Genesis is the book of beginnings. It starts with the creation of heaven and earth, and the beginning of the human race. The fall of man, the spread of sin, the flood, and the building of the tower of Babel are major subjects in the first eleven chapters. The rest of the book focuses on God's dealings with one man, Abraham, through whom He promises to bring salvation and blessing to the world. Descendants of Abraham --- Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph --- are important characters in this first book of the Bible.