We survey the metanarrative of the Old Testament while noticing things we've probably taken for granted in our use of scripture. For one thing, the printing press is a very recent development in terms of our having our own copies of the sacred text - often multiples - on our shelves, not to mention the infinite number of options on our tablets and phones! Scripture was experienced far differently when first penned and read aloud to an audience that was largely illiterate (and who strove to memorize passages to always have with them - try it!). This prompted structural devices on the writers' parts (who adapted oral history storytelling tools...) such as Genesis' "These are the generations," the repetition of thematic words (brothers, hate) or patterns (barren women mothering significant characters), the repetition of cyclical elements (Judges, Kings), etc. Through it all, though, the epic story draws us in and is still in effect today, as we are the children of Abraham and benefit from the Abraplan no less than the remnant released from Babylonian exile to resettle Jerusalem to so as to be ready for one last barren mother, Elizabeth, and her prophet boy to "prepare the way for the Lord..."
To investigate this most important of stories further, go here.