FATHER ABRAHAM
STUDY GUIDE 1.1           
Lesson 1: The Life of Abraham; Structure and Content
Section 1: Literary Design

               
OUTLINE FOR NOTES
               
    Introduction
                   
    I. Literary Design
               
    A. Genesis
               
    B. Abraham
                   
             
REVIEW QUESTIONS
           
1. Why do nations normally pass on memories from generation to generation?
           
2. According to the lesson, what was the intention of the biblical authors as they recorded history? How did this affect the accuracy of their records?
           
3. How does Dr. Pratt prefer to divide Genesis into sections for the purpose of making an outline?
               
4. Why does Dr. Pratt not include Isaac as a division of the section of early patriarchal history?
           
5. List the 17 episodes in the life of Abraham, as Dr. Pratt names them. Explain how these episodes are related to each other.
             
6. List the names of the five "clusters" of episodes in the life of Abraham, as Dr. Pratt divides them. Explain the symmetry of their arrangement.
           
               
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
           
1. Why is it important to understand the intention of the human author of Genesis? How does this affect the way you interpret Genesis?
           
2. Why do you think it is important to understand the literary design of Genesis and the story of Abraham?
       
3. In what ways are you able to identify with Abraham? Which episode in Moses’ account seems closest to your own experience as a follower of Christ? How does Abraham’s story offer encouragement to you?