Old Testament Context and Theology
- Does the Bible discuss the origin of God? If not, why?
Yes, it does, but not in the way typical origin stories go. Brueggemann writes, “In the narrative, however, YHWH is underived and capable of direct intrusion into the narrative life of Israel without preparation or antecedent. Thus there is, in the purview of Israel, no prehistory to YHWH.” We see this played out in the text when God approaches Moses in the burning bush; “God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am.’ And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14 ESV) In Hebrew, the I am who I am is actually a verb: Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh. This has many translations such as I will be what I will be, I will be who I will be, I am what I am, or even I create what I create. The purpose is to show Moses that he is the creator of all of the origin, therefore he pre-fixes creation. This is echoed later in Revelations with the Alpha and Omega (Revelations 21:6, 22:13).
- Does the Bible conflict with science about creation?
This is a much-debated topic with no subjective viewpoints. I believe that science and creation can live harmoniously if you understand the context of each disciple. One is the measurement of materialism (science) the other is the study of the spiritual (theology). Dr. Francis Collins wrote, “Science’s domain is to explore nature. God’s domain is the spiritual world, a realm not possible to explore with the tools and language of science.” To understand one is in no relation to the other. The Bible deals with matters of the heart primarily, where the physical universe is only examined by science, sometimes not even explained.
- How is Genesis 1 related to other Near Eastern creation accounts?
“Ch. 1 needs to be read in light of creation accounts from Mesopotamia. Although detailed comparisons are relatively few, three basic parallels exist the picture of the primeval state as a watery chaos, the basic order of creation, and the divine rest at the end of creation.” Other ancient Canaanite literature such as Ugarit have parallel creation and flood events that closely resemble that of the Hebrew Bible.
- Define the terms fiat and ex nihilo.
The term Ex Nihilo is a Greek term meaning out of nothing. This is used in several places but has significance to the understanding that God creates out of nothing. He is the ultimate uncaused, first cause, of all creation. Fiat is used in the same manner but associated with decreed language, as in he created out of fiat (not out of pre-existing matter) decree; “By faith, we understand that the universe was created by the word of God so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible” (Hebrews 11:3).
- Why are there two different names for Deity in chapters 1 and 2?
To distinguish between God and other Elohim’s. Elohim is another name for god or gods (small g) throughout the Old Testament. They are a member of the divine Godhead in ancient theology. God is a significant and distinct Elohim but the other elohims are not like him, although he is one of them.
- Are there two different accounts of the creation of man?
Yes and No. Adam in Hebrew is a generic man, and we see this in Genesis. However, God creates a helpmate, or partner for man known as a woman or Eve. Some would argue against this, however, I feel it is significant to show two different species of humans.
- What does it mean that man and woman are made in the image of God?
They are the divine imagers of God; his representatives here on earth. He, God in the form of Jesus Christ, is what they ought to be. Humans are God’s chosen rulers and His moral arbitrators of His creation.
- Why is the plural used in relation to the One God? 1:26, 27; 3:22; 11:7
This is known as Divine Council theology. It is a reference to the other Elohims that abode with God in His divine council. It is not used as a plural for the Trinity, this is a constant misconception of the text.
- Why is chapter 3 crucial in understanding the rest of the Bible?
Chapter three sets the framework of the entire Bible. It is why man is the way he is and why evil manifests in the way it does. Chapter three spells out the fallen world of God’s creation and portends the need for God’s salvation.
- Do talking animals (3:1) prove this account is mythological?
I believe the interpretation of a talking snake is misinterpreted theology. The serpent in 3:1, in Hebrew is nachash. This has many ancient Eastern roots in old literature. With proper syntax, this broken-down is a triple entendre, being a noun, verb, and adjective. The purpose of this story is not a snake or animal but a divine being, the subject of God’s initial punishment of the fall. Such a thing would have been a “diviner” or Elohim who rebels against God. This is later referenced in Old and New Testament Theology.
- Why is 3:15 so important?
It shows God’s punishment to the nachash, and his descendants and sets the stage for cosmic war against evil and good. It also foreshadows the coming man who will fulfill God’s destiny to ultimately save man through Jesus Christ.
- How does 3:16 apply to modern life?
It shows the intrinsic fratricide of men and women. Many people say this proves that women are submissive to men but really what this shows is what we see throughout the world, men, and women pitting themselves against each other. This shows the heart of sin and that with belief in God and obedience to his purpose, not our own, man and woman cannot be successful together without God as the central figure.
- Are there two special trees or one in the Garden of Eden?
Two, the tree of life and the tree of knowledge. This shows two clear distinctions of free will. The trees symbolize free will and the consequences of choice. The Tree of Life is a sanctified life, lived with God in communion. The Tree of Knowledge shows man’s desire to be like God, to live a man-centered life of worship as opposed to a God-centered life of worship.
- List the developments in society that come from Cain’s line, 4:16-24. What was the purpose of the Flood?
Genesis 4:16-24 chronicles two important themes, the rise of and development of society. This includes commodities, weapons, and instruments used to maturate civilizations. It also shows enmity between these civilizations; “Lamech said to his wives: “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. If Cain’s revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech’s is seventy-sevenfold” (Gen 4:23-24). These events set the stage for the purpose of the flood, to wash away the evils of mankind. It is symbolic in tone to baptism, in that God, washed away the sins of the world, but still found favor in man. Although his circumstances show mass destruction, God’s saving grace toward man is still present.
- What was the purpose of man’s building the tower of Babel?
The purpose of a man building the tower of Babel was to bring God to them. It was a way of boxing God in or setting the terms of their relationship to him. God’s commandment to Noah was for man to spread out and populate the ends of the earth, instead, they refused to scatter, and therefore God had to intercede and scatter them himself. It showcases the final fall, of the three falls of man; first in the garden, second with the flood, and third with Babel.
Bibliography
Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016.
Brueggemann, Walter. Old Testament Theology: An Introduction. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2010.
Collins, Francis S. The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief. Cambridge: International Society for Science and Religion, 2007.
Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1998.
Heiser, Michael S. The Unseen Realm Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible. Bellingham: Lexham Press, 2015.
Lasor, William Sanford. Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament. 2nd ed. Michigan, U.K: William B Eerdmans Pub., 1996.
Prager, Dennis, and Joseph Telushkin. The Rational Bible: Exodus: God, Slavery, and Freedom. Washington, DC: Regnery Faith, 2018.
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