The Book of Genesis is the first book of both the Bible and the Torah (Pentateuch). Traditionally Genesis, which literally means “beginning”, is believed to have been written by Moses.http://bible.org/seriespage/walk-through-book-genesis It is a foundational book to the beliefs of Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Genesis contains stories about the creation of the universe, the fall of man, the first murder, a worldwide flood, and the patriarchs of the ancient nation of Israel.http://www.agapebiblestudy.com/charts/BookSummaries/genesis.htm It's scriptures are cited many times in the New Testament by Jesus and his apostles. It is also referenced throughout modern literature and popular culture. Some religionists accept a literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis while others receive it as a compilation of allegorical, moral, and ethical stories.http://biblescripture.net/Genesis.html

Most scholars tend to divide the stories in Genesis into two distinct sections. Chapters one through eleven deal primarily with primeval history. These stories deal with basic questions man has struggled with through the ages, such as, “Who am I?”, “How did I get here?”, and “What is my Purpose?”.http://www.agapebiblestudy.com/charts/BookSummaries/genesis.htm The remaining 39 chapters of Genesis tell the stories of the Jewish patriarchs, Abraham (formerly Abram), Isaac, Jacob (later changed to Israel), and Joseph and his brothers. The story of Lot, Abraham's nephew is also included and Ishmael, Abraham's son by the midwife, Hagar, is mentioned periodically. These stories form the basis of God's covenant relationship with the Israelites on which the rest of the Old Testament is based.http://bible.org/seriespage/walk-through-book-genesis

• God – Monotheistic entity responsible for all of creation. His personal name, converted to LORD in most Bibles may be rendered Yahweh or Jehovah.

• Adam - First created man who named the animals while residing in a the paradisaical Garden of Eden. He was presented with his wife, Eve, by God. He separated himself from God, losing eternal life, through the sin of disobedience.

• Eve - Wife of Adam and the first woman. Was formed from Adam's rib by God to be his companion. She was deceived into disobeying God by a talking serpent (later revealed to be Satan).

• Enoch - Pre-flood prophet who “walked with God” his entire life. As a result he was taken bodily into heaven without ever having to die.

• Noah - Faithful servant whom God tasked to build an Ark. He and his family along with a representative portion of all animals were preserved through a worldwide flood. Afterwards God formed a covenant with Noah not to destroy the world again with water.

• Abraham (Abram) – Described as a “friend of God”. Also formed a covenant with God. God promised a great nation would come through Abraham and all other nations would be blessed through it. Moved to an unfamiliar place in obedience to God.

• Lot - Nephew of Abraham who was preserved through the destruction of Sodom and Gommorah. His wife looked back on the destruction and was turned to a pillar of salt.

• Isaac – Miraculous son of Abraham and his wife, Sarah. He was born to them well past their childbearing years.

• Jacob – Tricked his brother Esau out of his birthright. Wrestled with God at which point God changed his name to Israel. Had twelve sons through various wives and servants.

• Joseph – The second youngest of Jacob' twelve sons. He was sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers. His ability to interpret dreams garnered him favor with the Pharoah. Was able to move his family to Egypt in order to avoid a long famine.http://biblescripture.net/Genesis.html