"Genesis and Other Things"

Lesson Two - Adam & Eve

Moderated by Bob Huddlestun

Read Genesis 2

    Notice first that verses one through three probably fit better at the end of chapter one. The original Hebrew text was not divided into chapter and verse. These divisions came much later. The Bible was divided into chapters by an Archbishop of England early in the thirteenth century A.D., and modern verse divisions didn't appear until the middle of the sixteenth century. They are the work of scholars, not the work of the original inspired writers. 

Verse 4

"This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created."

    Obviously, this is a second account of the creation. Many scholars believe that this is also the work of a second writer. Traditionally the first five books of the Bible are attributed to Moses, however some critics claim that they are the work of as many as four different writers, each with his own agenda. One of the reasons for this idea is the title used for the creator. 

    In the first chapter He is called God (note the spelling - capital G, lower case od), translated from the Hebrew Elohim. The capital G is always used when referring to the one true God, but when referring to the false deities of the other nations it is spelled god. In the New Testament the Greek word Theos is comparable. Notice, however, here in the second chapter He is called the LORD God. The word translated LORD (note - all capital letters) is actually God's name. The Hebrew letters are the equivalent of YHWH or JHVH. The Jews say that it is the ineffable, or unpronounceable, name of God. They will not attempt to pronounce it fearing that in doing so they might break the third commandment, "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD your God in vain". Consequently they always substitute the word Adonai, Lord, whenever it appears. Christians, however, have for centuries pronounced this name as Jehovah. Modern scholars believe that Yahweh would probably be more accurate. 

    Is this name change sufficient evidence to support the idea of a second writer? Perhaps. But who cares. If the Bible is inspired by God it makes little difference who penned it. What should be noted, however, is the difference in style or purpose between the two creation accounts. 

    The first account is very straightforward, almost mechanical. God spoke and great cataclysmic events occurred. Here in the second chapter, however, the writer deals almost entirely with the creation of man, bringing in other details only as they relate to man. More importantly this recap of the account shows the relationship of the Creator God to this favored creature. In verse seven we see the Most High God bending to the earth, lovingly forming the creature out of the dirt, breathing life into it, and smiling with satisfaction as it rose up and walked. This is the reason for the name change - it was no longer just God the creator and His creation, it was Yahweh and His son that He loved. Relationships demand names. Good relationships generally develop to a first name basis. 

    Before we leave verse seven notice the formula: 

    Dust of the ground + breath of life = living being (soul, K.J.V.) 

See Psalm 103:13-14 " . . . he remembers that we are dust".

    Speaking of names, the name of this first man, Adam, is merely the Hebrew word for man. Wherever the word man appears in this chapter, and most places throughout the Old Testament, it is the Hebrew word adam. The translators chose to make it a proper name toward the end of the chapter. The word adam is from the Hebrew word adamah, which means earth, dirt, or soil. Someone has noted that adam is to adamah as human is to humus. How do you feel about that, Dusty? 

Verse 18

"The LORD God said, 'it is not good for the man to be alone.'"

Consider - 

• What does this say about man as a social creature? 
  
• How does this jibe with your life experience? 
  
• Does this mean that a man is incomplete if unmarried? 
  

Verses 20-23

    Describe the creation of man's companion. Some men have stated that this is enough to make you never want to close your eyes. The idea that the LORD God made a woman from the rib of the man seems to be based on a very old tradition. The Hebrew word tsela is translated rib only here. In most cases it is translated side. 

    Why from the man's side? The Rabbis have concluded that woman was not made from a part of the head to show us that woman is not to rule over the man, neither from the foot because man is not to be lord over the woman. But woman was made from man's side because they are to be equals, sharing in the responsibilities of life. Do you agree? 

Points to emphasize

    1. It was obviously God's intent to have a close relationship with the man and woman he created. 

    2. God had a loving concern for the welfare of man, providing the perfect environment and companion for him. 

Note: For those of you who questioned it. Yes, I did intend to use the word "wondered" when describing a stroll along the beach in lesson one. The intent is that you "notice with curiosity and amazement the things you encounter there." I hope you discover this same "wonderment" as you stroll through the Scriptures. 

Bob Huddlestun

Previous Lesson      Next lesson      Back to the index of lessons      Timberland Welcome Page