1. TIME.

From the Creation, 4004 B. C., to the Flood, 2348 B. C.

2. SCRIPTURE.

The first five Chapters of Genesis record the history of this period. This first period, though the longest in time, is narrated by the least Scripture of all the periods of Old Testament History.

3. GOVERNMENT.

The government during this period was universal. God made known His will to all the men as individuals. See Gen. 3:13; 3:17; 4:9; 4:15; 5:22. We, therefore, call this the period of Universal Government.

4. SUBDIVISIONS.

(1) The Week of Creation. — Gen. 1:1-2:3.

The Week of Creation and the Passion Week are the two most important weeks in the history of the world. No other week like that of Creation shows God's wisdom and power. It was the author's purpose to present the majesty of God to those who study this book of Genesis.

(2) The Home in the Garden. — Gen. 2:8-17.

This home was a beautiful garden in which Adam and Eve were to find real enjoyment. How long they lived here without sin is not definitely stated, but it is generally supposed that the time was only a few years.

(3) The Banishment from the Garden. — Gen. 3:22–24.

After they had disobeyed the Owner of the garden they were unhappy and when God met them He drove them from the Paradise and placed at the east of the Garden of Eden Cherubim and a faming sword to guard the tree of life.

5. EVENTS.

(1) The Creation of Man. 4004 B. C. — Gen. 1:26–28; 2:4-7, 21-24.

(2) The Fall of Man. (?) Gen. 3:1-24.

(3) The Translation of Enoch. 3017 B. C. Gen. 5:21-24;

The events of this period are the beginnings of the world's history. Heb. 11:5

6. CHIEF CHARACTERS.

(1) Adam, the first man.

(2) Methuselah, the oldest man.

(3) Enoch, the man that walked with God.

QUESTIONS.

• How many periods in Old Testament History?
• What are the periods?
• Name the opening and closing events of the first period?
• What are the dates?
• How much time does the first period cover?
• How much Scripture does it embrace?
• How were the people governed?
• Name the subdivisions of the first period?
• What are the two most important weeks in the world's history?
• Why were Adam and Eve expelled from the garden?
• What are the important events of this period?
• Who are the chief characters?