Bible Journaling - Genesis 2 & 3
I have often heard people argue that the story of creation is inaccurate and that the two accounts found in the first two chapters of the book of Genesis are contradictory. This is not how I interpret this at all. I rather see the first chapter as interested in detailing the sequence of events, while the second chapter concerns itself with placing the story of creation in context of time and place. There is a clear shift in focus between the first and the second chapters. The first chapter speaks of the creation of the universe and the earth as a whole. The second chapter narrows the scope by concentrating our attention on a specific setting and a garden that is established in the east of this place. Then, once the wider setting has been established, the author focuses in on an even smaller scale, by drawing our attention to the people who are at the centre of this tale. By doing so, the author ensures that all of the attention is directed to the formation and creation of man and ultimately, woman. In chapter one, the focus was placed on them, by leaving them to the last, but they still simply remained part of a long list of things created. Now, they enjoy the prominence hinted at in the last verses of the previous chapter where they were blessed by their Creator.
Chapter 3 then picks up the story line when more detail about the actions, choices and characters of the key role players are revealed. This chapter also sees the introduction of a new character, which becomes more pivotal to the unfolding of the story of the Bible as a whole. The character of Satan is introduced as the antagonist to the creation. This is also the first hint we receive that the seeming heroes of the story are not the actual true main characters, but that God Himself will fill the role of perfect protagonist. This sets the scene, not only for the rest of Genesis, but also for the rest of the Bible. And if one pays very close attention, also for our daily lives today and into the future. In today's blog, I share my illustrative notes on Genesis 2 and 3 with you in my Bible Journaling journey.
You can read the complete blog article on Bybel Legkaart.
https://bybellegkaart.blogspot.com/2019/02/bible-journaling-genesis-2-3.html