The period from Adam to Abraham encompasses the early chapters of Genesis, detailing the creation of humanity, the fall, the flood, and the establishment of nations. This era is foundational for understanding the biblical narrative and God's unfolding plan for redemption.

Adam and Eve

Adam, the first man, was created by God from the dust of the ground and given life through God's breath (Genesis 2:7). Eve, the first woman, was formed from Adam's rib to be his companion (Genesis 2:22). They were placed in the Garden of Eden to work and keep it, enjoying perfect fellowship with God. However, their disobedience in eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil led to the fall, introducing sin and death into the world (Genesis 3:6-7).

Cain and Abel

Adam and Eve's sons, Cain and Abel, represent the first recorded instance of human conflict. Cain, a farmer, and Abel, a shepherd, both offered sacrifices to God. Abel's offering was accepted, but Cain's was not, leading to jealousy and the murder of Abel by Cain (Genesis 4:3-8). This act of violence further illustrated the pervasive nature of sin.

The Line of Seth

After Abel's death, Adam and Eve had another son, Seth, through whom the godly line continued (Genesis 4:25). The descendants of Seth, including notable figures like Enoch, who "walked with God" and was taken up by Him (Genesis 5:24), and Methuselah, the longest-lived human, are chronicled in Genesis 5.

Noah and the Flood

As humanity multiplied, wickedness increased, prompting God to cleanse the earth with a flood. Noah, a righteous man, found favor with God and was instructed to build an ark to preserve his family and pairs of every living creature (Genesis 6:8-9, 14). The floodwaters covered the earth, but Noah's obedience ensured the survival of life (Genesis 7:17-23). After the flood, God established a covenant with Noah, symbolized by the rainbow, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again (Genesis 9:11-13).

The Tower of Babel

Following the flood, humanity again turned from God, seeking to make a name for themselves by building a tower reaching the heavens (Genesis 11:4). God intervened by confusing their language, causing them to scatter across the earth (Genesis 11:7-8). This event marked the origin of diverse languages and nations.

The Line of Shem to Abraham

The genealogies in Genesis 10 and 11 trace the descendants of Noah's sons, particularly Shem, through whom the line to Abraham is established. Terah, a descendant of Shem, fathered Abram (later Abraham), Nahor, and Haran (Genesis 11:26). Abram's call by God to leave his homeland and journey to a land God would show him marks the beginning of a new chapter in God's redemptive plan (Genesis 12:1).

This period from Adam to Abraham sets the stage for the covenantal relationship between God and His chosen people, beginning with Abraham, through whom all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3).