HEAVEN AND EARTH

MODULE 3: The Literary Design of Genesis 1

SESSION 13: The Structure and Message of Genesis 1

The six days of creation are framed by summary statements (1:1; 2:1) and descriptions (1:2; 2:2-3) that bring us from chaos to completion. Both parts of the frame begin with a summary about how God created “the skies and the land” (1:1 and 2:1). This clarifies for us what days one through six are all about. Both summaries are followed by an exposition or further description (1:2 and 2:2-3). The first one talks about the pre-creation state, and the second shows that all has been completed, with God resting on the seventh day.