Comments on: Genesis 2 – God gets dirty

By: Genesis 2 – The Nature of Man – Targuman

Genesis 2 – The Nature of Man – Targuman — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:16:38 +0000

[...] I want to avoid working on my SBL paper consider the nature of the Man created. As I mentioned last time, humanity’s origins are basic and organic, we are from the dust of the earth, even if as [...]

By: Chris Brady

Chris Brady — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:16:29 +0000

Bob that is a very interesting diagram that will take me some time to digest. The use of “generations” as a framework within Genesis is fairly clearly marked and has been noted many times before. Unfortunately, as good as the JPS translation is their decision to vary their translation of תוֹלְדוֹת masks its significance.

By: Bob MacDonald

Bob MacDonald — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:53:43 +0000

Chris – I remember being surprised at the distinction between 2:4a and b and as I look at the structure, 2:4a closes the inclusio begun in 2:1, 2:4b closes the one begun in 1:1 as shown in this diagram. I realize I am being somewhat visual – and I haven’t yet read Genesis sufficiently closely to see the significance of the ‘this is the generations’ refrain (which I not also ends the book of Ruth). Any thoughts on the heavens and the earth – the earth and heaven as opening and closing brackets rather than as an introduction to a new pericope.

By: Chris Brady

Chris Brady — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:42:10 +0000

Thank you Seth! I have to say that such comments are what make blogging worthwhile. I am not seeking complete agreement, rather thoughtful discourse (I look forward to our potential disagreements!) and your kind words regarding my writing are a real encouragement. (Especially as I try to pound out my SBL paper and an article!)

Thanks again.

By: Seth

Seth — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:29:05 +0000

I like reading your analyses, and I generally find them well reasoned. I particularly enjoyed this one. I think we’ll have disagreements once you delve into the theological implications of the narrative, but I enjoy your broad apprecation and preparation of it. You also write with subtle elegance and sophistication, even while making sideways observations of things like the connotation of the word “Earthling”, which I appreciate.