends. A genealogy of Cain's descendants follows and leads up to the tale of Lamech (4:18). In keeping with Samaritan tradition, Enoch (son of Cain) was buried in Mount Ebal.

> Lamech and His Wives (Genesis 4)

The story of Lamech is somewhat peculiar and again brief. He has two wives [Adah and Zillah] and another murderous situation to contend with comes into play. Other than being duly noted as being the first polygamist on record, the brief tale only enumerates the names of Lamech's four children by the two wives, the sons' "professions" and the fact that he killed a man, just as Cain had done (4:23). "If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold." (4:24). Some biblical theologians interpret this passage as God threatening to wipe out Cain's entire lineage. And, Titus Flavius Josephus, in the book, Antiquity of the Jews, saw in the word "seventy-seven" as the number of Lamech's sons also. Then the stories of Cain and Lamech come to an end and their life events fade from history and scripture.

> Birth of Seth (Genesis 4)
The Bible then directs the story briefly back to Adam and Eve and the announcement of a third son, Seth. It is recorded that Seth was born unto Adam and Eve to replace the son [Abel] that Cain had killed (4:25). And, just like Cain, Enoch and Lamech, no further life events of Adam, Eve or Seth are mentioned again. Except for in the genealogies, these early patriarchs of humanity soon vanish from the holy scriptures completely.

> Enoch, Son of Jared (Genesis 5)
The 5th Chapter of Genesis is basically a genealogical record of Adam's descendants from his son, Seth, down to Noah, which was 10 generations. However, there is a mysterious narrative that pops up in the genealogies. It's an unceremonious tale about a man named Enoch, son of Jared (Adam's x4 grandson), who "walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." (5:24). Some Christian denominations interpret this passage as Enoch entering Heaven alive. In Islam, Enoch is identified as Idris; the Quran contains two references to this Muslim prophet (The Prophets, 21:85; Maryam, 19:56-57) which are somewhat similar to the Christian text. While Enoch is referenced a few times throughout the Bible, this is his mystifying story. No further details are forthcoming from a biblical perspective. Many modern scholars attribute the Book of Enoch to this briefly mentioned man in Genesis. However, his quick mention does have a "beginning and ending" to his story unlike the early patriarchs of creation.

> The Giants (Genesis 6)

This story is quick, matter of fact and somewhat mind-boggling! In the opening verses of Chapter 6, the Bible refers to the "sons of God and daughters of men" (6:1-2). Who the Bible is referring to respectively has been an ongoing debate for many centuries. Then suddenly, scripture declares, "And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years." (6:3) The majority of biblical theologians believe the Creator was addressing the "sons of God" here, which most agree were the fallen angels led by Lucifer (aka: Satan). Regardless of who these men and daughters were, it is recorded that their 'marital' union brought forth giants who lived on the earth (6:4). Then no other mention about these giants are made in the Book of Genesis. Disregarding the 'giant debate', the only thing that is actually clear about this tale is it abruptly ended and occurred long after Enoch's story took place. 

> Noah and the Great Flood (Genesis 6 - 9)

After the brief allegory of the giants, a new story develops and focuses on Noah, who would become the last patriarch of the Pre-Flood world. During the days of Noah the planet was a hub of wickedness, mayhem and violence. The Creator was displeased with his creation of mankind and decided to wipe the slate clean and begin again (6:13). However, He chose a righteous man named Noah [and his family] to survive the horrid flood that would wipe out mankind. From the precise instructions on how to build the ark that would save them to gathering two of every animal for the upcoming voyage, Noah did as God bid him to do (6:19-20). The story is one of faith and endurance as the non-stop rain washed away the lands that once were. It is recorded the rain lasted 40 days and nights (7:12) and Noah remained upon the flood waters for 150 days (7:24). "By the first day of the first month of Noah’s six hundred and first year, the water had dried up from the earth. Noah then removed the covering from the ark and saw that the surface of the ground was dry." (8:13). It wasn't until after the waters had totally receded that the Creator once again gave mankind instructions to follow: be fruitful and multiply (9:1); eat only acceptable foods (9:4); whoever kills a man shall die in a likewise manner (9:6). A new promise was also established between God and mankind after the Great Flood; the covenant of the rainbow signifies the Creator's promise to never flood the world again (9:11). The flood narrative is one of the most popular biblical stories told in all cultures and religions around the world today.  

> Noah and the Vineyard (Genesis 9)

Not long after the flood narrative, a short, but strange story crops up about Noah planting a vineyard. Scripture only states, in the briefest of details, that Noah planted a vineyard, got drunk, passed out, his eldest son (Ham) saw his nakedness and informed his brothers about it. The story takes on an odd twist when his brothers (Shem and Japheth) become angry with Ham, and "took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness." (9:23). Other than in the beginning when God reprimanded Adam and Eve for knowing they were "naked", there has been no other reference to "nakedness" before this story unfolds, so it is hard to determine exactly what is meant by such a bizarre spin to the story. Regardless, Noah was not happy to learn of his son's "inappropriate" behavior and curses him to be a "servant to his brothers" (9:25-27). The story abruptly ends with Noah's death at 950 years old (9:29). The harsh punishment of Ham remains a hot topic among the modern scholars and theologians of biblical studies.

> Nimrod, Son of Cush (Genesis 10)

Other than the genealogies, Noah's three sons disappear from the scriptures and a new biblical character emerges known as Nimrod. He is introduced in the genealogies listed in Chapter 10, with more than an honorable mention. He was the grandson of Ham and the great-grandson of Noah. Nimrod is described as "a mighty hunter before the Lord" who held a grand kingdom in the land of Shinar, which included the city of Babel. (10:9-12). Besides being listed in the genealogies of Genesis 10, Nimrod's brief story in history was also recounted in the Talmud and by Josephus, who believed King Amraphel, who wars with Abraham later in Genesis, is none other than Nimrod himself. In this sense, Nimrod is portrayed as a king who was rebellious against God.

 > Tower of Babel (Gen 11)

While it is not recorded in the holy scriptures that Nimrod was the king of Babel when the tower was being built, the inference is there. The 1st-century Jewish interpretation found in Josephus' writings explain the construction of the tower as an arrogant act of defiance against God ordered by the tyrant Nimrod. The legend states that all people on the earth spoke one language during this time period and as the people built the tower within the city of Babel, the Creator watched from above as they laid one brick upon another. It is not recorded how high the tower became before God said, "Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do."(11:6) To make a short story shorter, the Creator confounded the languages and "scattered them abroad upon the face of all the earth." (11:9). And, yet another mysterious Genesis story comes to an abrupt end.

> Introduction of Abram and Sarai (Genesis 12)

Once again the genealogies [of Adam] are listed between the story of Babel's tower and the introduction of the patriarch Abraham. The story of Abram and Sarai will become a saga with horrid wars, enigmatic meetings and deceptive undertones. Abram's father, Terah, is mentioned briefly at the beginning of the story, along with Terah's sons: Abram, Nahor and Haran (12:26). After the death of Abram's brother, Haran, some of the family uprooted from Ur [of the Chaldeans] and traveled to the city of Haran. Those undertaking the journey included: Terah, Abram, Sarai (Abram's wife) and Lot (Abram's nephew). Then Terah dies and leaves Abram to look after the family in Haran (12:32). The story of Abram and Sarai begins... once again the Creator uproots the patriarch and instructs him to continue on to Canaan and promised to make Abram a great nation from this land. 

> Abram and Sarai in Egypt (Gen. 12)
The next induction of the saga suddenly finds Abram and Sarai in Egypt. A famine had came upon the land; Abram was determined to take care of his family and faithfully went into the strange country on his way to Canaan. However, it becomes quite interesting when Abram asks his wife to say she is his sister while in Egypt for fear of the Egyptians killing him and taking his wife (12:11-13). "When Abram came to Egypt, the Egyptians saw that Sarai was a very beautiful woman. And when Pharaoh’s officials saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into his palace." (12:14-15). The plan worked in the beginning for Pharaoh rewarded Abram well with livestock and servants. However, the feeling of goodwill did not last when Pharaoh discovered their deception and sent Abram and Sarai from the land of Egypt (12:18-20). Pharoah knew this man called Abram had caused [his] god to inflict the Egyptian empire with various plagues and wanted the patriarch gone. Abram was allowed to keep the livestock he was gifted and, thus fled from Egypt (12:17-20).

> Lot (Gen. 13-14)

Not long after leaving Egypt, a new story is inserted in the saga of the patriarch. Abram and Lot disperse and go their separate ways temporarily due to there not being enough land for both of them to feed their cattle and other animals (13:5-11). Abram went to Hebron, while Lot settled near the city of Sodom (13:12). During this time, a mighty war erupted between nine different kings, which included the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, in the vale of Siddim (14:1-4). The kings of Sodom and Gormorrah would later flee from battle and the remaining reigning kings captured the cities (14:10-11). When Abram discovered Lot had been taken prisoner, along with all his worldly goods and family, by the opposing kings [in particular the king of Elam, known as Chedorlaomer], Abram slaughtered all the opposing monarchs armies and rescued his nephew, as well as his entire household and goods (14:16). The king of Sodom was impressed with Abram and offered him many riches,"Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself." (14:21), which Abram eloquently turned down (14:22-24).

> Melchizedek (Gen. 14)

Oddly enough, the story of Melchizedek is short, to the point and leaves one wondering, "who was that man?". Right after the king of Sodom offered Abram riches, this mysterious king of Salem, known as Melchizedek, suddenly shows up in the saga. Melchizedek is referred to as a "priest of the most high God" (14:18). He blesses Abram and gives him the riches of his enemies. In return, Abram gives this mysterious king a tenth of all he owned. Then Melchizedek completely vanishes from the continuing epic of Abram. Melchezidek, while he made honorable mentions throughout the Old and New Testaments of the Christian Bible, he never made another physical appearance in the Holy Book.

> Abram's Nightmare (Gen. 15)

The Creator reiterated He would make Abram a great nation, which confuses Abram as he had yet to produce a child (15:1-3). But God encouraged him to believe by faith that it would come to pass. Then Abram is struck with a horrendous nightmare that enlightened him further. God told him: "Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;" (15:13-14). The Lord made a covenant with Abram that very same day, saying, "Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:" (15:18). Whether Abram was mystified at this point is unclear, but he was definitely troubled by his horrid nightmare. 

> Hagar (Gen 16)

When Sarai failed to produce a child with Abram, she became impatient [with waiting] and sent her handmaiden, Hagar, to complete the task (16:1-2a). It is not recorded how Abram reacted to this request, but he did agree (16:2b). When Hagar successfully conceives, it is recorded that she suddenly despises Sarai (16:4). No reason is given for this sudden change of attitude, but the story goes on to relate that Hagar fled from her home after Sarai reprimanded her (16:5-6). An angel of the Lord finds the handmaiden and questioned her about why she had left, to which Hagar replied, "I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai." (16:8). Hagar is then instructed by the angel of the Lord to return home. She is told that her son's name should be called Ishmael and that he would one day become a great nation (16:9-10). Hagar submitted to God's will and returned to the household of her mistress.

> Circumcision (Gen 17)

When Abram turned 99 years old, the Creator came to him and told him to "walk before me and be thou perfect." (17:1). God once more informed that Abram would one day become a great multitude. "I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you." (17:6). It's at this point in the saga of Abram, the Creator changes his name to Abraham and orders him to circumcise all the male children in his household, including the male servants. According to scripture, this was God's way of enforcing the covenant of making Abraham a great nation. God stated, "this shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant." (17:13). Abraham obeyed God and had all the males of his household circumcised. The covenant of circumcision is still ordained by the majority of Jews, Christians and Muslims unto this day.

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