Genesis (from the
Greek, meaning "origin") sets forth in a combination of truth-bearing
mythology, saga, legend, and history the basic Jewish, Christian, and Islamic
beliefs about God's initial self-disclosures to, and covenant with, the Hebrew
people. Written in Hebrew, the first book of the Old Testament establishes
fundamental convictions about the origins and nature of the universe, humanity,
and faithful morality. Also included are accounts of the early leaders and
patriarchs of Israel - including Jacob and his sons. Traditionally ascribed to
Moses, Genesis is the result of at least four unknown, inspired authors
and several editors writing from c.950 to c.600 BC.