Bible Question:
I apologize if this already well-plowed ground. I know I'm not the first person to ask this question, I just don't know the answer. THIS IS NOT A TROLL! I am not looking to start a debate, I'm just looking for your views. In the first creation account, trees were created on day three (1:11-13) while Adam and Eve were created on day six (1:26-31). In the second account, Adam came before trees (2:4-9). Specifically, verse 5 says there were no plants; verse 6 says that the ground was watered but says nothing about God creating any plants yet; and verse 7 is when God created Adam - still no mention of plants. Verse 9 says that God planted trees. Some time later, God created Eve (2:21-23). Similarly, the first account says that animals were created ahead of Adam and Eve on the sixth day (1:24-26), while the second says that they were created after Adam had been placed in the garden (2:18-19) but before Eve. I have been told that a literal reading of Genesis provides a complete, historically accurate account of creation (a perspective I respect). If this is the case, how does one explain these apparent differences between the two accounts? Peace and grace, Steve |
Bible Answer: Dear Steve....Genesis 2 does not present a different creation order than Genesis 1. The first three verses of Genesis 2 simply carry the narrative of chapter 1 to its final and logical conclusion, using the same vocabulary and style as employed in the previous chapter. It sets forth the the completion of the whole work of creation and the special sanctity conferred on the seventh day. Verse 4 then sums up the whole sequence that has just been surveyed by saying, "These are the generations of heaven and earth when they were created, in the day that Yahweh God made heaven and earth." As we examine the remainder of Genesis 2, we find that it concerns itself with the description of the ideal setting that God prepared for Adam and Eve to begin their life in, walking with the Lord as responsive and obedient children. Verses 5-6 describe the original condition of the "earth" or "land", in the general region of the Garden before it had sprouted under the special watering system the Lord used. Verse 7 introduces Adam as a new occupant for whom Eve was prepared. Verse 8 records how he was placed there to observe and enjoy the beauty. Verses 9-14 describe the various trees and vegetation sustained by the water that flowed out of Eden to the lower regions beyond its borders. Verse 15 indicates the activity of Adam that was assigned to him as keeper. The first 15 verses of chapter 2 were never intended to be a general creation narrative. The animals are not even mentioned untill Adam is assigned his task (vv.18-20). But before this phase of Adams experience begins, he is brought into a covenant relationship with God, who grants him permission to eat the fruit of every tree in the Garden except one (vv.16-17) The structure of Genesis 2 was never intended to be a creation account at all, except as it related to the circumstances of man's creation as a child of God. Chapter 2 is built upon the foundation of chapter 1 and represents no different tradition than the first chapter. I hope this helps. Do not be surprised by Adams ability to name all of the animals in a short period of time. Since the fall everything has been deteriorating including our brains. Our capacity to think has been greatly diminished. It was Thomas Acquinas who said that our minds were exempt from this breaking down but the Bible says that all creation is affected. I relate this naming of the animals to todays computer speeds. It may just have been that our computers are no faster than Adams brain. You have heard that we use only a small percentage of our brains. We lose ability not gain it. Our tools are better not our brains. God Bless....Jensen |