A Genesis Journal
A Fresh Reading of Genesis 1–12
by
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1. Introduction
The purpose of this book is to examine the words of the Hebrew text of Genesis 1-12 and, as clearly as possible, to restate in under¬stand¬able terms what those words mean. In reality, the words mean what they say, but in many instances it is helpful to expand or explain in contemporary thought the sense of this profound section of God's Word.
This is a book about faith. God's Word is to be trusted when it speaks on historical matters such as the creation of the world. This material cannot be checked or verified; it can only be accepted or reject¬ed. I choose to accept it at face value.
This does not mean, however, that I understand everything I find in God's record to mankind. There are many things that I cannot explain to my own satisfaction, but the fault lies with me, not with the revelation that God has so graciously extended to us. In spite of this lack on my part, the purpose of this book is to explore in detail the information the sovereign Lord has communi¬cated to us in the first chapters of Genesis.
The plan is to also incorporate the findings of science wherever they might be helpful. Science will not be used to interpret the Word of God because the findings of science, by their very nature, must be fil¬tered through a human grid in order to make any meaningful contribution. The Bible will therefore be used as a guide to interpret scientific findings, not vice versa.
Understanding Genesis
Since the rise of evolutionary theory with its antisupernat¬uralistic bias, the book of Genesis has suffered much at the hands of biblical scholars. In fact, it is not uncommon today for authors to refer to the creation account as myth. This current work is not an apologetic for the book of Genesis. Many conservative works that are readily available make such apology. Instead, this work will build on the founda¬tion of these conservative scholars. Their works are assumed as the basis for the present book. The goal here lies beyond a defense of Genesis and toward the work of exegesis on the Hebrew text, exposing what the text of the first twelve chapters of the Bible actually means.
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About the Book
This book is based on a solid commitment to the truth of God’s revelation. We would not know how this world came into being unless God had told us. The sequence of events would remain a mystery without an accurate record of Creation. This book is a retelling of what God has said concerning our creation.
The global nature of the first eleven chapters of Genesis reminds us of our insignificance, but on the other hand, the interaction of God with man reflects His assessment of our importance. We are made in God’s image, and that is of great significance.
The physical evidence for a cataclysmic destruction somewhere in the earth’s history is evident in the rocks and fossils. The biblical record explains the reason, the cause, the duration, and the recovery from this great flood. The record of that year supplies answers to a host of geological questions that would otherwise remain hidden. Likewise, the anthropological insight the Babel event supplies is unparalleled in history. God’s Word gives us answers to questions we didn’t even know to ask.
Finally, regarding our salvation—Genesis 12 provides us with the document signed by God that is the basis for our redemption. How do we participate in so great a salvation? Read and see.
About the Author
Stanley V. Udd grew up on an Iowa farm. He was challenged early in life to live committed to God, so the intersection of Bible and science seemed a natural niche. His doctorate in Old Testament studies, an advanced degree in ecology, and forty years of teaching and reflection spawned this book.