Page 9 - Pentateuch - Student Textbook

Throughout these verses God gave his evaluation of the work. It was good (1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31).
He is not disappointed in any way. He does not stop and remake anything. Light and soil, grass and stars,
fish and humans are all created skillfully and wisely with nothing left out or flawed.

The greatest part of creation is humankind. Here God pauses in his work. “Let us make mankind in our
image” (1:26). Both male and female are created in God’s image (1:27). While they are very different as
male and female, their humanity reflects God. Neither is actively involved in the creation of the other.
Later we learn about sin’s entrance into the world, yet humans remain in God’s image (9:6; Jas. 3:9).
God’s purpose never changes. His salvation from sin includes a restoration of his image (Eph. 4:24; Col.
3:10). He wants humans to be like him.

They are given work to do as a blessing and are to “rule” over the rest of creation. Often this word in the
OT describes human relationships: “a master over a hired servant (Lev. 25:43); chief officers over
laborers (1 Kings 5:16); a king over his subjects (Ps. 72:8), etc. “Rule” is to be exercised with care and
responsibility. Nothing destructive or exploitative is permissible.” Both male and female are
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commanded to rule. Both live under the authority of God.

As we begin reading chapter two, we find further information on the creation of humans. Adam was
formed “from the dust of the ground” (2:7). The writer used the word “form” and “dust of the ground,”
to communicate the link between the physical bodies of humans and the rest of physical creation. Then
God “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life,” reflecting God’s intention to create people in his
image (1:27). Humans are different than the rest of creation.

Already from chapter one, we are given a great deal of information about God. 1.) God is all-wise and
all-powerful. He creates quickly and thoroughly. This is his masterpiece. Nowhere is any sense of
difficulty or resistance given. 2.) God is good. His intention in creation is to bless, to bring about a
wonderful world. 3.) God is self-sufficient. He does not create out of a need for something --
companionship or people to bully or boredom. 4.) God is plural. He says, “Let us make man in our
image,” implying a discussion of some sort.

Much debate has occurred about chapter two. Scholars have pointed out the use of the name “God” or
“Elohim” in Genesis 1:1-2:3 in contrast to the use of “LORD” or “Yahweh” beginning in 2:4. (Note how
English translations put LORD in all capital letters
~yhil{a/ -- ELOHIM -- God indicating the special Hebrew word in the original
language. God’s personal name.) They notice also the
differences between the account in chapter one and
chapter two. Trees are created on the third day according to 1:12-13, but in 2:8 trees are created after
mankind. The contrasts suggest to some scholars that two independent accounts of creation were
stitched together.

A much simpler conclusion sees Genesis 2:4-25 as a hw"hy> -- YHWH -- LORD
description of God’s creation of the garden of Eden not of
the entire world. The plants and animals created after Adam

(2:19) were fit for humans to use, able to be domesticated. The different names for God highlight first

8 Victor P. Hamilton, Handbook of the Pentateuch (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005), 28.

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