Here is the third and final part of my attempt to summarize the book. The whole is available in a pdf file here.
Kings: God made man to rule over the earth. God’s intention was to fill the earth with his image-bearers so that his glory would be on display to all of creation. His plans to establish his kingdom on earth were initially thwarted when the human king rebelled against him. God intended to raise up from this rebel a family and a nation that would produce kings (17:6, 16; 35:11). Abraham demonstrated kingly character and success during his life, as did his son Isaac and grandson Jacob. Abraham defeated the coalition of Mesopotamian kings (14:15), Isaac was feared by the Philistine king (26:29), and Jacob blessed Pharaoh (47:7). By the close of Genesis, it is revealed that the kingly line would come through the tribe of Judah, a seed of the one willing to give his life for his brothers. That God’s purpose would be fulfilled by a single king is clear from Jacob’s blessing that the scepter would come to one to whom it belongs (49:10). One day Adam’s seed will reverse the curse and rule over the world for the glory of God.
Beginnings: The book of Genesis is appropriately named, for it tells the beginnings of all things under God. This book accounts for the glory of man (made in the image of God), the depravity of man (born to a fallen couple), the hope of man (the defeat of the serpent), and the destiny of man (judgment or life with God on a blessed earth). This book prepares for the nation of Israel with the promises of countless descendants, a land of inheritance, and victory over enemies. The book emphasizes the triumph of God’s grace to repentant sinners and the judgment to those who cross divinely established boundaries, attack his people, and reject his blessing. Those in God’s chosen family are in no less need of his grace, and each elect person demonstrates profound failure that proves that God’s choice is not based on merit. But each one who carries on the promise is ultimately characterized by faith in God and his word. This faith is demonstrated in worship and obedience. The patriarchs thus provide hope for their sinful Israelite descendants who too may enjoy reconciliation with God through faith that keeps the covenant. The book of Genesis prepares the Israelites and the world for the necessity of a substitutionary sacrifice through the death of animals to provide a covering for Adam and Eve, the salvation of Noah’s family who offer animal sacrifices, and the provision of a ram in place of Abraham’s only beloved son. Judah provides the model of a man willing to lay down his life to save his brothers. The Israelites hearing the book of Genesis in Moses’s day know who God is, who they are, and what God’s purposes are for the world. These answers to the ultimate questions of life are still satisfying to the humble, repentant individual today.
In Brief: When God’s creation is marred by man’s rebellion, he chooses a family whose seed will rule over the land and bring great blessing to the world.