Hebrew Creation Narratives in Jewish & Christian Tradition (Genesis, Chapter One- Two)
Created” (Gen. 1:2631)
in the Image of God Equality between Male and Female
narrative is God’s creation of humanity. It is at this point that the Bible introduces the only creature to bear the image of God. The Hebrew word cited in this passage for “man” is humanity in general, rather than as a male human being. Genesis depicts humanity, male and female, as created in the likeness of God (1:2627).
creation of humans the apex of God’s Creation? 2. Define the use of the expression “man” in the second Creation narrative. 3. Explain the concept of humans created in the “image” of God.
Genesis, Chapter 2
Title of the Narrative “The Second Account of Creation” (Genesis 2)
Literary Themes
God’s Sovereignty God’s Love for Humanity Man-Created in the Image of God Goodness of Creation Orderliness in the World Boundaries The Sabbath
Plot Summary The second account of creation (Genesis 2:4b–25) describes how God creates man, and the Garden of Eden. Then, He makes Adam a female companion. In Genesis 2:4b– 25, “the LORD God formed man from the dust of the earth. He blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7) This anthropocentric account differs from the cosmos centric account in the first narrative.
Study Questions 1. How does the second Creation narrative differ from the first? 2. What is God’s plan for humans after the Creation? 3. How does Adam respond to his companion? 4. What is God’s plan for all creation? 5. What does this narrative reveal about God’s character?
Study Questions 1. What are the two main parts of Genesis, Chapters 1-11? 2. What is the meaning of primeval history? 3. Which of the following is not a part of the Bible’s primeval history? a. the two creation accounts in Genesis, Chapters 1 and 2 b. the fall of humanity into sin and punishment in Genesis, Chapter 3 c. the universal flood as punishment for sin d. the scattering of the people in the “Tower of Babel” e. all the above are examples of biblical primeval history. Are the following statements (A) CORRECT or (B) INCORRECT? Academic Initiatives for Biblical Literacy in Secondary Education
66
