What do we know about “the beginning”?
Different people will have different answers to this question. The answers will vary depending on the worldview they peer through. On one hand we have the theory of evolution and on the other we have the theory of creation.
Before we proceed, I would like the reader to understand the worldview I will be writing from. I believe the world, space, time, and all the inhabitants of the Earth did not come from a “Big Bang” but rather the creator, whom intentionally and intricately crafted all of existence into being.
In the 7minuteswithgod Podcast, we have read Genesis 1,2,3, & 4. These chapters have so much packed into them. Since the podcast does not go into commentary or reflection over these chapters I would like to take the liberty to discuss them here. This reflection will range from a literary examination of the KJV text and a personal understanding of the scripture. I must note, it is vital that you read the scripture for yourself so that you may understand the scripture with discernment.
Genesis begins, at the beginning, a blank canvas, “without form and void”. Scriptures follow describing the 6 days of creation first calling light into existence then separating the heaven and the earth, then forming the waters, dry land, cattle, beasts of the Earth, and Man.
“God created Man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
God gave Mankind dominion over all of the Earth and all that were contained in it. He provided herb that would feed him. Then on the 7th day God rested. God blessed and sanctified this day as a day of rest.
“And the Lord God formed Man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul.”
Here, the scripture depicts an amazing visual of how Man came from the ground as did the beasts of the land but the significant difference is that God breathed into Man the breathe of life and thus he was given a soul. This is not what was described with any other creature. Here we see the divine favor bestowed upon Man by first giving him dominion over all his work of creation, then to be created in God’s own image, and to receive the breath into him by God himself. The very breath we take is from God, it is a gift we’ve been given.
“And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.”
The garden of Eden was a specially made place by God as it contained many trees that were “pleasant to the sight and good for food” however, there are 2 trees that were placed in the garden, 1 of them being The Tree of Life and the other being The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Before we get into the 2 trees and their importance I would like to point out the purpose given to Man by God in the garden. Man was put there in the garden to “dress it and keep it”. There are many translations for this such as to “tend to it”, “to work it”, “to care for it”, and so on. Regardless of the translations the principle of a purpose given is shown here. Man was given a purpose by God to do, not to bask in its glory, not to lie around, not to take from it but to “dress it and keep it”. Most importantly to note, is that our purpose comes directly from God, another gift we have been given.
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
God’s first command to Man was stated. He is warned that when the day comes that he should eat of The Tree of Knowledge, he “shall surely die”. We find out that the meaning of “die” here isn’t as we understand it to be, as if to say Adam would bite the fruit and instantaneously keel over into his death and no longer exist. Instead, “die” is referring to the connection with God. For the wages of sin is death. We are dead in our sin, as sin is what separates us from God.
Now, this has been debated by many as to why would God put such a temptation in front of Man in the first place. Is it to allow for free will of choice? I will not debate this here but it is an interesting thing to read for yourself and mull over.
Despite what we may believe or not believe transpired in the garden and why, we do know that Adam does take of the apple after Eve takes of it and hands it to him. The scripture does not reflect that Adam had any pause or question of Eve when handed the fruit but just took of it. What happens next, when God finds them in the garden is very intersting. Scripture states before the taking of the fruit the man and woman had no sense of shame towards their nakedness but after the fruit it is plainly written that they were very aware of their nakedness and felt shame in it. Why would this be?
“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”
This is the first time we see God says something “is not good” to see Man alone. The beasts of the earth and every creeping thing had a match, or a “helper” to suit one another, but not man. God recognized this, perhaps he saw loneliness for Man, and decided this was not good. So, he created Man’s “help meet”, a partner as all other creation had.
“And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.”
He made Man and all other creation out of the dirt from the ground, but not woman. She was taken from the rib of Man, not his foot bone, not his hip, not any other organ, but the rib that is on the side of the Man, that from the rib which its purpose serves as a support for man’s body to remain upright. Regardless, I believe it’s reasonable to say, in the very least, the creation of woman is unique and specifically designed.
When we first begin to read The Bible, it can often feel daunting by the sheer volume contained in it but, if we digest it slowly we begin to see a very specific and detailed design reveal itself.
I hope these reflections are helpful and perhaps provoke deeper thought into scripture.