BibleProject | One Story: Foundations of the BibleNäide

Today, we come to the end of the Genesis narrative. Congratulations on reading and thinking through the first book of the biblical story! Watch today’s video to review everything you’ve learned so far.

The final chapters of Genesis draw the book’s key storylines to a close. Jacob welcomes Joseph’s half-Egyptian children into the covenant family. When Jacob dies, Joseph buries him alongside the other patriarchs in Canaan, just as he promised. Joseph reassures his guilt-stricken brothers that he harbors no ill will toward them. What they meant for evil, God turned into life-saving good.

Jacob’s deathbed blessing foreshadows what will happen to his sons’ families. Both Judah and Joseph receive a blessing of abundance and authority among their brothers. But only Judah is chosen to rule outside the family of Israel. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and now Judah carry God’s promise to bless the nations through them.

Which leaves us wondering: What’s next? Genesis ends with Abraham’s family down in Egypt and all of God’s covenant promises left unfinished. What will be the next stage of God’s rescue plan?

Reflection questions:

• Joseph’s statement in Genesis 50:20 summarizes a key theme woven throughout the narrative: “You planned all this for evil,” he tells his brothers, “but God planned it for good, to save many lives.” Where else in the book have you seen God bring life and blessing out of foolish and evil decisions?
• Look back at God’s foundational promises to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. Which of these promises have been fulfilled by the end of Genesis? Which are we still waiting for?