Two Creation Accounts

The book of Genesis includes two different creation stories. The first runs from verse 1:1 to 2:4a. The second runs from verse 2:4b to 2:25. Not only are the stories different, but each story was written by a different author. To be specific: Genesis 1:1 through 2:4a was written by a narrator who used the Hebrew word “Elohim” for God. Genesis 2:4b to 2:25 used God’s Hebrew name “Yahweh.”

Genesis 1 described creation as a six-day event followed by a day of rest. Some readers take these days literally, and others figuratively. Whichever way it is taken, the story is told as a sequence of six acts of creation, each occurring on separate days — with a day of rest for day 7. The second creation account happened either in one day or involving a continuous series of events not marked by the passing of time.

The first creation account features a seven-day period in which the following creative events take place:

-Day 1: Light.

-Day 2: Atmosphere and Firmament.

-Day 3: Dry ground, trees and plants.

-Day 4: Sun, moon & stars.

-Day 5: Birds & sea creatures.

-Day 6: Land animals & humans.

-Day 7. God had completed His creation, so He declared a day of rest.

The second creation account follows a different order: God created Adam from dust–It states that God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Adam’s creation was before plant life whereas the first Genesis account says plant life preceded humans. Next, God created the Garden of Eden and placed Adam there to work it. After placing Adam in the garden, God created the animals and birds. Afterwards, Adam gave a name to every animal and bird. Feeling that man should not live alone, God made Eve from Adam’s rib.

The creation narrative consists of two stories, which entail the first two chapters of the Book of Genesis. In the first, Elohim (Hebrew word for God) created the heavens and the Earth in six days, then rested on, blessed, and sanctified the seventh (Biblical Sabbath). In the second story God (used Hebrew name Yahweh) created Adam, the first man, from dust and placed him in the Garden of Eden. There, Adam is given dominion over the animals. Eve, the first woman, is created from Adam’s rib as his companion. Chapter 2 closes with the statement that both Adam and Eve were both naked, but they were not ashamed.

God solemnly warned Adam not to eat of certain trees in the Garden, saying: “You may eat the fruit of any tree in the Garden except the ‘Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil,’ for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” You know the rest of the story. The serpent inveigled Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit. (Chapter 3) After doing so, she gave some to Adam, and he also ate the forbidden fruit. As a result, God cursed Adam, Eve and the Serpent — giving them the death sentence (Gen 3: 14-19). However, God gave us a way out. Romans 5: 8 states: “God demonstrated His love for us. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Having been justified by Christ’s blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” This means the dead in Christ will live again. This signifies I will see my dearest Beverly again. I lost her December 4th and have grieved greatly since. And you, too, will see your blessed loved ones.

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