We came across this incredible explanation for the first book of the Bible and couldn't resist sharing it with all of you! We hope we've cited our source accurately. If you have any questions, please comment below, and we will happily guide you to it!
Genesis truly is an incredible book!
Excerpt from: The Real Story: Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible. Chapter 1: The Trouble in Paradise (Gen 1-3); Sri, Edward & Martin, Curtis. pgs. 3-4. (c) 2012
For more go to: www.focus.org/therealstory
Don't be fooled: There's a lot more going on in the opening chapter of the Bible than you think! To grasp its powerful meaning, you have to look at the Book of Genesis from the perspective of the audience for which this text was written, the Israelites!
The way ancient near-extern cultures, like Israel, told stories and passed on their history is much different than the way we do it. Straightforward, chronological accounts, as used by modern historians, were not known. Instead, the Biblical authors often organized material by themes and used elaborate literary techniques that involved repetition, parallelism, allusion and alliteration - artistry that readers today often miss.
This is definitely the case with the first chapter of the Bible, in Genesis 1. The account of the six days of creating use figurative language and poetic devices to communicate its beautiful message about God's creation and plan for humanity.
Scholars have pointed out that there is a clear connection between the first 3 days of creation and the last 3 days. The author of Genesis 1 has done this on purpose - underscoring a series of parallels to reveal God as the divine architect, creating the universe with great order.
God creates 3 realms on days 1-3, then creates the rulers of those realms in days 4-6. On the 7th day he is pleased with his work and rests. Pretty AMAZING when you really stop and look at it!
Day 1: Night & Day <----> Day 4: Sun, Moon & Stars
Day 2: Sky & Sea <----> Day 5: Birds & Fish
Day 3: Land & Vegetation <----> Day 6: The Beasts
Finally, God creates man and woman, in his own image, and gives them the mission o rule over all creation.
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