The first book of the Bible powerfully sets the stage for the drama of the human story. It chronicles the beginning of all things: the material universe, the wonders and woes of humankind, and the story of God’s working through humankind to eventually redeem His creation. Genesis creates the foundation of everything, especially theologically. Every major theological theme in Scripture is introduced in Genesis. Consider God’s power, wisdom, knowledge, and beauty—all introduced in the creation account (Gen. 1-2). Consider the pattern for humanity, including the home and marriage—all introduced in the human account (Gen. 2). Consider the cost of sin and the separation from God it causes—all introduced in the account of the fall (Gen. 3). Consider the tragedy of sin’s domination of humankind—all introduced by the chapters that follow the fall, the degradation of society, the corruption, and the eventual flood to cleanse the world (Gen. 4-11). Consider God’s desire to save humanity, His wisdom, and power to make it happen, and how He will do it—all introduced in the story of Abraham and his descendants that cover the rest of the Genesis account (Gen. 12-50). 

The rest of the Pentateuch records how God works all these wonders and creates His own special people who will accomplish His purposes on the earth. The purposes humanity was supposed to accomplish from the creation, now through Israel they will (Exodus). He instructed them on how to be holy and not repeat the behavior of the pre-flood world (Leviticus). He reminded them of how they should live and the future reception of the Abrahamic promises (Gen. 12), how they behave as His own special people (Numbers). As they are about to embark on the chapter of their story where they inherit the land of Canaan, He reiterates the history of what He had done for them and how they should live in the land. They were the recipients of God’s blessings and His covenant promises, which all foreshadowed the eventual fulfillment of the covenant in Christ (Deuteronomy).