1

Chapter 1

CREATIO EX NIHILO DE SHAMAYIM This natural intuition of a Creator who is

VE'ARETS the uncaused, first cause of all causes is
what true philosophy and knowledge is and
the scriptures are clear that even the from
In the beginning God created the
the most ardent atheist to most ignorant
heavens and the earth.[Genesis 1:1].
and clueless diest is without excuse.
Proverbs 9:10 states this truth as follows,
The bible starts off with a simple and yet
profound statement, "In the beginning
"The fear of the Lord is the
God…". It doesn't go about trying to prove
beginning of wisdom, And the
God's existence, it just assumes that it's
knowledge of the Holy One is
obvious and self evident to all. Psalms 14:1
understanding."
says,

It is with this Truth that Moses begins his

"The fool has said in his heart,
inspired account of the genesis of the
"There is no God..."
cosmos.

Unlike the great philosophers of the West,

Dr. Constable, a former faculty member of
Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle, who labored
Dallas Theological seminary notes that
for 1000s of pages to express their concept
there are 3 views concerning the first verse
of "The Good” or “God”, the Scriptures start
of Genesis 1:1, he states,
off with the basic and foundational truth
that God exists. A truth the Bible explains
"There are three major views
is rooted in the conscience of all men.
concerning the relationship of 1:1 to
Romans 1:20 expresses it like this,
the rest of the creation account.

"For since the creation of the world

1. Verse 1 describes God's original
His invisible attributes, His eternal
creation of the universe. Then God
power and divine nature, have been
began fashioning the earth, and it
clearly seen, being understood
became fully formed, as we now
through what has been made, so
know it, in verse 2 or verse 3. This
that they are without excuse."
"double-creation" view may or may
not involve a gap in time between
verses 1 and 2.[48] Some advocates
 2

of this view believe that the original grammatically, lexically, and historically
creation became chaotic as a result this verse has been translated in its
of divine judgment.[49] More absolute form. What this means is that the
information on this theory follows verb "to be" is translated in its most basic
in my comments on 1:2. form to emphasize God's existence prior to
creation. To help visualize what I mean,
2. Verse 1 describes part of what just capitalize the "The" in The beginning.,
God did on the first day of creation
(1:1-5). It is a general statement "In The beginning God created the
followed by specific details. heavens and the earth."

3. Verse 1 describes, in very That is not to say that there are no other
general, introductory terms, the views that are acceptable and allowable
same creation activity that God did within the Hebrew grammar. For example,
on all six days of creation (1:2-31). It you may also rightly translate verse 1, as
is a topic sentence that introduces many modern Hebrew Bibles do.,
the whole creation account that
follows. I prefer this view." "When God began to create the
heavens and the earth,..."
He Goes on to say,
The decision to reject Genesis 1:1
"Contrary to ancient Near Eastern traditional reading in the absolute form and
mythologies, in which the earth had accept the modern change to the syntax
no beginning, and in contrast to structure does open up with the decision
Greek philosophical thought, in certain ambiguities in the text. This
which the existence of the world decision causes verse 1 to no longer be an
from eternity is a basic independent clause but to become
presupposition, the Genesis grammatically linked to verse 2 as a
cosmology fixes by the use of the dependent clause. This can and often does
phrase 'in the beginning' (bere'sit) change whether or not you decide to take
an absolute beginning for creation." the first verse as a general introductory
term, as Dr. Constable does, or one of the
Dr. Constable doesn't fully go on to express other views. The decision to accept one or
in his commentary why he prefers this view, the other translations often depends on
but most conservative scholars, at least whether or not you're trying to introduce
those that adhere to the historical- pre-existing material, time, or the
grammatical method of interpretation, presupposition of Satan's fall into the text
follow the third view because either before verse 1, in-between verse 1
 3

and 2, or on day 2. It would not be fair to original Hebrew text underlining the
say though, that everyone is trying to find a Septuagint, the greek text
text to support their presuppositions, but it underlining the Old Latin, as well as
doesn't seem to be an accident that Alexandria and Origens translation
oftentimes the scholars who hold to these sources.) have all still chosen to kept
varied positions invariably choose the text the syntax translation in the
that aligns with their positions. absolute form. (this we know from
scribal notes)
The reason I’m convinced the traditional 6. Lastly the book of Genesis is about
text’s rendering of the syntax is correct can beginnings, and is structured in this
be summed up as follows. way purposefully. If there is no
absolute beginning then it fails at its
1. The Greek translation of the Hebrew objective.
text the septuagint (which was the
biblical text of the greek jews during IN THE BEGINNING
the days of Christ), the masoretic The term In the beginning or in Hebrew
text, as well as most other ancient b'reshit as used here is in the absolute form
manuscript fragments use the emphasizing the idea of a definite and
absolute form specific starting point, rather than an
2. Verse 2 is a disjunctive clause, ongoing process or an undefined period. It
meaning it has no logical or expresses to us that at some point, from our
chronological order. See commentary spatial perspective, God out of the eternal
on verse 2. state (a state of non-duration and
3. The Progressive revelation of the timelessness) expressed his Divine power in
scriptures later texts concerning a way that now had a beginning and a
God's creatio ex nihilo (creation out duration. It also establishes that the
of nothing). Other biblical authors material universe, contrary to the ancient
from the Prophets to Jesus himself world's cosmology, is not an eternally past
use the absolute form or allude to an realm with no starting point. To have an
absolute beginning of time. eternal creation not only places creation as
4. Almost all scholars and ecumenical an extension of God's attributes or His very
translations of the bible have essence but you end up with an unending
translated the absolute form illogical regress. Meaning there would be no
assuring theological presuppositions first cause but an unending constant
are eliminated. causality and this is an illogical fallacy .
5. Early translators of the bible who
had fragments, scrolls, and codexes GOD
we no longer possess (such as the
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The Hebrew word God used here is the term truth can be understood by it from a more
Elohim. Elohim is a Plural masculine noun enlightened revelation point, but instead
as indicated by the ending -im. This epithet expresses upon the early readers the
oftentimes has been used as proof for the concept of a singular God who created all
Trinity. The -im to some indicates the things and is manifold in his majesties or
plurality of the personhood within the attributes.
trinity. This jump in conclusion based on
the plurality of a single word has often Now if you thought that was a complicated
bothered me. Not that the trinity is not idea, let me put a little controversy into the
true, this is one of the great truths of the mix. Elohim is also used in reference to
faith, but that this simple plural noun created beings or the false gods of other
construction somehow proves the trinity to nations.
me seems rather absurd and an illogical
jump in conclusion. There are other 1. God: The most common use of the
explanations that fit the syntax, grammer, term "Elohim" is to refer to God in
and especially historical perspective much the Old Testament. For example, in
better. Just because there isn't a specific Genesis 1:1, the opening line of the
verse in the bible that says God is three in Bible, the term "Elohim" is used to
one doesn't mean we should read into or refer to the Creator of the universe.
eisegesis the scripture. To me the most
obvious explanation for a Plural form of 2. Angels: In some passages, the term
God is that he is manifold in his expressions "Elohim" is used to refer to angels or
to us. His divine attributes are both other heavenly beings. For example,
extensive and intensive. Since he is trying in Psalm 8:5, the term "Elohim" is
to express himself as the creator of all used to refer to angels who were
things, this use of the plural noun had the created by God.
potential to illuminate early man thoughts
concerning this truth and possibly even 3. Pagan gods: The term "Elohim" is
open mans presuppositions later on for the also used to refer to pagan gods or
truth of God's plurality. Ancient near deities in the Bible. In Exodus 12:12,
eastern inhabitants often attributed every for example, the term "Elohim" is
element and force of nature to a different used to refer to the gods of Egypt,
god (Sun, Moon, Earth, Fertility, who were believed to have power
Agriculture, War, Mountains, Wind, over various aspects of the natural
Thunder, etc.). Having a plural form of God world.
while using singular verbs from my
perspective does not point contextually to 4. Judges or rulers: In some passages,
the trinity, though I think in some ways the the term "Elohim" is used to refer to
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human judges or rulers who exercise The Hebrew word Created is the word Bara.
power and authority over others. For In the Bible, the word "bara'' is often used
example, in Psalms 82:1, the term to describe the creation of something out of
"Elohim" is used to refer to a human nothing, known as creation ex nihilo.
judge who makes decisions about However, the word can also be used to refer
disputes between people though to the fashioning or formation of something
some view this usage as referring to from material that already exists, such as
angels. Using the Septuigent we the creation of man from the dust of the
could also cross reference John earth. The context in which the word is
10:34. used determines its exact meaning. This
word is used 3 times in Genesis; in v1,
5. Demons or evil spirits: In a few describing the creation of the universe out
instances, the term "Elohim" is used of nothing but God's word, in v. 21,
to refer to demons or evil spirits. For describing the creation of living creatures
example, in Deuteronomy 32:17, the (weather out of previous matter or not in
term "Elohim" is used to refer to unclear from the context), and v. 27,
demons who are worshiped by pagan describing the creation of man from dust.
peoples.
Allen P. Ross also confirms this conclusion,
I know shocking right. Well it becomes less
controversial when we remember that "The word bara' is used exclusively
Elohim is not a proper name but a for the activity of God in which he
designation and is a generic term and not a fashions something anew. The word
proper name of God. When the bible uses can be used for creating something
Elohim to refer to other beings we must out of nothing, but that idea must
remember that it isn't transferring qualities come from the context and not from
of God's divinity to other beings. the inherent meaning of this
Oftentimes it is used as a contrasting word word.Bara' has the nuances of
between elohim and The Elohim and other shaping, forming, or transforming.
times it represents other beings as image Its emphasis lies in the fact that
bearers of God's authority such as divine what is produced is new and fresh
counsels of angels or humans. The word is and good. While many English
complex and context driven and it's Words could be used in the
important to consider the broader context translations, "create" serves very
of how the word is used as well as the 10 well because it has been elevated by
additional variants. association with the Creator. This
usage is fitting, since bard' is
CREATED never found with a human subject."
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POLEMIC
Keep in mind as you continue reading that Before moving onto verse 2, I think a little
while Bara encompasses material creation word needs to be said concerning some
in its semantic usage, it leans more heavily possible background context for the Book of
towards the function of said material than Genesis. Because this information is not
its actual physical makeup. so to bring clear and is ambiguous, I will quickly make
something into functional existence would note with a few examples for you to ponder
hold best in idea to the ancient mind. John and contemplate. Most scholars are in
H. Walton in his book, Genesis 1 as Ancient agreement that when Moses wrote the book
Cosmology says it like this, of Genesis, he wrote it in such a way as to
give us a theological interpretation of
“Every element in Genesis 1:1 and selected historical events in accommodated
1:2 has connections to the cognitive language as well as a polemics against the
environment of the ancient near Egyptian Gods they had just been slaves to
east, yet there is neither mimicry for 400 years and against the various
nor complete dissociation from Mesopotamian Gods they would be
those roots in the Genesis text. As encountering as they enter the promised
constituents of the same broad land. Here is a short list:
cultural environment , the Israelites
thought about issues in the context 1. Egyptian god Atum(Ptah) who rose
as peoples around them, even if the from the primordial waters
detailed shape of the perspective of 2. Egyptian god Ptah who spoke
each culture reveals distinctives.” creation into existence
3. Egyptian god Ra who created and
HEAVENS AND THE EARTH separated light from dark
Created the heavens and the earth is a 4. Egyptian god Nun who embodied
Hebrew Merism. This is a rhetorical device the primordial ocean
that combines two contrasting parts to refer 5. Egyptian god Naunet who embodied
to a whole. In other words this manner of the heavens above the ocean
expression is simply saying everything that 6. The Canaanite(Ugarit) god El or
was created, God created at this point. It's elohim who was the progenitor of
similar to saying God watches over me day the universe
and night. The obvious conclusion is that 7. The Canaanite(Ugarit) god Baal who
God watches over me also in between these personified the water cycle
contrasting times. The reason for this type 8. The Canaanite(Ugarit) god Shemesh
of literary device is because Biblical Hebrew who personified the sun
contains no word for the universe.
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These are just brief examples of the

possible Polemics Moses would have had "The analysis of the beginning of the
against the other gods of the region. account, 1:1-2, has been debated
Because they are not directly spoken of in over the years (see appendix 1). The
the text I don't want to speculate too much problem concerns the relationship
upon their possible linkage, just keep in of the clauses in verse 2 to the
mind that Polemics are a major theme of statement in verse 1. In the Hebrew
Moses and really the scriptures as a whole. text the clause beginning verse 2,
"now the earth was waste and void,"
clearly begins with a disjunctive
CHAOS TO ORDER-TOHU WA BOHU ("now," or some other circumstantial
translation) rather than a
conjunctive ("and") or sequential
Genesis 1:2
("and then") formation. This
The earth was formless and void, and
construction signifies that verse 2 is
darkness was over the surface of the
not the result of or a development
deep, and the Spirit of God was
from verse 1. Consequently, many
moving over the surface of the scholars have posited a gap between
waters.[Genesis 1:2]. the verses, allowing for the fall of
Satan between the original creation
Since we have decided to take Genesis 1:1 and the chaos reported in verse 2.
in its traditional absolute form and Others would rather take verse 1 as
rendered the verse as an independent the title of the entire account of
clause, we are only left with the decision or creation, verse 2 as a description of
some would say consequence to render the chaos at the beginning of the
verse 2 as an independent clause also. As creation, and then verse 3 as the
we mentioned before, in the Hebrew beginning of the work of creation to
grammar this is a disjunctive clause. form the universe as we know it."

Disjunctive clauses in ancient Hebrew can A Grammar For Biblical Hebrew, by William
indicate differing types of relationships to D. Barrick and Irvin A. Busenitz confirms
what precedes or follows this type of this point as well,
construction. This relationship is one by
way of either continuity, contrast, "This verse opens with the same
circumstances, cause, or comparison. This word that closed verse 1. …"
Hebrew grammar rule concerning
disjunctive clauses is well known among all [V.1]"...hā’ārets [V.2] ve hā’ārets…"
Hebrew scholars. For example, Dr. Allen P.
Ross writes,
 8

"...Such construction is known as God did in verses 2-31. Verse 2 telescopes

anadiplosis. Grammatically, the in and should be seen as providing the
beginning of a sentence with waw + circumstances, or supplementary
non-verb is a disjunctive clause. information concerning the state of the
Disjunctive clauses have two basic earth in the beginning, while at the same
functions: (1) to present a contrast time contrasting it with what follows. Verse
between two subjects or two actions 3 is the actual beginning of day ones
or (2) to provide supplementary creation and is a contrast of shaping and
information (sometimes intended to filling to that of verse 2s formlessness and
be parenthetical). In this case, the voidness.
disjunctive clause is best taken as
supplementary information: In the Every interpretation of verse 1 and 2 has to
beginning God created the heavens deal with the fact that God created the
and the earth. With regard to the earth as a formless watery mass and took
latter, that earth was unformed and successive steps to create it instead of
unfilled." creating it whole and fully functional. Why
the Lord created the earth in this state prior
biblical scholar Robert Alter. In his to fashioning it is not really revealed.
book "The Art of Biblical Poetry," Theories range from Satan's rebellion,
writes: which would explain the reason he was
present in eden on day 6, a theory with no
"The disjunctive accent may be biblical support, to the concept of chaos
either a simple demarcator of before order which is a popular motif in
syntactical units or a marker of ancient writings and a truth distorted from
contrastive relations between reality. The fact is all of this is speculation
clauses. Often, however, it is both and the clarity just isn't found in the
things at once, indicating a break scriptures as to why. Whatever the reason is
between units and a subtle we must take heed to remove any notions
comparison or contrast between concerning the similarities of the pagan
them." myths to what is revealed in the scriptures.
The pagan creation myths are filled with
The bible writes in 3 ways to ancient tales of violent chaotic waters, God's
man..by accomodation language, waging wars against each other, or even
anthropomorphic language, and spitting and masturbation to form the
analogous language heavens and earth. Obviously as
monotheists such notions are foreign to our
So verse 1 is very Cosmic in its scope and concept of God and most disagreeable. Even
gives a summary descriptive title of what as a modern scientific civilization the
 9

concept of a beginning singularity that totter forever and ever. You covered
began the universe is widely held at least in it with the deep as with a garment;
its most basic theory of a beginning point of The waters were standing above the
space/time and matter. So while many mountains. At Your rebuke they
biblical expositors may disagree on the fled, At the sound of Your thunder
speculation of why, most scholars of they hurried away. The mountains
anthology do agree that the concept of rose; the valleys sank down To the
functionality was placed high upon the place which You established for
minds of early man. What I mean by them. You set a boundary that they
functionality is that everything had a name may not pass over, So that they will
and a purpose and an ordering to it that not return to cover the earth."
allowed for the efficient functioning of
society and the natural world. If it did not "You set a boundary that they may never
have a practical use to them then it didn't return to cover the earth.", tells us that the
truly exist. Everything that was created had world will never return to a purposeless
a purpose and a function to fulfill. The state (from our perspective), it will continue
world around them was a great interplay of to go forth and accomplish the purposes
functions used to interpret their lives in and ultimately the glorification of God.
order to make sense of the world around
them. Having the earth come from a TOHU WA BOHU
functionless state, the base essential of
existence into function and complexity The days of creation that contrast the
would have shown that the one who creates formless (tohu) and void (bohu) can be
is also the one who bestows the purpose of divided as such:
the created. The world in this state while
having a potential function in the mind of Formlessness to Form
the creator was non the less at some Day 1 the realm of light and dark
transitional point (for an unknown period Day 2 the realm of the sea and sky
of time) Functionless and waiting for the Day 3 the realm of the dry land
Master Potter to take the clay and with
perfect wisdom and understanding bring Emptiness to Filled
about the purpose of the cosmos and His Day 4 Luminary Bodies to fill and divide the
purposes in time. sky
Day 5 Animals to fill the sea and sky
The author of Psalms 104:6-9 says, Day 6 Animals and humans an to fill the
land
"He established the earth upon its
foundations, So that it will not
 10

We must keep in mind that this is not a metaphorically for the seat of the senses
correction of the formlessness and and rational intellect.
emptiness. This was not God fixing a
problem. Remember everything in the The New Strong’s Concise Dictionary of
beginning was good and fulfilled the the Words in the Greek Testament and
purpose set out for it. God never creates or The Hebrew Bible
fashions something without a purpose. This
instead should be viewed as building and In the case of the Hebrew word "ruach" (
fashioning upon a foundation that was laid ‫)רּוַח‬, Strong's Concordance lists three
for the express purpose of constructing a separate entries: 7306, 7307, and 7308.
habitation for God's kingdom to come. Each entry represents a different meaning
or usage of the word "ruach."
Isaiah 45:18, shows that the formlessness
(tohu) is with the purpose to function Here are the three different entries and
habitable, their meanings:

"For thus says the Lord, who created 7306. ‫ רּוַח‬rûwach, roo´-akh; a prim. root;
the heavens (He is the God who prop. to blow, i.e. breathe; only (lit.)) to
formed the earth and made it, He smell or (by impl. perceive (fig. to
established it and did not create it a anticipate, enjoy):—accept, smell, × touch,
waste place tohu, but formed it to be make of quick understanding.
inhabited), 'I am the Lord, and there
is none else.'."[Isaiah 45:18]. 7307. ‫ רּוַח‬rûwach, roo´-akh; from 7306;
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible
Tohu refers to the place in which the (or even violent) exhalation; fig. life, anger,
ordered creation has not yet been imposed. unsubstantiality; by extens. a region of the
Just as the desert is used to describe non sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a
existence in Egyptian literature so tohu is rational being (includ. its expression and
used to the Hebrew. functions):—air, anger, blast, breath, × cool,
courage, mind, × quarter, × side, spirit ([-
RUACH HA ELOHIM ual]), tempest, × vain, ([whirl-]) wind (-y).

SPIRIT 7308. ‫ רּוַח‬rûwach (Chald.), roo´-akh;

corresp. to 7307:—mind, spirit, wind.
The Hebrew word Ruach can be translated
in its most basic form as spirit, breath, and Here the reader gets their first glimpse at
even of the wind. It always describes the second person of the trinity, the Holy
something unseen and often used Spirit. Of course the early Hebrew didn't
 11

understand the trinity because it was not The use of analogies can be helpful in
something disclosed yet through revelation. providing a point of reference or context for
Looking back over the scriptures in the light discussion, but they should not be taken too
of the New Covenant writings we have the far or used as a definitive explanation of the
blessing of a fuller understanding doctrine of the Trinity.
concerning God's deity or what can also be
referred to as his metaphysical essence. DEEP
While having a fuller revelation is always
preferred, it does come with its own The Hebrew word Tehom is a poetic way of
challenges. Some can be worked out by a describing the early earth's condition , that
diligent study of the fuller revelation of God of being completely submerged under
and some we can only take by faith since water. It comes from the root Hoom,
they have no physical parallels to help us meaning to make an uproar, agitate greatly,
grasp them. This is one of those such destroy, move, make a noise, put, ring again
things. While we as later Christians having as in reverberation. The Arabic derivative
the revelations of God for an extended means to rush about madly. This describes
period of time might do better at the physical conditions of the early earth in
articulating the Trinity it is still beyond our its formless and void state. Though it wasn't
verbiage to be able to lay out the inner a chaos in the sense of the heathen world,
workings of a divine relationship shared being that of something for Yahweh to
only among the Father, The Son, and The battle and bring into order, non the less it
Holy Spirit. The best analogy I've heard, was not a tranquil scene. It would have
and believe me there are many, is that of been a place of great physical upheavals,
how a scientist might describe a material turbulent waves, and loud noises. Its
for example a particle. A particle has both offshoot word Hawmone, was often
mass, volume, and density. All 3 relate to borrowed later to describe symbolically
each other yet all 3 cannot exist without the chaotic mobs of people. It's possible that
other and still all 3 are not the same as the Moses borrowed this word from the
other but distinct. Also a particle according babylonian Goddess tiamat, of which the
to quantum physics can exist word is a derivative, in order to once again
simultaneously at different points in space have a polemic against foreign God's. There
and are not in a fixed position in space until is also the possibility that any polemic
observed. Its important to note that any possibly seen in Genesis is not fully
analogy or illustration used to describe the intentional. The reasoning goes like this. If
Trinity is limited and imperfect, as the (and it is a big if) Adam and eve spoke
concept of the Trinity is ultimately a Hebrew, even if it isn't in the same form
mystery that cannot be fully understood or used during Moses time or even the
explained by human language or imagery. babylonian exile, then some words used by
 12

foreign nations after the babylonian

language confusion would have been Piel, to brood over young ones, to cherish
misused by them thus distorting their young (as an eagle), Deuteronomy 32:11
original usage. The reason I say it's a big if figuratively used of the Spirit of God, who
is because the linguistic evidence for this brooded over the shapeless mass of the
theory, while greatly held by many earth, cherishing and vivifying. Of far more
Christians and jews alike, has no consistent frequent use is the Syr. ‫ܪܰܚܦ‬, which is used
biblical or linguistic-historical support. The of birds brooding over their young, Ephr. ii.
reason we know ultimately that Moses p. 552; of parents who cherish their
meant deep in the sense of primordial children, Ephr. ii. p. 419; of Elisha
waters is because in the same verse it is cherishing the body of the dead child, Ephr.
used synonymously with Mayim, "water" i. p. 529; also of a voice descending from
which literally means H2o. This is what's heaven. The Arabs use in the same sense
referred to as a Parent Root. These are the the verb ‫ رخم‬I. IV. to brood on eggs (as a
2099 source words of which all Hebrew is hen); to soothe a child (as a mother),
derived. Being used along side a Parent- Genesis 1:2.
root word is a strong indicator that they are
to be viewed in a similar fashion yet not "Rachaph" is a verb that is used in a few
quite synonymously but with varied other places in the Hebrew Bible to describe
nuances. They can't be direct synonyms a bird brooding or sitting upon and
with each other seeing as one is not derived incubating over its young (Deuteronomy
directly from that root itself. 32:11) or of false Prophets trembling in
fear. (jeremiah 23:9).
MOVING UPON, HOVERING,
FLUTTERING, BROODING The implication given here to the Hebrew
reader is that this spirit is an intellect
Gesenius' Hebrew and Chaldee responsible for creating with God and is like
Definition a parent preparing its young for life. The
reason I say this spirit is because the
‫“[ ָר ַחף‬pr. to be soft”], to be moved, affected concept of the Trinity is never developed in
(cogn. to ‫)ָר ַחם‬, specially the Old testament and even the divinity of
the spirit which can be seen developed later
(a) with the feeling of tender love, hence to in Isaiah 63:10-11, is never really harped
cherish, see Piel. upon in Hebrew writings until after the
second temple period. This was when
(b) with fear, tremor, hence to tremble Jewish leaders developed the "Two Powers"
(spoken of the bones of a person terrified), theology. The "Two Powers in Heaven" is a
Jeremiah 23:9. concept in Jewish theology that refers to
 13

the belief in two distinct divine beings or There is a tendency to see this beginning
powers within the Godhead. This idea was light as being sourced by the shekinah glory
present in Jewish thought during the of God. While this could be a possible
Second Temple period, which spanned from interpretation it isn't the most obvious.
the 5th century BCE to the 1st century CE. What I mean is nothing in the context
The two powers in heaven were often draws our attention to this being God's
identified as God the Father and God the presence that illuminates the universe.
Son, or as the angelic and divine aspects of Every mention of God's glory in the bible is
God. This idea was considered controversial immediately obvious to the reader as being
by some Jewish theologians, who viewed it just that. It would seem very odd for Moses
as a form of polytheism or heresy. It was who was a first hand witness to God's glory
eventually abandoned, but we can see on Mount Sinai to have written this with
where the seed form to convey the trinity such passing reference if this was God's
was planted for this truth to be more easily glory. Now it is true that in the course of
assimilated in the 1st century. God's providential run through history that
the New heaven and earth is illuminated by
The word picture here is that of an God's glory through the Lamb on the
expectant mother incubating life. The Spirit throne.
of God brooding or hovering over the
waters, also translated waste land in Revelations 21:22-27 describes the New
deuteronomy 32:10 in reference to Israel's heaven and earth in this way,
wandering place, is about to act. The same
God who split the sea and eventually led "I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the
them out of wandering into the promised Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And
land is the same God who prepared the land the city has no need of the sun or of the
for habitation in the beginning. moon to shine on it, for the glory of God
has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
Then God said, “Let there be light”; The nations will walk by its light, and the
and there was light. 4 God saw that kings of the earth will bring their glory into
the light was good; and God it. In the daytime (for there will be no night
there) its gates will never be closed; and
separated the light from the
they will bring the glory and the honor of
darkness. 5 God called the light
the nations into it;
“day,” and the darkness He called
and nothing unclean, and no one who
“night.” And there was evening and
practices abomination and lying, shall ever
there was morning, one day. [Genesis come into it, but only those whose names
1: 3-5]. are written in the Lamb's book of life."
 14

This is called inverted recapitulation. heaven and earth are not simply a return to
This refers to the way that the Book of the original state of Eden and its original
Revelation uses the imagery and themes light source but rather a new creation that
from earlier parts of the Bible but reverses includes elements that were not present in
or inverts the order to show that God has Eden, such as the presence of the lamb
been successful in his redemptive history of upon the throne. Also the illumination in
redeeming both Adam's offspring and lost the book of revelation is only said to light
eden. In other words, the Book of the city of Jerusalem and there is no night
Revelation reestablishes the earlier themes there. It contextually ismt describing the
and symbols in light of its own message, whole of creation or even the whole earth.
and in doing so, creates a new narrative Also the reference to no need for the sun
that draws on the earlier biblical texts, and and moon to light it, does not mean those
shows a restoration of Nature through the heavenly bodies are no longer present. It
purification of the old heavens and earth only means that there light isn't needed in
into the New. This is a wonderful thought order to illuminate the city.
and true in its conclusions. The only issue I
have with this conclusion is that it reads TOBE
back into the old testament revelation of
God's glory on earth. The fact that 2 things According to the ancient Hebrew lexicon by
can be similar does not mean they are exact Jeff Brenner, the Hebrew word Tobe or good
things. This is a fundamental rule of simply means by extended definition,
Biblical typology. In typology, there is a pleasing to the senses and ethically correct.
fundamental rule of continuity and It is excellent because it functions properly
discontinuity. This means that while there and is of the highest caliber and the
is a clear connection or correspondence choicest piece and that which is bountiful.
between two things there are also The Hebrew word good is used 6 times in
significant differences or discontinuities Genesis 1 and in the final verse God
between the two. Matter of fact ever type in declares all that He has made as being very
the bible every used every time is good. Far to often you hear preachers,
disconnected from the other type, why teachers and even theologians declare that
would this one be any different. the original creation before the fall was
perfect, but you have to ask yourself,
I would argue for example, in the case of perfect in what way? Can this perfection be
the light source for heaven and earth, there as perfect as the new heaven and new
is continuity in the sense that both are earth? Is it morally perfect as the new
characterized by a state of illumination and heaven, new earth? What exactly is meant
separation of darkness. However, there is when you hear someone say this? Satan was
also discontinuity in the sense that the new already corrupted and within the Garden
 15

when very good is used, so it can't refer to What I believe Tobe is referring to here, is
moral perfection. Also how can something the decision of God to create light that is
like the new heaven and new earth be more beneficial for life is good, beautiful, and of
perfect than perfect. There seems to be a the highest choice. Not that the light in and
need to really get down to a more concise of itself was perfection.
meaning to Tobe as used here. The word
has a very wide semantic range. It can mean Another thing to remember is that the
good, without defect, blameless, perfect, declarations of goodness are not
integrity, full, sincerity, unblemished, intrinsically aligned to the period of time
complete. I tend to follow the interpretive during which the creation is occurring (i.e.
rule that when the context cannot show you the days themselves), but rather tied to the
which translation of a word to use, then it's completion of various aspects of creation.
best to use the most common of the usages for example day 2 has no declaration of, it
in order to avoid inserting biases into the was good, but day 3 has two. Also day six
text. Thankfully this is the traditional word has 2 declarations of, it was good, but day 7
used here already, good. It is also translated has none. Yet the end of creation
Better and beautiful in Genesis, but no everything is declared very good. So yet it is
other semantic range is found in the book right to say every day was good, but we
of Genesis. Better is used in the context of a must caveat that with the explanation of
better choice Genesis 29:19, and beautiful why its usage varies within the narrative.
in the sense of physical beauty Genesis 6:2. The most common explanation and the one
If we wanted to paraphrase these we could I agree with is that, good was only used on
say, "...and God said it was good, beautiful, certain days to emphasize the completion
and choicest." Yes I know that sounds of each stage for mankind to rule and the
funny. That's why I'm not a fan of significance it has for the benefit of man.
paraphrasing scripture, but it can be used as (Better explain this Jason)
a tool for understanding. What I'm trying to
get across is the insertion of the When determining whether or not the days
connotation of perfect and complete isn't of creation are actual solar days or periods
found in the context or other usages found of time you must keep in mind the rules of
in the book of Genesis. Can the word mean hermeneutics. There are only 1 out of 7
this, yes. But not by proper interpretive major interpretations that adhere to the
measures with the context of Genesis 1 or literal, grammatical, historical, contextual
the whole of the book. You could attach method of interpretation consistently
prosperity to it as used in the book of Job, enough to be viable. As Bible readers we
but since it's authorship and dating are are responsible to stand upon the
unknown it's better not to do that. interpretation that best fits the rules of
interpretation and the totality of scripture.
 16

It's also a wise approach when two very essential doctrines. If you do not, the very
good options occur to lean towards the one foundation your essential doctrines are
that answers the most questions without built upon are subject to shifting and
being so dogmatic as to cast heretical wiles inevitable toppling. The hermeneutics used
at the other. to derive essential doctrine by many are not
necessarily considered essential themselves
There are also a few not very well known because they are seen as tools or methods
theories, but all of these will be described in that are used to arrive at essential doctrine,
appendix B. Just to note ahead of time so as rather than as essential doctrines in and of
to not require reading of appendices first. themselves. Now as a whole this is correct
While not every interpretive framework not every hermeneutical rule can be derived
should be cast aside as heretical, there are from scripture and should be subject to
heresies that cannot be included in such scrutiny, but the basic features of a normal
frameworks as to immediately cast them interpretation and canonicity can and
aside as rubbish. There are 4 such truths should be held as an agreed upon starting
that must be agreed upon in order for any point for any productive study of scripture.
theology going forward to remain intact. In terms of the other starting points they
There must be creation ex nihilo, a are all clearly derived from scripture and
historical Adam and Eve in which all non non-negotiable.
mankind springs from, Death of Mankind
cannot have entered into the world until Genesis 1:6-8
after Adam's sin, and theistic evolution
must be eliminated. Any belief to the Then God said, "Let there be an expanse
contrary must be taken off the table as they in the midst of the waters, and let it
would use the allegorical approach to separate the waters from the waters."
scripture to justify any contrary teaching. God made the expanse, and separated
See the problem with most denominations the waters which were below the
even those I would say are the most expanse from the waters which were
orthodox is they do not set as prima rerum above the expanse; and it was so.
doctrina, or Doctrine of first things as an God called the expanse heaven. And
essential, or at best do not consistently there was evening and there was
hold to it. Doctrine of first things are: the morning, a second day.
hermeneutics in which truth can be derived,
the canon of scripture, the verbal plenary This verse is often taken to say much more
inspiration of scripture, and the inerrancy than it does. This verse simply describes the
of scripture. There must be an separation of the earth's early atmosphere
epistemological hermeneutical framework to an atmosphere capable of normal water
that is agreed upon before deriving cycles. The waters that are above the
 17

expanse are that which man would have example of when to use Occam's razor, that
recognized as the manifestation of water in is, "the simplest solution is almost always
the atmosphere, clouds. Also described as the best."
Gods upper chambers (notice the plurals. )
The reason this and many other theories
He waters the hills from His upper have come about, is the way in which it
chambers; the earth is satisfied with the says, the waters are above the expanse. Now
fruit of Your works (Psalm 104:13). as literal interpreters of the scripture we are
wise to interpret verses with a strict
WATERS ABOVE THE EXPANSE grammatical structure therefore allowing
the scriptures to interpret themselves. One
The waters below would have been the of the problems is we often forget there are
oceans, lakes, rivers, and subterranean many literary devices to language. This is
waters. There is a popular theory among one often forgotten about, it's called a
young earth creationists called the canopy phenomenological statement. It is a
theory that theorizes that the early earth statement made that takes into account the
had a canopy or thick layer of water vapor viewer's point of reference. The easiest
above the expanse until the unleashing of example is sunrise and sunset. Obviously
the gates of heaven during the flood in the sun orbits the earth and doesn't rise or
which this canopy would have been fall, but we use the literary device because
dissipated. from our perspective it does. Also note that
The main problem with this theory is the Genesis 1:14-17 says that the sun, moon
fact that this same term is used later in and stars reside in the expanse, when
scripture when the canopy was theorized to actually they are in space not in our
have been depleted, atmosphere. So before we get to literal, we
must remember that while nothing in
Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, Genesis is false or myth it does employ
And your waters above the heavens! Let accommodated language, allusions,
them praise the name of the Lord, For anthropomorphic language, and language
He commanded and they were created. intended for a specific frame of reference.
He has also established them forever
and ever; He has made decrees which Genesis 1:9-10
shall not pass away (Psalm 148:4-6)
Then God said, "Let the waters below the
This is a theory, while well intentioned, heavens be gathered into one place, and
does not stand up to scripture and modern let the dry land appear"; and it was so.
physics. The theory has for the most part
become an extinct theory. This is a perfect
 18

God called the dry land earth, and the the biological life soon to be teeming upon
gathering of the waters He called seas; the earth or if applied to the waters
and God saw that it was good. symbolically, could personify the water's
expectation of aquatic life soon to be
At this point landmasses rose above sea created on day five.
level. The waters receded into the earth's
crust, due to plate tectonics, and the ONE PLACE
natural water cycle of earth evaporation
and precipitation redeposited pools of We aren't told by revelation that the
water. Psalm 33:7 describes this as continents used to be one great land mass
gathering the waters into jars and putting as we would be told by modern science. The
the deep into storehouses and Job 38:7-10, closest we get is to the bibles statement of
refers to this as shutting up the sea behind Peleg being born during the times the earth
doors and bolting it shut within a set was divided, but even this seems most likely
boundary. It is noteworthy to mention that in reference to the babylonian language
the waters of the deep, Genesis 7:11, during division These land masses according to
Noah's flood were the main source of modern geoscience are referred to as
flooding during that time. While it did rain Pangea, Gondwana, Pannotia, Nuna (or
consistently during that period of time, our Columbia), Rodinia, and Ur. The thing to
atmosphere could not contain enough keep in mind with these landmass theories
water before reaching a saturation point to is that they are posited with reference to
be the main cause of the flood waters, Also millions of years, and without a
if somehow the atmosphere did contain this cataclysmic flood, so there starting
over saturation of water early man would parameters are already in error. Now not to
literally suffocate by the mere act of seem like I'm purposefully trying to become
breathing. a concordist because being gathered into
one place could possibly just be a figure of
BE GATHERED speech for the delineation of the water from
dry land in the various locations of the
The Hebrew word qavah, not only means to earth. This terminology could be seen as
gather by binding, but it means to gather by referencing the early earth's early
binding with some kind of eager landmass. Even the ancient Egyptian
expectation or waiting. As mentioned pictures concerning the early earth are
before, the God of creation has been those of a single landmass coming out of
forming this earth and all its spheres, the the waters of chaos. This also seems to be
expanse, the waters, and the land to be the reasoning behind the pyramids
occupied. Now this expectation of waiting, structure. The benben or pyramidion is the
if in reference to God, could apply to all of top stone placed upon the pyramid
 19

structure that represents the primordial growth is done slowly and over time. Yet we
landmass after its creation out of chaos. see that grammatically the days are
This holds true also for the Greeks, Hindus, numbered, and bracketed off so as to infer
and even the native americans. The theory that the solar days interpretation is the best
that I think best explains this is called the understanding of the natural reading. Not
hydroplate theory and catastrophic plate only this but this would have been the
tectonic theory. This wouldAmericans. In understanding of the original readers. I
part give explanation to man and animal know that at this point most young earth
early diversity around the globe. I creationists start to point out the possibility
personally do not believe this to be the only of rapid growth. I'm in agreement that this
cause for biodiversity, as I would believe makes the most sense if you want to keep
the clover first doctrine of migration or the consistent with solar day interpretation.
pacific coast theory of migration fits the The question that I want to postulate is by
archeological evidence better, but the what mechanism did God use to cause the
landmass of this size would be in fitting rapid growth.
with both biblical and scientific views. The
only thing lacking in its congruence is lots SPROUT, YIELDING, BEARING,
of time. BROUGHT FORTH

Genesis 1:11-13 Everyone of these terms, especially the last,

Then God said, "Let the earth sprout correlates directly with the concept of
vegetation, plants yielding seed, and germination. This can especially be seen in
fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit the Hebrew word YATSA translated as
after their kind with seed in them"; and brought forth in the Nasb. According to
it was so. Gesenius' Hebrew and Chaldee Definition, it
The earth brought forth vegetation, means,
plants yielding seed after their kind, and
trees bearing fruit with seed in them, "to go out, to go forth (Eth.
after their kind; and God saw that it was ወፅአ፡ id. In Syriac and
good. Chaldee the word which
There was evening and there was radically corresponds, ‫ֳיעא‬
morning, a third day. ‫ܺܝܥܳܐ‬ to germinate, to
expand, as a plant, they use
in the sense of going out,
The question one must ask themselves when speaking of men and
here, is in what fashion was biological life other things ‫ ְנַפק‬,‫ ܢܰܦܩ‬as
first created. To the observer of the natural the Arabs do ‫"خرج‬
world every experience we have of plant
 20

It doesn't as some hold, point to an There are no plants with a life cycle of
appearance of age, if the growth was rapidly germination within such a short period of
altered especially by time dilation then it time, especially what is believed to be the
would be actual age. The natural reading castor oil plant. All plant life of the variety
infers that the full growth of the plant life mentioned here have different life cycles.
occurred in the solar day presented by So unless biological life had a different life
scripture. What this means is that God cycle during this period of time, we must
somehow speed up the natural process of conclude that God caused the different life
the plants growth. This has scriptural cycles of all these plants to miraculously
precedence, Jonah 4:5-8 reads, sync up to maturity within one day at rapid
speed. If this is the case, and since God
"[5]Then Jonah went out didn't create them mature as He did Adam,
from the city and sat east of exception being the seed in them, then it's
it. There he made a shelter possible that God used time dilation as the
for himself and sat under it mechanism for this occurrence. Matter of
in the shade until he could fact if you bring time dilation in the
see what would happen in equation, and of course this is speculative,
the city. then the tension between the old earth
[6]So the Lord God appointed cosmology and young earth cosmology
a plant and it grew up over suddenly become less of a problem. That
Jonah to be a shade over his doesn't mean that I have some unknown
head to deliver him from his before Time Dilation Cosmology model that
discomfort. And Jonah was works, because I'm not a scientist and
extremely happy about the neither do I believe the early Hebrew reader
plant. of the Torah would have understood this,
[7]But God appointed a worm nor would I suggest this being taught as
when dawn came the next facet exegesis, because while all science
day and it attacked the plant must conform to scripture, scripture doesn't
and it withered. speak to all science. I am suggesting
[8]When the sun came up however, that this is a matter of personal
God appointed a scorching worldview and Concordance speculation as
east wind, and the sun beat to the nature of the conflict between these
down on Jonah's head so that two systems. This idea could at least be
he became faint and begged viable in relieving that tension between
with all his soul to die, young earth creationists, old earth
saying, "Death is better to creationists, and scientists, without
me than life."" conjuring up this idea that the hundreds of
thousands of scientists are so warped as to
 21

create such bad science. Now obviously we division is seen pre mosaic law is up for
know that many of them start from an debate, but suffice to say it was related to
atheistic position and true science is only them by God for Future purposes at the very
that with concords with the scripture of least.
course, but I think a more sober and somber
view is need in viewing this conflict

IN IT AFTER THEIR KIND (MIN-GENOS)

Genesis 1:14-19
The early species of animals and there Then God said, "Let there be lights in
divisions into different hierarchical levels the expanse of the heavens to separate
in taxonomy was not and could not have the day from the night, and let them be
been the same as they are today due to for signs and for seasons and for days
microevolution and the changes within and years;
biological life. Taxonomy is the division of and let them be for lights in the expanse
animals from the broadest to the most of the heavens to give light on the
specific characteristic and genetics. They earth"; and it was so.
are divided as kingdom, phylum, class, God made the two great lights, the
order, family, genus, and species. While this greater light to govern the day, and the
division might make sense to the modern lesser light to govern the night; He made
world it wouldn't make sense to the early the stars also.
archetype animals first created who God placed them in the expanse of the
contained all the biodiversity within their heavens to give light on the earth,
genes for the latter variations found. The and to govern the day and the night, and
bible calls this early divisions of life as to separate the light from the darkness;
kinds or in Hebrew Min. While we don't and God saw that it was good.
have any specific examples, we can infer There was evening and there was
that the word "min" as used in and outside morning, a fourth day.
of scripture likely referred to a grouping of
organisms that shared certain physical or Whether or not the sun, moon and stars
behavioral characteristics. It is possible that were created on the first day and appeared
early civilizations would have recognized on the forth day, or the luminary bodies
certain "kinds" of animals or plants based were created after another source of light
on their observable features, such as body had sustained the universe prior to the
shape, size, color, or behavior, and grouped forth day in my opinion is really beside the
them together accordingly. Also of note is point being made in these verses. I think to
early man was aware of another kind of often we try to fit science and scripture into
clean and unclean animals. How or why this a neat package and we forget to first listen
 22

too what scripture is trying to teach us. I don't think it's a big secret that God is a
When we do exegesis we are trying to find God of separation and unity. From from the
what the scripture is saying, i think this very beginning he separates and makes
section is all to often turned into not only distinctions all the way to eternity, when
eisegesis, but a homily to defend a certain distinctions in ethnicities or nationalities
position. God's appointment of the sun, still exist, yet eternal rule is solidified
moon and stars was for a specific purpose. further into Godhead rule, 1 Corinthians
That purpose was to serve mankind. Even 15:28.
before man was created the God of the
universe made sure to fashion the very GREATER LIGHT, LESSER LIGHT
cosmos for the benefit of His creation.
It has been observed by scholars throughout
Why was it important to lighten the earth the centuries that no names are given to the
and separate the day from night for signs, sun and moon, not only no names but no
seasons, days and years? This is a direct nouns are associated with them.
multifaceted answer that the whole of Instead the Hebrew uses two adjectives to
scripture adds much understanding to, but describe them, greater and lesser. The most
the short answer is for God's glory and agreed Upon interpretation as to the
man's enlightenment and enjoyment. The reasoning for this is because as unique and
Sun, moon, and stars are a part of a wider special as these bodies are to the function
cosmos that is fine tuned to interplay with of life on earth, they are not to be viewed
each other by the power of God in beyond what they actually are. God knows
sustaining of the universe. I think the truth that man will and always has placed undue
being revealed in this part of the Origins affinity upon them. From worshiping them
narrative is that from early man's limited in the earliest times to horoscopes in the
perspective and also according to God's modern times. God's willingness not to
plan, the sky above us was to be used to name them is a polemic against the ancient
interpret the world around us. How we heathens concerning the association of
interact with not only God but how we these heavenly bodies with deities or
interpret the world around us. They were to demons. Notice in the same day God swiftly
be used for timekeeping, navigating the mentions that he made the stars. These
world around them, and sign, omens, or great symbols of religiosity the world
tokens of God's promises concerning the admires and subject themselves too are a
past, present, and future, as well as secular, mere creation of the Almighty God, almost
religious, and spiritual traditions. an afterthought to such a great God.

SEPARATE THE DAY FROM THE NIGHT GOVERN

 23

The use of the term Govern or rule would be electrons, protons etc. But different periods
very accurate in the mind of the ancient of time the answer would have changed. In
Hebrew. While they would not have been 1st century B.C. the most common answer
able to explain the natural phenomenon would probably have been, earth, fire, wind,
behind it, they would have no doubt water. Another concept to keep in mind is
observed the changing seasons in that God isn't always, even when speaking
correlation with the size, shape, and color literally about something using the most
of the moon and the effects the sun had detailed language he could. He is using the
upon the environment understanding that most accurate and truthful language to
like a ruler who has dominion over his communicate the situation to mankind as
kingdom so the world was under the much as possible without bogging us down
sovereign rule of the luminary bodies and with unnecessary details that go beyond the
the changes in the environment associated message he wants to convey. Everything he
with there changes. says is true and everything is accurate but
he is not conveying the full picture of what
Now in coming to the fourth day, while not occurred. Not only would that go beyond
necessary for a proper interpretation, we the scope of man's knowledge both now and
are faced with the question of light being especially then, but it would go against the
created before the luminary bodies. I do not way in which God operates, by increasing
believe the bible and science are at odds light and understanding as man grows from
with each other and as a concordest in toddler to young adult and eventually to an
thought a synthesized explanation old man ready to be regenerated.
eventually will be achieved to any science
and scripture question. That being said Genesis 1:20-23
trying to insert modern science into texts
that are not trying to teach scientific theory Genesis 1:20-23
or practice is not good exegesis of the text. Then God said, "Let the waters teem
While this can be a good practice on a with swarms of living creatures, and let
personal level to rationalize speculatively birds fly above the earth in the open
to ourselves in order to unify our thoughts expanse of the heavens."
concerning revelation and a good practice God created the great sea monsters and
among like minded brothers in christ as a every living creature that moves, with
practice of reasoning skills and which the waters swarmed after their
understanding. Its ultimately bad practice if kind, and every winged bird after its
the understanding isn't related to what the kind; and God saw that it was good.
ancient human population would have God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful
considered science. For example, we might and multiply, and fill the waters in the
say the elements of the universe are atoms,
 24

seas, and let birds multiply on the Psalms. Both of these books are littered
earth." with symbolic illusions as well as it seems
There was evening and there was actual descriptions of a beast so whether or
morning, a fifth day. not leviathan was an actual creature is up
for debate.
This is the second time that the word BARA
is used, the first being the creation of the What we do know from the later biblical
heavens and earth in verse 1, and the third texts is that whenever these tannin are
time being the creation of man in verse 27. described they are always used to describe
Here God starts to create the first living something massive, difficult to kill,
creatures to occupy the first relm that was incredibly strong, at times having dwelling
created. Remember he separated the waters places both in the sea and dry land, and
from the waters to allow the expanse or ultimately under God's control.
atmosphere to appear as distinct from
bodies of water. Most scholars agree that the old
translations of dragon are not the most
SEA MONSTERS, LIVING CREATURES accurate and instead opt to translate this
verse as sea creatures because the word
There seems to be a controversy over what tannin most likely refers to several types of
sea monsters are. First what must be noted creatures most likely of reptilian nature
is the word sea is nowhere found in the since this seems the be the later borrowing
Hebrew text here, it simply says great of this word as a root. The question I ask
monsters, or other translations say great myself is did such early creatures ever exist
animals or great creatures and even great and why would they be mentioned in the
dragons. While this is true the context of creation account.
this usage establish that these creatures
inhabit the sea, so to create too much To the first question we have evidence that
controversy over this is simply unneeded such reptilian creatures did exist; they are
and beside the point of the verse. the mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs,
ammonites, belemnites, nautiloids,
The Hebrew word Tannin as translated crinoids, and echinoids, the great dinosaurs
monsters at its basic etymology simply of the sea. While technically not considered
means to stretch or extend. In later Hebrew dinosaurs because modern science classifies
books it is used to describe both reptilian things differently because of skeletal
like creatures, reptilian like mythological structure and movement etc. By all other
creatures as well as actual snakes. An measurements they fall into this same
example of these is in the description of prehistoric history.
Leviathan in both the book of Job and the
 25

To the second question, from mankind's tohu or bohu in Jeremiah 4:23-26, Isaiah
earliest writings we have seen that the 34:11.
oceans and seas or even just large bodies of
water have always held a certain fear for Genesis 1:24-25
man (the other being mountain tops). They Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth
were unpredictable, powerful, and living creatures after their kind: cattle
unfamiliar. They were both a place of and creeping things and beasts of the
danger and a spring of life. From the earth after their kind"; and it was so.
earliest religious and philosophical texts we God made the beasts of the earth after
see that man had derived the idea of the their kind, and the cattle after their
large bodies of water as representing kind, and everything that creeps on the
unordered chaos and throughout those ground after its kind; and God saw that
texts we see these mythological creatures it was good.
living in these bodies of water or at the
least associated with water as being chaos
beasts. for example; The Cattle, Creeping things, and Beasts of
the earth are really 3 broad categories.
Tiamat of Babylon Beasts of the earth are any of the terrestrial
Jormungandr of the Norse wild animals. Creeping things are not as
Cetus and phyton of the Greek some assume the snakes and bugs etc, while
Apep of the Egyptians included in this category the word really
Leviathan of the Jewish and Christians refers to any smaller species of animal that
Bakunawa of the philippians could be tread under foot such as field mice
Quetzalcoatl of the Aztec to locusts. The real focus of the verse is the
Xi Wangmu of the Chineses word cattle. The word is used of
domesticated animals and comes from a
Now this being said it does not necessarily primitive root word meaning to be mute,
mean that this is what God intended to referring to the ease of domestication. From
represent in this chapters historical the beginning before man was created the
account, but it does mean that man's Lord had already started to prepare the
revelation in later texts of the Bible would tools in which man would use to till the
draw a greater understanding of the chaos garden of Eden. What this shows us is that
and ordering motif present throughout even from the very beginning God had
God's word. Keep in mind that while we say created beasts that were of a tame nature, a
chaos we do not mean it in the same sense characteristic inherent in them for man to
as the heathens did. Psalms 33:6-9, Isaiah have dominion over. They were created
45:18-19 and then we see this motif in from the beginning like this, which is
reverse through illusions using the Hebrew contrary to man's modern scientific thought
 26

concerning evolutionary traits. Now this Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our
doesn't mean that the modern cattle are image, according to Our likeness; and let
just as easy to subjugate as the first ones, them rule over the fish of the sea and
they could be more or less as the original, over the birds of the sky and over the
but it does mean they were much more cattle and over all the earth, and over
docile then the wild beasts and from every creeping thing that creeps on the
historical documentation more easily breed earth."
to this condition. God created man in His own image, in
the image of God He created him; male
Now it's of worth noting that we do not and female He created them.
know what substance the sea creatures, God blessed them; and God said to them,
birds of the air and terrestrial animals were "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the
created from. I personally believe they were earth, and subdue it; and rule over the
all made from the dust of the ground, but it fish of the sea and over the birds of the
does not actually confirm this. The bible sky and over every living thing that
does however make a different distinction moves on the earth."
between man and creation by silence. See
both the waters and the earth are said to At this point, the genesis of Adam and Eve
bring forth from them the creature that are marks the commencement of God's
to occupy its realm. Later when man is supreme masterpiece. Throughout this
created in the Genesis 1 narrative it doesn't beginning narrative God has shown himself
address his origin as being according to the to be very distinct from all the other gods
realm he would occupy physically, though fabricated by man and manipulated by the
we learn the material he would be created satanic realm. He has shown Himself to be a
from in chapter 2, but it does establish his God of gracious ministry and service. Unlike
origin from God and the spiritual realm he the selfish and capricious gods of the
would occupy. I think Moses, by inspiration polytheistic world, the God of the Bible sets
of the holy spirit, did this in order for the up all of creation to care and tend for mans
reader to establish in their mind the stark needs and not his own. From the beautified
difference in kind from man and the other landscape and animals to the creation of
creatures. That even though we would learn the heavenly bodies as Cosmic time pieces,
the similarities of physical creation from all of the created elements are there for
the dust of the earth, the breath of life is Adam and Eve to have stewardship over,
ultimately the source of our life in the enjoy, and glorify God in.
spiritual realm.
LET US MAKE MAN IN OUR IMAGE
Genesis 1:26-28
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In ancient near eastern religions an idol or sovereign love. This is often contrary to the
an image represented, analogously by extremes that man can have concerning the
physical representation, their Gods role, environment. For one extreme may say,
personality, and powers. In a similar way let's get back to the state of Adam and Eve
Humanity was made as the likeness of God's in the Garden and let nature flourish and we
image. The question before us is what is the shall live in harmony with it and the other
image of God? I think at this juncture it is extreme says the world was given to us to
best not to go on with another thousand ravish its resources for the betterment of
words quoting the famous theologians of humanity. But there is a middle ground.
Christianity to answer the question, but to Adam and Eve were commanded not only to
only take as much from the context and rule but to subdue the earth. The Hebrew
Hebrew as possible. Because ultimately this word here Radah can seem kinda harsh
is all that could have been taken from the because it can mean both to subjugate,
early Israelites. The Hebrew word Tselem dominate, and scrape something out. But
according to the Ancient Hebrew Lexicon many contexts of this word in other books
means an outline or representation of an of the bible express a context of benevolent
original as a shadow. The Greek equivalent and equitable rule. For example, Psalms
eikon, used in the Old Testament Greek 72:7-8, Isaiah 11:4, and Jeremiah 23:5. In
bible the septuagint, is used extensively in what other way could the ancient audience
other ancient writings for an image of a have seen this analogously in their own
statue or picture, and an image in a mirror, lives. 3 examples come to mind. The service
metaphorically for a living image, and also of a good king, the rearing up of children
for specters and phantoms. What we can and the shepherding of animals. All three of
gather so far is whatever the image of man these while having a sovereign rule also
is in general is derived from the original provide protection, sustenance, leadership
and is archetypal of the original, like the and correct guidance. We as humanity
casting of a coin from the original model or should strive to better rule our world as
the parents likeness in a child. so in this commanded in the first chapter of Genesis.
way we are to represent God's knowable
attributes. Now the image of God in the context of
Genesis one is much simpler then the
The second thing we learn is that being theological concept derived from scripture
made in the image of God means having as a whole. I wanted to establish briefly first
Dominion over the earth as servants to that what could be seen from the immediate
creation. Just as we expressed that God is a context, then expand on the concept in
God of service, so we also are to have Christian christendom as a whole. The
dominion over God's creation with the image of God falls into 3 main categories:
intent to rule and subdue it but with the functional image of God, the
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substantive image of God, or the declarative existence as a personal spiritual being. This
image of God. Future stated; the functional category emphasizes the ontological and
image of God is the declaration that we as intrinsic value of God.
image bearers is directly linked with our
functional capacity as dominion keepers, The last controversy of God can be
the substantive image is the declaration expressed like this: what are the attributes
that something intrinsic in man's spiritual of God and how many are there that can be
or physical makeup itself are the quality of expressed? Unfortunately that is beyond
image bearer, and the declarative image is the scope of this writing because this topic
quite simply that, it's based on God is much too large and would need a book of
declaring it and nothing more. The its own. What I can say is whatever the
functional, declarative, and substantive attributes of God are ultimately determined
image of God categories represent different as, man is but an image of God and cannot
ways of conceptualizing God's nature and fully express these attributes and not every
actions, and each category highlights attribute of God can be expressed even
unique aspects of God's character and role. remotely by a finite physical being. For
But and serious student of scripture will example God's omniscience isn't a sharable
automatically realize that combining these attribute and neither is his omnipresence.
categories can provide a more
comprehensive and nuanced understanding Now we are to notice that the Image of God
of who God is and Gods image bearers. is expressed in both male and female. Even
though God is consistently expressed as the
The functional image of God focuses on Father and in masculine terms, This is not
God's actions and roles, such as Creator, always the case and is very often expressed
Redeemer, and Sustainer. This category in terms of the feminine nature, such as a
emphasizes God's function or purpose in hen covering her eggs, a nursing mother, or
relation to the world and humanity. even being born of the Spirit. God is a spirit
and is therefore genderless. While God is
The declarative image of God refers to the expressed in many ways these are all
attributes or characteristics of God, such as analogous to his being. The theology of the
love, justice, and mercy and the choice to unknowability of God tells us that while we
declare these things graciously upon an may be able to express God by linking words
unworthy creation. This category that help us understand him such as peace
emphasizes God's nature which is and love. He is not those things but an
expressed through God's sovereign actions. expression much higher than those things.
Now this isn't to say he doesn't fulfill every
The substantive image of God refers to the aspect of those words and in truth they are
metaphysical nature of God, such as God's exactly how God chose to reveal himself,
 29

but it does mean that just as God said in God saw all that He had made, and
isaiah 55:8, " my thoughts are not your behold, it was very good. And there was
thoughts, Nor are my ways your ways…" so evening and there was morning, the
to is his nature. The true image of God can sixth day.
only be seen when both genders are taken
as a whole. It shall be food for you

BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY The first thing I want you to notice is that
this is a positive statement about what man
"Be fruitful and multiply" , is not a mandate can eat and not a restrictive command.
for every human being, but as heads of the While speculation exists in interpretations
human race it was given as a general that an implied restriction is found here,
mandate. The original command would We cannot out of pure speculation place a
have been to create a perfect human commandment where one is not clearly
population coexisting with God and all the seen. Besides if a command not to consume
other spiritual beings in a ideal flesh would have been commanded here
environment for fellowship and worship of then the story of Adam and Eve's fall would
the creator. After the fall and the flood it have been the focus of eating of the
was mandated again to Noah, the second forbidden flesh and not the forbidden
progenitor of the human race. eating of fruit of the knowledge of Good
and Evil. Weather or not Adam and Eve
Psalms 127:3-5 were vegetarian and consumed no flesh and
Ephesians 2:10 this was to be the course of man if the fall
Deuteronomy 10:12-13 had never occurred doesn't ultimately
Ecclesiastes 12:13 effect any essential doctrine of the faith and
Psalm 150:6 many old earth creationists also adhere to
this interpretation. So then, If the choice is
Genesis 1:29-31 adhered to by both creationist proponents
Then God said, "Behold, I have given you then why does it matter? Because when we
every plant yielding seed that is on the go about interpreting the Bible there is
surface of all the earth, and every tree nothing wrong with having opinions and
which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be speculations as long as these beliefs are
food for you; clearly communicated as just that. This
and to every beast of the earth and to particular belief on the young earth
every bird of the sky and to every thing creationists side of the line, in my opinion,
that moves on the earth which has life, I tends to be a hardline position for many,
have given every green plant for food"; unlike the old earth creationists (though
and it was so. some exceptions always exist), and adds
 30

much more "necessary beliefs" on to After the flood God reaffirms his desire for
another doctrine unnecessarily. Specifically man to procreate and still continue his
the church's teachings concerning the dominion over the earth even though later
transference of Adam's sin and the results scripture tell us that this world and the
thereafter. In order to get to the middle world systems have been given over to
ground it's important to speak where Satan. How can these two be reconciled,
scripture speaks but be silent where well God is still sovereign even when he
scripture is silent and to be careful your delegates control over to his creations.
opinion doesnt start to impose any other They are never given so much control as
contingent beliefs on another teaching. forfeit Gods claim on it. So while adam was
Before we move on to why it's still believed given dominion over the earth part of this
man and beast did not eat flesh, even if no dominion was forfeited over to Satan. Each
clear command can be found, we must work within the boundaries God has
address the restating of food consumption designated, never to over step them. Satan
given to Noah and his family after the flood. may have a large sphere of influence in the
It reads, world of sin and temptation and the
opposing influence against Gods kingdom,
"Genesis 9:1-7, And God blessed Noah and but like any good citizen of a tyrant ruler,
his sons and said to them, ' Be fruitful and its our job is to stand up for justice and seek
multiply, and fill the earth. The fear of you to bring about change. So, these two
and the terror of you will be on every beast concepts can be seen as complementary
of the earth and on every bird of the sky; rather than conflicting. In this view,
with everything that creeps on the ground, humans still have the responsibility to
and all the fish of the sea, into your hand exercise their God-given authority over the
they are given. Every moving thing that is earth, but they must do so in the midst of
alive shall be food for you; I give all to you, the influence and temptation of Satan and
as I gave the green plant. Only you shall not the sin that has entered the world.
eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.
Surely I will require your lifeblood; from "I give all to you, as I gave the green plant"
every beast I will require it. And from every seems to be crux of the decision between
man, from every man's brother I will require both views. The inference seems to be a
the life of man. Whoever sheds man's new change in dietary commands. Once
blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For again inference is not enough to teach
in the image of God He made man. As for something as fact. This could absolutely be
you, be fruitful and multiply; Populate the the case and grammatically it is allowable.
earth abundantly and multiply in it.' ". The only thing I want you to keep in mind is
that the permission to eat meat now given
isn't a change to a previous command not
 31

to eat meat. It is just now illuminated as a

possibility. Now you might say, well isn't Genesis 2:7 when describing the
that kinda deceptive to not inform Adam creation of Adam: "Then the Lord
and Eve of the possibility to consume flesh. God formed a man from the dust of
Not really because of the concept of the ground and breathed into his
progressive revelation. Just as a baby is only nostrils the breath of life, and the
allowed to consume milk with a bottle and man became a living being." The
then later allowed to eat more solid foods, same word is also used in Genesis
so is man not allowed to eat The full 7:21-22 during the account of the
consumption of what's available until the flood, where it states that all flesh
need arises. A perfect nutritional with the breath of life (neshamah)
environment would offer more than enough died
not to have to consume meat. Now the
question arises as to the belief that Adam The argument then goes that animal death
amd Eve didn't consume flesh because couldn't have occurred because any death
death was not permissible due to Adam not before Adam and Eve would go against the
having sinned yet. While this is a very doctrine of Adam's sin and transference of
common belief among Christians sin to all of the cosmos. Now I believe this
unfortunately it is not as clear cut as we is the truth of scripture, but I also know
would like. This presupposition is not a that it is an argument that can only be
product of exegetical arguments so much as made in the multiple disciplines of
it is of the theological and philosophical Exegesis, theology, and philosophy
sort. What I mean by that is because the cumulatively. There is a gray area in which
animals are described as having the spirit of brothers can disagree. I believe the scope
life neshamah and Ruach just as man, and intensity of Adam's sin upon the
something never described to the plant life, cosmos and its reach is one of them, as long
then it is inferred that animal death is as we agree the core of Adam's sin brought
considered death in the same relative way death to mankind both spiritually and
as a human. physically,the whole of creation was cursed
because of that sin, and the said
Genesis 7:21-22 (NIV): transference of sin introduced corruption
"Every living thing that moved on and suffering in an intensity never before
land perished—birds, livestock, wild apart of the created order.
animals, all the creatures that
swarm over the earth, and all I have given every green plant for food
mankind. Everything on dry land
that had the breath of life
(neshamah) in its nostrils died."
 32

These verses are, Romans 5:12-14 and that the creation itself also will be set free
Romans 8-18-21. from its slavery to corruption into the
freedom of the glory of the children of God.
Romans 5:12-14
Once again this verse, while speaking of
Therefore, just as through one man sin nature being subjected to the slavery of
entered into the world, and death through corruption and awaiting the final salvation
sin, and so death spread to all men, because of mankind into a new creation which starts
all sinned-for until the Law sin was in the at the rapture, progresses through the
world, but sin is not imputed when there is millennial kingdom, and has its ultimate
no law. fulfillment in the new heaven and new
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam earth, never states when this subjection
until Moses, even over those who had not began or even what kind of corruption is in
sinned in the likeness of the offense of view.
Adam, who is a type of Him who was to
come. Many believe this passage is referencing
Isaiah 24:4, in which this corruption is more
This verse used as proof of no death of clearly referenced as being the infection of
animals or even decay of creation before sinful man itself and not an intrinsic
Adam's fall contextually only says that change in nature itself. Isaiah 24:4 reads,
death was passed on to man and never
actually implies that no death or decay "[4]The earth mourns and withers, the
existed prior to sin. The subjects of the world fades and withers, the exalted of the
verse, that being to man, limits the people of the earth fade away.
applicable range of sin from these verses. [5]The earth is also polluted by its
inhabitants, for they transgressed laws,
Romans 8:18-21 violated statutes, broke the everlasting
covenant.
For I consider that the sufferings of this [6]Therefore, a curse devours the earth, and
present time are not worthy to be compared those who live in it are held guilty.
with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Therefore, the inhabitants of the earth are
For the anxious longing of the creation burned, and few men are left."
waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons
of God. But in my opinion this is a weak
For the creation was subjected to futility, interpretation of this verse, because it
not willingly, but because of Him who states the earth and man's corruption
subjected it, in hope matter of factly and then says it is also
corrupted by the sins of its inhabitants.
 33

invaded it in any intrinsic way and

The clearest allusion to when this therefore was morally and physically
corruption began is in verse 22 of Romans 8 innocent. It was harmonious, ordered, and
when it states, complete. We must keep in mind also that
Satan as a fallen being had already entered
,"For we know that the whole creation the garden at least by day 6, so the
groans and suffers the pains of childbirth declaration of it was perfect could not have
together until now." been uttered anyways.

In my opinion this verse leads to three

possible conclusions. It's either very
specifically the beginning of creation and
the he that subjected it is God at the
beginning of creation (in this case the old
earth creationists would say that this
corruption included death of all except man
and some young earth creationists would
say, no this is speaking only in the law of
physics in general like the law of
thermodynamics), it is Adam's sin in which
the he while still referencing God is
speaking of Gods sovereignty in allowing
Adams fall, or it is generally the beginning
of some unknown time period. I believe the
second best fits the totality of scripture, but
we must be honest that the He in context of
the whole of chapter 8 is God not Adam.

It is very good

Once again we reiterate that the terms good

and very good do not have the same
connotation or denotation as perfect. The
only thing we can draw without too much
assumption is that all of creation was
exactly as the Lord wanted abd it had an
inherent value and functioned exactly as it
was ordered. Sin and evil had not yet