Genesis Introduction
The Name “Genesis”
“The title 'Genesis' (beginning, Greek) was applied to this book by the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures). The Hebrew title consists of the first word or two in the book ('in the beginning')”. 1 “The English title ‘Genesis’ is a transliteration, via the Vulgate, of the Greek title. Both titles (Hebrew and Greek/Latin/English) aptly describe the book's contents: it is a book of origins”. 2 Henry Morris points out that in this book we find the origin of: The Universe, Of Order and Complexity, Of the Solar System, Of the Atmosphere and Hydrosphere, Of Life, Of Man, Of Marriage, Of Evil, Of Language, Of Government, Of Culture, Of Nations, Of Religion, and Of The Chosen People.
Authorship
“Most so-called liberal theologians and commentators, along with not a few conservatives, have followed the theory that a number of unknown writers and editors, during the period of Israel's history from about the time of Hezekiah to that of Ezra the Scribe, complied and edited several old legends and traditions, verbally transmitted not only by their own Israeli ancestors but also by the Egyptians, Babylonians, and others, into the Book of Genesis. Presumably they then allowed 1
A Survey Of Old Testament Introduction. Gleason L. Archer, Jr. p. 179. 2
Word Biblical Commentary. Genesis 115, Gordon J. Wenham p. xxi. 1 1
the story to be circulated that these had come down from Moses, in order to invest them with the authority of their great Law-giver. This is the ‘Documentary Hypothesis’, and has been applied not only to Genesis but also to the others books of the Pentateuch (first five books of the O.T.) and to Joshua, and in a lesser degree to many of the other books of the Old Testament. It is also called the "J,E,D,P Hypothesis", the letters standing for the supposed writers of the respective portions”. 3 Yet there are many good reasons for rejecting such a theory: 1. It is rooted in unbelief: Gleason Archer rightfully notes, “The Wellhausen school started with the pure assumption...that Israel's religion was of merely human origin like any other, and that it was to be explained as a mere product of evolution” (p. 107). 2. Genesis is the word of God, not the word of man: The Bible is the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), it is God speaking to man (Matthew 22:31-32) a quotation from the next book after Genesis). The religion presented and approved in the Bible did not originate with man (1 Cor. 1:21). In fact, the Bible teaches that if anything has "evolved", it has been the vain speculations of unbelievers (Romans 1:20-22). Genesis does not offer an evolutionary view of religion, that is, mankind striving towards more enlightened and higher views of God. If anything, Genesis teaches that man tends to corrupt whatever truth and enlightenment God gives him (Genesis chapters 3 and 6). The Documentary Hypothesis is one such corruption. 3. Moses is viewed as the author of the Law. Both Testaments endorse this view (1 Kings 2:3; 2 Kings 14:6; 21:8; Ezra 6:18; Nehemiah 13:1; Daniel 9:1113; Malachi 4:4; Matthew 19:8; John 5:46-47; 7:19; Acts 3:22). We should note that no New Testament writer ever specifically quotes from Genesis and then specifically applies it to Moses. Yet, we should remind ourselves that: (a) When the Jew spoke of "the Law", he was including the book of Genesis in that title (Luke 24:44). To the Jewish people, the book of Genesis was as much of the Law as were the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. (b) When Jesus proceeded to explain the various references to Him in the Old Testament, He proceeded with "Moses" (Luke 24:27), that is, Jesus viewed Moses as being the first author found in the Old Testament (Luke 16:29,31; John 1:17; 1:45). 3
The Genesis Record. Henry M. Morris pp. 2223. 2 2
Derek Kidner adds, “It seems artificial, for instance, to exclude Genesis from our Lord's dictum, ‘Moses...wrote of Me’ (John 5:46) and from His Emmaus exposition ‘beginning from Moses’ (Luke 24:27; cf. 44). Such a distinction would have occurred to none of the original readers of the Gospels. 4 Leupold observes, “It is sufficient in these introductory remarks merely to list the major passages as such, passages that all refers to the Mosaic authorship of the whole or of parts of the Pentateuch. In the Gospels we find: Matt. 8:4; 19:7,8; 23:2; Mark 1:44; 7:10; 10:3,4; 12:26; Luke 5:14; 16:29,31; 20:37; John 3:14; 5:45; 6:32; 7:19; 7:22,23...To the Apostles must be ascribed the following words: Acts 3:22; 13:39; 15:1,5,21; 26:22; 28:23; Romans 10:5,19; 1 Cor. 9:9; 2 Cor. 3:15”.
Outline
Actually the book outlines itself. The main divisions of the book are introduced or closed by the phrase “This is the account of” (2:4; 5:1; 10:1; 11:10; 11:27; 25:12; 36:1). The word "generation/account" is a translation of the Hebrew "toledoth", and it means essentially "origins" or, by extension, "records of the origins". Genesis 2:4 “These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that Jehovah God made earth and heaven” “This is the story” (Leupold p. 21). “This is the family history of” (Wenham p. 55). Many commentators are in disagreement upon whether this word closes a section or begins a section. Morris affirms that “the events recorded in each division all took place before, not after, the death of the individuals so named” (p. 27). Yet another writer points out, “As used in the Old Testament, it refers to what is produced or brought into being by someone or follows therefore. In no case in Genesis does the word include the birth of the individual whose toledot it introduces...In line with these usages it is reasonable to interpret Genesis 2:4, ‘These are the toledot of heaven and earth’, as meaning, not the coming of heaven and earth into existence, but the events that followed the establishment of heaven and earth”. 5 4
'Genesis'. An Introduction & Commentary. Derek Kidner. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. p. 15. 5
Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament. p. 380. 3 3
I.
The Creation of the Universe andMankind: 1:1-2:3 A. B. C. D. E.
II.
The Life of Abraham: 12:1-25:18 A. B. C. D. E. F.
III.
His Call and Acceptance: 12:1-14:24 Renewal and Confirmation of the Covenant: 15:1-17:27 Deliverance of Lot from Sodom: 18:1-19:38 Abraham and Abimelech: 20:1-18 Birth and Marriage of Isaac: 21:1-24:67 Posterity of Abraham: 25:1-18
The Life of Isaac and his Family: 25:19-26:35 A. B. C. D. E.
IV.
Man's place in the world: 2:4-25 Entrance of Sin and the resultant Fall: 3:1-4:26 Antediluvian Races (Adam to Noah): 5:1-32 Sinfulness of the World purged by the Flood: 6:1-9:29 Posterity of Noah and the Early Races: 10:1-11:32
Birth of Esau and Jacob: 25:19-28 Sale of Esau's birthright to Jacob: 25:29-34 Isaac and Abimelech II: 26:1-16 Dispute at Beersheba: 26:17-33 Esau's Marriages: 26:34-35
The Life of Jacob: 27:1-37:1 A. B. C. D. E.
Jacob In his father's home: 27:1-46 Jacob's Exile and Journey: 28:1-22 Jacob with Laban in Syria: 29:1-33:15 Jacob's return to the Promised Land: 33:16-35:20 Posterity of Jacob and Esau: 35:21-37:1
4 4
V.
The Life of Joseph: 37:2-50:26 A. B. C. D. E. F. G.
Joseph's Boyhood: 37:2-36 Judah and Tamar: 38:1-30 Joseph's Troubles and Promotion in Egypt: 39:1-41:57 Joseph and his brothers: 42:1-45:15 Joseph's reception of Jacob in Egypt: 45:16-47:26 Jacob's Last days and Final prophecies: 47:27-50:14 Joseph's Assurance to his brothers of complete forgiveness: 50:1526 6
Another author outlines the book based on the outstanding individuals found within its pages: Abel-Spiritual Desire Enoch-Spiritual Choice Noah-Spiritual Renewal Abraham-The life of Faith Isaac-The life of Sonship Jacob-The life of Service Joseph-The life of Suffering and Glory. 7
Real History or Myth?
There are only really two ways to interpret the book of Genesis. It is either inspired history, a factual account of what really took place. Or, it is something figurative at best (an allegory) or at worst, a book of religious myths. The rest of the Old Testament views this book as being historically factual and reliable: “In the Old Testament, for example, Adam is mentioned by name in the books of Deuteronomy, Job, and 1 Chronicles; and Noah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. Abraham is mentioned by name in fifteen books of the Old 6
Taken from 'A Survey of Old Testament Introduction'. Gleason L. Archer, Jr., p. 180. With slight modifications. 7
Explore the Book. J. Sidlow Baxter p. 69. 5 5
Testament� (Morris p. 21). We should carefully note that these men are mentioned in texts, in which the names of other biblical individuals are likewise mentioned. In Ezekiel 14:20, Noah is mentioned side by side with Job and Daniel. Obviously, if Noah was a mythical character, so were the other two, yet if the other two were real people, then Noah must have been a real individual. The New Testament endorses the major events in Genesis: 1. Creation of the Universe: John 1:3; Col. 1:16 2. Creation of Adam and Eve: 1 Tim. 2:13-14 3. Marriage of Adam and Eve: Matt. 19:4-6 4. Temptation of the woman: 2 Cor. 11:3 5. Disobedience and sin of Adam: Romans 5:12 6. Sacrifices of Cain and Abel: Heb. 11:4 7. Murder of Abel by Cain: 1 John 3:12 8. Birth of Seth: Luke 3:38 9. Translation of Enoch: Hebrews 11:5 10. Enoch was after Adam: Jude 14 11. Marriage before the flood: Luke 17:27 12. The flood and destruction of man: Matt. 24:39 13. Preservation of Noah and his family: 2 Peter 2:5 14. Genealogy of Shem: Luke 3:35-36 15. Birth of Abraham: Luke 3:34 16. Call of Abraham: Hebrews 11:8/ Acts 7:1-7 17. Tithes to Melchizedek: Hebrews 7:1-3 18. Justification of Abraham: Romans 4:3 19. Ishmael: Galatians 4:21-24 20 Promise of Isaac: Hebrews 11:18 21. Lot and Sodom: Luke 17:29; 2 Peter 2:6-9 22. Birth of Isaac: Acts 7:9-10 23. Offering of Isaac: Hebrews 11:17 Morris notes, “The New Testament is, if anything, even more dependent on Genesis that the Old. There are at least 165 passages in Genesis that are either directly quoted or clearly referred to in the New Testament. Many of these are alluded to more than once, so that there are at least two hundred quotations or allusions to Genesis in the New Testament. It is significant that the portion of Genesis which has been the object of the greatest attacks of skepticism and unbelief, 6 6
the first eleven chapters, is the portion which had the greatest influence on the New Testament. Yet there exist over one hundred quotations or direct references to Genesis 1-11 in the New Testament. Furthermore, every one of these eleven chapters is alluded to somewhere in the New Testament” (p. 21). Jesus endorsed the historical accuracy of Genesis: Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-8; Luke 17:26-29. Commenting upon Jesus' discourse in Matthew 19, Wayne Jackson remarked: “Here Jesus plainly affirms that: (1) There was a beginning. (2) The first couple was made. (3) They were male and female...And certainly the Lord was in a position to know what took place in the beginning, for He was there (John 1:1), and was the active agent of creation (Col. 1:16)”. 8 Bert Thompson reminds us, “Some writers, influenced by German rationalism, contend that Jesus did not in reality accept the historicity of Genesis, rather, He merely accommodated Himself to the ignorances of first century Judaism. Such a charge is slanderous! H.S. Miller has emphasized that Christ ‘was completely and eloquently silent concerning any error, contradiction, inaccuracy, myth, legend, or forgery in the Old Testament; strangely and criminally silent, if such existed. These either did or did not exist. If they did exist, He was either (1) ignorant of them, in which case He was not omniscient, hence not the unique Son of God, hence an impostor, hence a sinner, hence no Savior; or, He (2) did know of them and deliberately chose to be silent, to deceive the people, in which case he was a dishonest man, a deceiver, an impostor, a sinner, and no Savior’”. 9 “Denying the historical validity of the Creation account also undermines the authority of the New Testament and Christ Himself...If Genesis is not historically dependable, then Jesus is not a dependable guide to all truth, and we are without a Saviour. The Genesis narrative is to be accepted as literal and historical because inspired writers of the New Testament not only referred often to the narrative, but made doctrinal arguments which depended upon the historical validity of the Genesis account. Paul contends that woman is of (ek--a Greek preposition meaning ‘out of’ man) (1 Corinthians 11:8,12). He called Adam and Eve by name in 1 Tim. 2:13. The apostle considers Adam as historical as Moses (Romans 5:14) and he clearly says that ‘the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness’ (2 Cor. 11:3)” 8
Fortify Your Faith In An Age of Doubt. pp. 2627.
9
Theistic Evolution. Bert Thompson p. 86. 7 7
(Thompson pp. 86-87). People forget that Jesus Christ is inherently tied by apostolic arguments to Adam (1 Corinthians 15:22,45). “If the first Adam is only an allegory, then by all logic, so is the second Adam. If man did not really fall into sin from his state of created innocency, there is no reason for him to need a Savior...If Genesis is not true, then neither are the testimonies of those prophets and apostles who believed it was true” (Morris p. 22). “Writing to Timothy, Paul urges him not to pay attention to myths (1 Tim. 1:4). Later Paul predicts that the time is coming when people will find myths more attractive than the truth (2 Tim. 4:4)....What is mythical is not true. What is true is not mythical”. 10 Hence one cannot claim that Genesis is "myth", without also claiming that what Genesis teaches is untrue. “As G.R. Culp stated it: ‘One who doubts the Genesis account will not be the same man he once was’” (Thompson p. 87). “The Bible teaches that the creation of the heavens, the earth, and the inhabitants thereof, was for the glorification of Almighty God (Psalm 19:1-2). Any attempt, therefore, to nullify the doctrine of creation is in reality an assault upon God Himself” (Thompson p. 87).
Themes
Genesis is one of the those books which makes you realize that every book in the Bible is needed. There is an argument for the inspiration of the Scriptures (i.e. that God is the overall true and final author and editor of the Bible), which is called "Organic Unity". Not only do we find exact agreement on the most controversial of topics throughout all the books which make up the Bible, but organic unity states that all parts are necessary to make a complete whole. The Book of Origins: “If the Bible were somehow expurgated of the Book of Genesis (as many people today would prefer), the rest of the Bible would be incomprehensible. It would be like a building without a ground floor, or a bridge with no support...The Book of Genesis gives vital information concerning the origin of all things--and therefore the meaning of all things--One's belief concerning his origin will inevitably determine his belief concerning his purpose and his destiny” (Morris pp. 17-18). 10
The New International Commentary On the Old Testament. The Book of Genesis Chapters 117. Victor P. Hamilton p. 56. 8 8
One writer said, “Without a fixed point on the horizon, we can be moving through life at a fast pace and going nowhere. We can't know if we're making progress unless we've got some fixed bench-mark outside the circumstances of our lives that reminds us who we are and who it is we are serving” 11 (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).. “Genesis is explanatory. The other writings of the Bible are inseparably bound up with it inasmuch as it gives us the origin and initial explanation of all that follows. The major themes of Scripture may be compared to great rivers, ever deepening and broadening as they flow; and it is true to say that all these rivers have their rise in the watershed of Genesis....It has been truly said that ‘the roots of all subsequent revelation are planted deep in Genesis, and whoever would truly comprehend that revelation must begin here’” (Baxter p. 23). The Origin of the Universe: “Only the Book of Genesis even attempts to account for the ultimate origin of matter, space, and time. Every other system of cosmology, whether in ancient religious myths or modern scientific models, starts with eternal matter or energy in some form, from which other entities were supposedly gradually derived by some process” (Morris p. 18). Genesis informs us: (a) Matter is not eternal, that's why things wear out and that is why you should not put your trust in material things (Matthew 6:19-20; Colossians 3:1-3). (b) Understanding certain aspects of the Creation is possible, i.e. science is a useful field of study and pursuit, because the Universe was Created by an all-wise and purposeful God. Therefore, it must be governed by logical laws, which can be discovered and ultilized for our benefit (Genesis 1:28). (c) Since the same God who speaks to man in the Bible, is the same God who created the Universe, true science and true religion will always agree. Scientific and Biblical truth will never find themselves in conflict. The Origin of Life: Genesis tells us: (a) "Life" is not an accident (Genesis 1:11), and it does not spontaneously generate, so do not take it for granted (Genesis 9:6). (b) The absence of "life" on other planets is not an accident, nor is it a strange thing. The Origin of Man: 11
'My Creator, My Friend'. Bruce Larson p. 19 9 9
Genesis informs us: (a) We are different from the rest of Creation (1:26-27). Genesis resolves the age-old debate, “Why do we feel it is wrong to kill another human being, but not wrong to cut off a head of lettuce, smash a bug, fry some fish, BBQ some beef ribs, or have pork chops and applesauce” (2:20). (b) This book gives us the answer to the question, “Why do I have to do what God says?” The very fact that God created man, morally obligates all of mankind, i.e. everyone descended from Adam, which includes all of us (Ecclesiastes 12:12-13; 2 Cor. 5:10). (c) Genesis liberates us from all the false systems which try to equate the value of man and the animals. We forget, that when animals become "as important as people", then be sure, "you have just lost some of your rights and value as a human being." Your "market-value" has just taken a nose-dive. The Origin of Man's Soul: 1:26-27 Genesis informs us as to why we feel inherently "religious", that is, why we feel the need to "serve" or "worship" someone or something. Why we feel that our lives need to have "purpose" and "meaning". This book also tells us that if we deny the existence of our "souls", then we will suffer for it, even in this life. Without a relationship with God, men and women will always be restless. The Origin of Two Genders: 1:27 Kidner said, “Companionship is presented in Eden as a primary human need, which God proceeded to meet by creating not Adam's duplicate but his opposite and complement” (p. 35). Any system of thought that ignores the fact that mankind is divided into two distinct genders, will result in wrong conclusions. This book reveals that a marriage relationship based on one male and one female is not mere human opinion. The marriage relationship is in part based on the fact that God created mankind, male and female (Matthew 19:4-5). This is the reason why God strongly condemns things like fornication, adultery and homosexuality (1 Cor. 6:9). Such practices are not mere alternative lifestyles, rather they are perversions of the most basic and fundamental of truths. The Origin of Marriage and the Home: “Polygamy, infanticide, matriarchy, promiscuity, divorce, abortion, homosexuality, and other corruptions all developed later” (Morris p. 19). Kidner makes the 10 10
following observations, “The shattering of the harmony of man and wife, not by any mutual disagreement by their agreeing together against God, proved at once how dependent it had been on His unseen participation....Where God had created the woman first and foremost for partnership, society made her in effect a means to an end, even if a noble end” (i.e. the production of children) (p. 36). Genesis teaches us: (1) Contrary to the arguments given by the feminists, marriage is not the invention of men for the domination and exploitation of women. (2) The two genders are not enemies, rather they are specifically designed for each other (2:18). (3) Gender differences do not destroy marriages, selfishness and sin does. (4) Seeing that men and women are specifically designed for each other, there is no such thing as a "no-fault" divorce, that is, one can't blame a failed marriage on genetics or incompatible differences. In any divorce, at least one partner is at fault. (4) This book provides us with the true value of a woman. She is not a piece of property, and neither is she a mere baby factory. In fact, her companionship with her husband is a more important and permanent relationship, than that with her children (2:24). The Origin of Male Headship: Unfortunately, many men and women are under the mistaken impression that male headship and female subjection were consequences of the fall, therefore some women have viewed their "role" as a punishment. Such is not taught in Genesis. Prior to the fall: (a) The woman is called a "help-meet" (Genesis 2:18). (b) God expected Adam to protect his wife and to take the lead (3:9,17). (c) Even though Eve ate first, the Bible says that Adam sinned first (Romans 5:12). Adam's sin consisted of failing to exercise his male headship and provide protection for the woman given him. The Origin of Evil In This World: Genesis teaches us: (a) Sin happens when we do something other than what God has said (3:1-6; 4:6-7). (b) Sin has serious consequences. We can never argue, “I'm just hurting myself”. Neither can we accept the reasoning that attempts to justify some sinful practice by saying, “I guess it's alright, as long as it doesn't affect or infringe upon the rights of others”. Genesis informs us that one cannot limit the damage done by sin. One does have control over whether one will sin or not (4:67), but once one commits sin, one no longer has ultimate control over the consequences. (c) This book reveals that many of our hardships are caused when 11 11
somebody else makes the wrong choice. Being free-willed, also means that we will probably experience and suffer for the wrong choices of others (3:17-19). The Origin of Physical Death: (3:19) Genesis teaches us: (1) Death is not a "natural" part of this world, rather, it is an intrusion. (2) God can never be blamed for the heartache, pain and suffering that surrounds death. For we (the human race) brought death into this world, not God. (3) Thus, all human attempts to overcome death are vain, that is, freezing people, various forms of life-extension (4) Death is not an inherent good, it is not a "natural" part of the some cycle or circle of life. Only in Jesus Christ, does death become something that could be viewed in a positive light (Phil. 1:21-23). Yet apart from Christ, there is nothing good about death, because the person who dies outside of Christ, does not go to a better place, is not just released from their sufferings nor fades into some cosmic mind. Their fate is eternally sealed (Luke 16:19ff). The First Promise of a Savior: 3:15 The book of Genesis also informs us as to why we need a Savior. This short book reveals the disintegrating work of sin (in the garden, in Cain and his family, in the flood, in the Tower of Babel, in Sodom, in Lot's family, in Esau, in the family of Jacob.) This book reveals the "need" for God's intervention to provide a Savior. The Origin of Society: 4:17-22 “For all the emphasis which Genesis lays on the individual, with God calling men by name and seeking the outcasts, its model for human life is not that of the solitary mystic or the freelance, but of a social being who lives within a certain pattern of responsibilities” (Kidner p. 34). The Origin of Culture: “The book of Genesis also describes the beginning of the main entities which we now associate with civilized cultures--such things as urbanization, metallurgy, music, agriculture, animal husbandry, writing, education, navigation, textiles, and ceramics” (Morris p. 20). Genesis also teaches us: (1) Ancient man was far from 12 12
being primitive. In fact, from the very beginning, man has been fully human, and very intelligent from day one. Any theory which assumes a "sub-human" race, finds itself at odds with what the Creator says actually happened. One writer said, “But what about the cave dwellers? It is true wide variations in lifestyles can be found as we retrace history. That is still true today. Our world includes the technical society of the United States and the primitive cultures of the tribes hidden away in the Amazon jungles. Sometimes we erroneously equate technology with intelligence. Man has always sought for ways to make his life easier. Methods of meeting human needs have varied widely in every generation that has lived, but each man has been seeking to supply his necessities for good, shelter, and clothing whether he was living in a cave or in a skyscraper”. 12 We also learn that "culture" can't save man. Listen to Kidner on Genesis 4:16-24: “Culture, used or abused, offers no redemption...Cain's family is a microcosm: its pattern of technical prowess and moral failure is that of humanity” (pp. 76,78). “The subsequent picture is of chequered progress, such as we still experience....The civilized arts and crafts are not hailed as a panacea, nor shunned because the Cainites invented them” (p. 35). The Origin of the Nations: Genesis 10 The Origin of Human Languages: Genesis 11 The Origin of Religion: Contrary to the Evolutionists, man's religious nature is not a product of Evolution. Neither can the "improvements" in religion be attributed to man. Genesis, as well as the rest of the Bible informs us: (1) God contacted us, we did not discover Him. (2) Pure religion originates from God, corrupt religion always originates from man. (3) The primary purpose of true religion is never the exaltation of man, rather, it is the glorification of God. Man isn't served or entertained in true religion, but God is served and obeyed. The Origin of the Chosen People: Genesis 12 “Within the development of this theme, Genesis forms an indispensable prologue
12
The History And Geography Of the Bible Story, A Study Manual. Bob & Sandra Waldron. p. 1. 13 13
to the drama that unfolds in Exodus”. 13 This book informs us concerning the origin of the nation of Israel, and the rest of the Bible contains the outworking and fulfillment of the promises given to Abraham in chapter 12:1-3. In summation Morris says, “The Book of Genesis thus is in reality the foundation of all true history, as well as of true science and true philosophy. It is above all else the foundation of God's revelation, as given in the Bible” (p. 21). The God Portrayed In Genesis: Kidner has some fine observations when he says, “From the outset, Genesis confronts us with the Living God (1:1), unmistakably personal...the book continues to make this emphasis (i.e. that God is ‘Thou’ and not an ‘it’) in its account of man's constitution in God's image, and of God's persistent concern for a personal relationship with His servants. Secondly, He is the only God and Creator the Sovereign of all that is...that God is as much the master of events in the rise and fall of nations (15:14,16; 25:23) as in the conception of a child or the call of a follower. Time and space, sin and even death (5:24) are no match for Him, whether He is working through obvious miracles or hidden providence. And this is the faith not only of the narrator but of the chief characters, who declare Him the Maker and Judge of all (14:19,22; 18:25) and the Disposer of the most intractable of situations (45:5-8). Thirdly, His ways are perfect. The series of expulsions and cataclysms in Genesis declares that heaven can make no truce with sin...Yet His righteous wrath is also grief (6:6). His judgments are sweetened with mercy (3:21; 4:15; 6:8; 19:16,21)...Equally, if His justice has love in it, His love contains moral demand (2:817)...and Abraham was to find, over a long period, and supremely at mount Moriah (chapter 22), that to be a friend of God demanded, even if it repaid, EVERYTHING HE HAD. Fourthly, He is self-revealed. Commanding, conversing, and, above all, entering into covenant. He is always in some degree a self-giving, never the aloof object of human groping” (pp. 32-33).
The Book of Genesis and the Book of Revelation: In Genesis we see paradise closed (3:23), in Revelation it is opened (21:25). In Genesis the curse is imposed (3:17), in Revelation we see it removed (22:3).
13
The Bible Knowledge Commentary. p. 21. 14 14
In Revelation we see access to the tree of Life re-inherited (22:14). In Genesis we find the beginning of sorrow and death (3:16-19), in Revelation 'there shall be no more death, neither sorrow...' (21:4) In Genesis defilement enters the Garden, in Revelation no defilement will enter this city (21:27). In Genesis we see the walk of God with man interrupted (3:8-10), in Revelation it is resumed (21:3).
Genesis and other creation accounts Other written accounts of Creation and especially the Flood exist in many other cultures: In 1932 Dr. E.A. Speiser of the University Museum of Pennsylvania discovered a stone seal near the bottom of a mound about 12 miles north of ancient Nineveh. He dated the seal about 3,500 B.C. It contains the figure of ‘a naked man and a naked woman, walking as if utterly down-cast and broken-hearted, followed by a serpent’.....Another seal, found among the ruins of ancient Babylon...’In the center is a Tree; on the right a Man; on the left a Woman, a Serpent, standing erect, as if whispering to her’. This seal is presently in the British Museum” (Fortify Your Faith. Jackson p. 25). “The Babylonian tablets also have a flood story. The hero Utnapishtim was saved in a ship with people and animals from a great flood. There are interesting parallels with the Biblical story--the sending forth of birds to discover dry land, the building of an altar, and the offering of sacrifice. But again, whereas the Bible story of the flood is monotheistic (one God), the Babylonian story is set in a strange polytheistic framework”. 14 “The Sumerian King List ascribes huge life-spans (15,000 plus) years to the Kings who ruled prior to the flood. The Sumerians had an extensive legend concerning a great flood, it includes (a) deities weeping over the decision which has evidently been reached to send the flood. (b) A huge boat which had a window. This same account was incorporated into what is known as the Epic of Gilgames”. 15 Critics of the Bible have often argued that the book of Genesis is nothing more than a literary work which borrowed from these various Creation and Flood accounts. A better view of the facts is that all other Creation and Flood accounts are corruptions of what really happened. Genesis, is the only reliable and factual account of what really happened. Since this is the view 14
The Bible and Archaeology. J.A. Thompson p. 14.
15
If you are reading portions of this Epic, see Mark. 15 15
held by Jesus (Matthew 19:4), then I will hold this view as well.
16 16