What historical period does Genesis primarily cover?

Genesis primarily covers the primeval and early patriarchal history of the world and the people of Israel. This period includes significant events such as the creation of the world, the narratives of the patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, and the foundational stories that set the stage for the later developments in the biblical narrative.

The primeval history includes accounts like the creation, the fall of man, the flood, and the Tower of Babel, which illustrate God’s relationship with humanity before the establishment of Israel as a nation. Following this, the text delves into the lives of the patriarchs, highlighting God’s covenant with them and the growth of the family that would become the nation of Israel.

In contrast, options that refer to the Exodus from Egypt, the establishment of the Law, or the monarchy of Israel pertain to other books in the Bible that follow Genesis. These themes are elaborated in subsequent texts like Exodus, Leviticus, and the books of Samuel and Kings, which deal with Israel's formation as a nation, the giving of the Law, and the establishment and functioning of the monarchy. Hence, the focus of Genesis is aptly captured by the primeval and early patriarchal history.