Genesis contains the foundational back stories for the people of Israel. In order to fully grasp the context of this epic story we must fast forward many centuries and look at the story of Israel’s exile in Babylon.  The people had spent 70 years torn away from their homeland. As they people returned home, seeking to rebuild, they were faced with fundamental questions. Who were they? Where did they come from? Why were they there? Where were they going? How were they to behave?

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