[W:18] The Emphasis of Genesis Chapter One

[Overitall]

For years I’ve seen people focus on the creation of God whenever discussing Genesis chapter one. It’s been my humble opinion that the true emphasis of the first chapter of the Bible has been missed. The springboard for my viewpoint rests upon the foundation of two points. The first being Romans 1:25.

NIV: They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.

The second point being the significance of figures of speech found in the Bible. Genesis chapter one being a treasure trove of them, but there is one that stands out throughout the chapter. But first a word on figure of speeches.

Figure of speeches are God’s way of emphasizing important points within the text of His Word. They are not haphazardly used. As such a greater understanding of God’s messages can be obtained when this fundamental principle is known and understood.

As stated, Genesis one contains a treasure trove of figure of speeches but one in particular stands out. It is the figure of repetio. This figure has several variations, but I don’t want to get bogged down with the nuances of them. Instead I’ll leave that aspect to any interested person to flesh out on their own.

As the word “repetio” suggests it’s the repetition of words and/or phrases that are emphasized. In Genesis the predominant phrases repeated are “God said . . . and it was so.” The emphasis isn’t on what was said, but rather that whatever God says is so and true. It will come to pass.
In my humble opinion God wanted to establish a core principle that flows throughout the rest of Scripture. Whatever God says we can rest assured that it’s true and will come to pass “it was so”. We can be assured of that whenever we look at His creation.

Any thoughts?

 

[Schism]

I think you're right, but I also think you're onto something much more. In general, I see the scriptures as flat black print on white paper that leaves the average reader befuddled, confused, or bored. These people seek preachers and priests to tell them what it says.

For those who have been born again, God's Word is read and illuminated by the Holy Spirit, the Teacher, and shines like a laser pointed into a multifaceted prism, whose lights beam out and shine in every direction, revealing layers upon layers of truths, promises, and hidden knowledge all laid out in the open.

It's possible the Urim and Thummim, held only by the High Priest, were a symbolic representation of the Holy Spirit to come, poured out and to be given to all. In the same vein, God spent much of the OT speaking to one chosen man at a time, until the The Chosen was born, and now speaks to all people, His people, personally and individually.

Sorry to go off on a tangent there. Your post reminded me that God's Word is like an onion, comprised of multiple layers.

 

[tacomancer]

For years I’ve seen people focus on the creation of God whenever discussing Genesis chapter one. It’s been my humble opinion that the true emphasis of the first chapter of the Bible has been missed. The springboard for my viewpoint rests upon the foundation of two points. The first being Romans 1:25.

NIV: They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.

The second point being the significance of figures of speech found in the Bible. Genesis chapter one being a treasure trove of them, but there is one that stands out throughout the chapter. But first a word on figure of speeches.

Figure of speeches are God’s way of emphasizing important points within the text of His Word. They are not haphazardly used. As such a greater understanding of God’s messages can be obtained when this fundamental principle is known and understood.

As stated, Genesis one contains a treasure trove of figure of speeches but one in particular stands out. It is the figure of repetio. This figure has several variations, but I don’t want to get bogged down with the nuances of them. Instead I’ll leave that aspect to any interested person to flesh out on their own.

As the word “repetio” suggests it’s the repetition of words and/or phrases that are emphasized. In Genesis the predominant phrases repeated are “God said . . . and it was so.” The emphasis isn’t on what was said, but rather that whatever God says is so and true. It will come to pass.
In my humble opinion God wanted to establish a core principle that flows throughout the rest of Scripture. Whatever God says we can rest assured that it’s true and will come to pass “it was so”. We can be assured of that whenever we look at His creation.

Any thoughts?

I had this conversation the other day. Not specifically about Genesis, but the idea in general. The conclusion we came to is if you can do anything, why not add a little poetry and imagery in, because people need that for a sense of emotional connection.

You not only see it in repetition, but in reversals. The most famous one being Peter's three denials and then three times reaffirmed his commitment.

Another one being Paul was intellectually blinded, then physically blinded, then being intellectually given revelation, then physically getting his sight back.

Its kinda cool to see the art in it.

 

[Lursa]

As the word “repetio” suggests it’s the repetition of words and/or phrases that are emphasized. In Genesis the predominant phrases repeated are “God said . . . and it was so.” The emphasis isn’t on what was said, but rather that whatever God says is so and true. It will come to pass.
In my humble opinion God wanted to establish a core principle that flows throughout the rest of Scripture. Whatever God says we can rest assured that it’s true and will come to pass “it was so”. We can be assured of that whenever we look at His creation.

Any thoughts?

Thank you for posting this validation of my frequent posting here of God's Message, which permeates the New Testament throughout.

And His Word, based on that Message, of brotherly love, compassion, forgiveness, and peace.

Anything that does not break that Word, is not a sin...this is the Message that is repeated throughout the New Testament.

 

[Overitall]

Thank you for posting this validation of my frequent posting here of God's Message, which permeates the New Testament throughout.

And His Word, based on that Message, of brotherly love, compassion, forgiveness, and peace.

Anything that does not break that Word, is not a sin...this is the Message that is repeated throughout the New Testament.

I'm always in awe of how God works with the individual to reach them filling up any void in their life.

You're welcome.

 

[Overitall]

I had this conversation the other day. Not specifically about Genesis, but the idea in general. The conclusion we came to is if you can do anything, why not add a little poetry and imagery in, because people need that for a sense of emotional connection.

You not only see it in repetition, but in reversals. The most famous one being Peter's three denials and then three times reaffirmed his commitment.

Another one being Paul was intellectually blinded, then physically blinded, then being intellectually given revelation, then physically getting his sight back.

Its kinda cool to see the art in it.

Our emotional well being is very important to God. It's why much of His communication with us is in language we connect to on an emotional level.

Numbers in scriptures is another fascinating field of study. The number three is representative of completeness/nothing more needed. So many significant examples of this, but perhaps in light of the recent celebration, the three days of Jesus' internment in the grave comes to my mind. Imo, it represents the completeness of his death leaving no doubt that he was dead. From that completed state God raised him from the dead.

 

[Overitall]

I think you're right, but I also think you're onto something much more. In general, I see the scriptures as flat black print on white paper that leaves the average reader befuddled, confused, or bored. These people seek preachers and priests to tell them what it says.

For those who have been born again, God's Word is read and illuminated by the Holy Spirit, the Teacher, and shines like a laser pointed into a multifaceted prism, whose lights beam out and shine in every direction, revealing layers upon layers of truths, promises, and hidden knowledge all laid out in the open.

It's possible the Urim and Thummim, held only by the High Priest, were a symbolic representation of the Holy Spirit to come, poured out and to be given to all. In the same vein, God spent much of the OT speaking to one chosen man at a time, until the The Chosen was born, and now speaks to all people, His people, personally and individually.

Sorry to go off on a tangent there. Your post reminded me that God's Word is like an onion, comprised of multiple layers.

No tangent at all. Much can be learned through these moments of thoughts.

I like your onion analogy. As long as you keep a spirit of humbleness I think God can/does open your eyes to greater truth in that which you've already learned.

 

[Elora]

A rejection of the majority of God's Word is NOT following the message of God's Word......far from it...

 

[Lursa]

I'm always in awe of how God works with the individual to reach them filling up any void in their life.

You're welcome.

No void really, was born into the church to Sunday School teacher parents. And then did the youth group Born Again thing at 16.

Cheers!

 

[Napoleon]

It’s a creation myth and I think you’re reading things into it that aren’t there.

 

[Lursa]

A rejection of the majority of God's Word is NOT following the message of God's Word......far from it...

If you can tell me how following His Word as I posted it 'rejects' the majority, I'll be here.

If what you posts doesnt break His Word...it's not a sin, keep that in mind when you list the rejected stuff.

 

[Overitall]

No void really, was born into the church to Sunday School teacher parents. And then did the youth group Born Again thing at 16.

Cheers!

Sometimes the voids are in our understanding.

 

[Lursa]

Sometimes the voids are in our understanding.

I understand His Word pretty well. It's pretty clear and when in doubt, I try to fall on the more generous, positive side.

And when I dont, I ask Him.

 

[Overitall]

It’s a creation myth and I think you’re reading things into it that aren’t there.

Myth or not, figure of speeches are a legitimate tool in any writing. If you doubt it just Google the phrase "figure of speech" and you'll discover they aren't just Biblically used.

 

[Overitall]

I understand His Word pretty well. It's pretty clear and when in doubt, I try to fall on the more generous, positive side.

And when I dont, I ask Him.

Ok.

 

[Napoleon]

Myth or not, figure of speeches are a legitimate tool in any writing. If you doubt it just Google the phrase "figure of speech" and you'll discover they aren't just Biblically used.

I know what a figure of speech is. The creation myth is not a figure of speech.

 

[Overitall]

I know what a figure of speech is. The creation myth is not a figure of speech.

Fine.

 

[Ikari]

It’s a creation myth and I think you’re reading things into it that aren’t there.

Moderator's Warning:

Need I remind you that you're in Theology? Tone this sort of rhetoric down. Let me be clear to EVERYONE, this thread is in the Theology forum. Rule Set - Threads and posts that are critical of religion or its spiritual aspects in a broad fashion, or are focused on attacking non-belief, are not allowed. - Skeptical posts/threads from a non-religious basis, or ones deemed overly antagonistic towards religious beliefs, will be considered “trolling”.