What is the plot analysis of Creation by God?

Answer

This question appears to seek a sequential definition of each stage of the biblical creation. However, there are two creation stories in Genesis: (1) verses 1:1 to 2:4a; (2) 2:4b to 2:22; therefore there should be two answers. The first of the creation stories (1:1-2:4a) is recognised by scholars as the work of the Priestly (P) source, based on a Mesopotamian myth encountered by the Jews in Babylon, while the second is from the Yahwist (J) source and is therefore older in Judaism.

Genesis 1:1 to 2:4a ( up to first sentence of 2:4)

There was a pre-existing watery chaos. The ocean was already present and a wind moved across the surface. The seas rested on the dry land, which appeared on day 3 when God gathered the waters together. The order of creation was as follows:

(Day 1) light [day];
(2) the firmament, which was believed to separate the waters of the heavens from the lower waters;
(3) By gathering the lower waters in one place the land appeared. Grasses and trees were created;
(4) sun; moon and stars - the lights in the firmament;
(5) fish, land creatures and fowl;
(6) man, both male and female.

Notice that the light of day was not yet understood to have originated from the sun, although the sun was universally understood to rule the day. That is why it was possible to have grass and trees before the sun was created.

Genesis 2:4b to 2:15

There was pre-existing dry land, but God had yet to make it rain for plants to grow. A spring arose and God took some moist clay and made Adam. After Adam, he made the creatures of earth, one by one, then finally Eve. In this account, there is no timescale provided for creation.

Comparison

The second account could scarcely be different from the first. It is usually the first which is thought of for creation of the world and all living creatures in six days, while the second is looked to for creation of humans.

It may seem surprising that, in both creation stories, the basics were already there - the waters, the dry land, the wind and therefore the air. Many experts in Hebrew have carefully examined the texts and confirm that this is what they say. The biblical creations were not ex nihilo.

First answer by Dick Harfield. Last edit by Dick Harfield. Contributor trust: 183 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 38 [recommend question]