Outline & Main Theme (Mar 24)

This session we shared some of the additional 50 observations from Genesis 1:1-2:3.

A few random notes:

1. Phil observed that the creation account includes much more detail about the earth, but very little about the heavens.

• Dorman remarked that that is a trend seen throughout the Bible: the focus is on what happens on earth, while there is little detail about heaven.
• A question was raised if "heavens" refers to Heaven or to the sky and space in general.
• Dorman noted the Hebrew word for heavens is literally "up there."
  

2. Jean Marc noted that only seed bearing plants are given to man to eat. Why?

• Dorman pointed out that there is a general theme of reproduction in the passage and that God's command to man was to "be fruitful and multiply." The word "seed" also appears a few times, noting that it comes up in Genesis 3 later. (a little look ahead)

3. JM also noted the structure of Genesis 1:27 :

• A = God created man

B = in His own image
B' = in the image of Go
A' = He created him;
C = male and female He created them

• The mirror structure of the verse poetically emphasizes that God created man in His own image. Man is a reflection of God.

• Both man and woman are created in His image.

4. Genesis 2:3, for the first time, states a reason for God's action: "because" - a causal link.

Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

• Rest is a huge theme throughout the Bible
• O.T.: Rest in the (promised) land. (Joshua)
• N.T.:
• Matthew 11:28-30
• Hebrews 3, 4
• Revelation 21, 22
• God rested: the all powerful rested->balance->integrity->Hebrew "echad"
• "Hear O Israel, the Lord your God is one(echad)"

[Sorry if your observations aren't listed above, I didn't write down everything!]

Homework:

1. Make a one page outline of Genesis 1:1-2:3

• Consider: How would you teach this passage? (i.e. make a teaching outline)
• How is the passage organized?
• What are the big principles?
• Be careful not to get caught up in the minutiae and miss the big picture.

2. Describe the main theme of Genesis 1:1-2:3 in 60 seconds

• 60 seconds = approx 8-9 sentences