Great Moments in Genesis Peter Fitch week 2

Cultural modes of expression Euphemism (a “good” way of saying something) Hyperbole (exaggeration) Hebrew use of numbers

The term “literal” Can be problematic—the artificial divider between the good guys and the bad guys Can also lead to strict, wooden, legalistic interpretations A better way to define “literal” is needed Literal meaning = the intent of the author

What is the author’s intent for Genesis? To understand a work of art: 1.Who made it? 2.For what place? 3.Who commissioned it? 4.Why?

Theological Context of Genesis We must ask similar questions for Biblical books: 1.Who wrote it? 2.For which period of time? 3.Who needed it? 4.Why?

Clues Both the theological context and the structure may provide clues that will help us understand important messages in the book

Moses and the Exodus Moses meets with God at Mount Horeb (the burning bush) He returns to Egypt with signs and wonders and frees the Hebrew nation He brings them directly back to the mountain They remain there for about 10 months

At the foot of Horeb A Creed (Deut. 6:4-5) The essence of Hebrew Law (10 Commandments) The rest of the Law (613 do’s and don’ts) A place to worship (the Tabernacle) A sacrificial system Responsibilities of Priests Annual feasts and festivals Division into the 12 Tribes of Israel

And a history... (Genesis!) The ancient stories of mankind The specific history of their ancestors (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) The story of Joseph because it explains how they became slaves in the land of Egypt

Structure in Genesis Prehistory (1:1-11:26) and Patriarchal history (11:27-50:26) An overview (1:1-2:3) Then 10 distinct sections, each beginning with the phrase, “these are the generations of...”

Prehistory and Patriarchs 2:4-4:26 heavens & earth 5:1-6:8 Adam 6:9-9:29 Noah 10:1-11:9 Shem, Ham, Japeth Shem 11:27-25:11 Terah 25:12-25:18 Ishmael 25:19-35:29 Isaac 36:1-36:43 Esau 37:1-50:26 Jacob

Great Moments in Genesis Last session we examined both the theological context and the structure of the Book of Genesis This session we’ll look at the probable meaning of the Creation Accounts We have an overview (1:1-2:3) and a repetition with some different emphases (2:4- 4:26)

The Overview 1:1-2:3 Problems with science may be built upon misunderstandings of what the text is trying to say (example: 4004 BC) Remember we are looking for the author’s intent—why was this written? Need to understand that a story can be told in more than one way