Genesis and exodus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Genesis and exodus - Essay Example God also assures Abraham that after punishment He will raise up the Israelites and lead them to the Promised Land. After 400 years of hardship and torture in the exile, the Israelites were ready to leave Babylon and go back to rebuild Jerusalem. However, bearing in mind that it was not an easy task, the books of Isaiah and Genesis encourage the exiles to leave Babylon and go back to rebuild Jerusalem. In order to encourage exiles, these two books (Isaiah and Genesis) used different means including reminding them of the God’s promises. For instance, the book of Genesis reminds exiles how God entered into a covenant with Abram. The book of genesis states that â€Å"And Abram fell sound asleep when the sun went down. Then he was overwhelmed by a great terror. Then the Lord said to him, â€Å"Know for sure that your descendants will be strangers in a foreign country. They will be oppressed and enslaved for 400 year. But I will execute judgment on the nation that they will serve. Afterwards, they will come out with numerous possessions. But for you, you will join your ancestors peacefully and be buried at a good old age. In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sins of the Amorites have not yet reached its limit.† When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking firepot with a flaming torch passed between the animal parts† (Gen. 15: 12-17) On the other hand, book of Isaiah encourages exiles by also reminding them God’s plan. For instance the book of Isaiah states that â€Å"Now, this is what the Lord says, the one who created you, O Jacob, and formed you, O Israel: â€Å"don’t be afraid, for I will protect you. I call you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I am with you; when you pass through the streams, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not harm you. For I am the Lord your God, the sovereign king of Israel, your deliver. I have handed over