This last year in college, I took an Old Testament History class. As part of the homework for this class, I had to read through and comment on sections of the Old Testament. Below are some of my summaries of and reflections on the first three chapters of Genesis:
Gen. 1—God creates the entire universe and all that is in it over a period of six literal days, during which He demonstrates thoughtful planning and the intention of setting an example for the human race to emulate (ruling over creation on earth). Ultimately, He finishes His ex niliho creative acts by carefully crafting Adam out of the dirt (as compared to merely speaking him into existence) and breathing “the breath of life” into him.
Gen. 2—The account of the creation week begun in Chapter 1 is finished, ending with the establishment of the 6-day workweek and the day of rest. The chapter then goes into greater detail about the sixth day (before plants had become widespread) and describes the Garden of Eden and its location. God gives Adam His one command and later brings the animals to Adam to show him his need for a partner like himself. After Adam realizes that he is alone, God creates from him Eve, and brings her to him for the purpose of marriage. Chapter 2 ends with a declaration of the perfect state of the creation up to that point (by emphasizing the nature of the relationship between the man and his wife), thus setting up a sharp contrast for Chapter 3.
Gen. 3—The chapter begins in the Garden of Eden with the spontaneous appearance of Satan (as a snake), who craftily tempts Eve into crossing the boundaries that God set for her. Unfortunately, Adam follows her into sin, destroying their relationship with God and corrupting their innocent nature. (Note: Just because Adam was with Eve at the time of her temptation, yet did nothing to stop her, does not necessarily indicate a pre-sin failure to be there for Eve when she needed him. Adam could have simply stood aside so as to let Eve make her own choice, similar to what God did with Adam and Eve.) After drawing a confession out of the man and woman, God punishes them for their sin, banishing them from the garden. Despite this, God gave mankind a ray of hope, in that the Seed of Eve will eventually conquer Satan.
Gen. 1—God creates the entire universe and all that is in it over a period of six literal days, during which He demonstrates thoughtful planning and the intention of setting an example for the human race to emulate (ruling over creation on earth). Ultimately, He finishes His ex niliho creative acts by carefully crafting Adam out of the dirt (as compared to merely speaking him into existence) and breathing “the breath of life” into him.
Gen. 2—The account of the creation week begun in Chapter 1 is finished, ending with the establishment of the 6-day workweek and the day of rest. The chapter then goes into greater detail about the sixth day (before plants had become widespread) and describes the Garden of Eden and its location. God gives Adam His one command and later brings the animals to Adam to show him his need for a partner like himself. After Adam realizes that he is alone, God creates from him Eve, and brings her to him for the purpose of marriage. Chapter 2 ends with a declaration of the perfect state of the creation up to that point (by emphasizing the nature of the relationship between the man and his wife), thus setting up a sharp contrast for Chapter 3.
Gen. 3—The chapter begins in the Garden of Eden with the spontaneous appearance of Satan (as a snake), who craftily tempts Eve into crossing the boundaries that God set for her. Unfortunately, Adam follows her into sin, destroying their relationship with God and corrupting their innocent nature. (Note: Just because Adam was with Eve at the time of her temptation, yet did nothing to stop her, does not necessarily indicate a pre-sin failure to be there for Eve when she needed him. Adam could have simply stood aside so as to let Eve make her own choice, similar to what God did with Adam and Eve.) After drawing a confession out of the man and woman, God punishes them for their sin, banishing them from the garden. Despite this, God gave mankind a ray of hope, in that the Seed of Eve will eventually conquer Satan.
No comments:
Post a Comment