Re-reading Genesis chapters one through three, the main area I am focusing on as I research to write Eve’s story, I am struck again and again by how much I seem to see and absorb as though I have never read this passage before. I know so many scoff at the power of the God we Christians believe in, and yet, every single time I open His Word, I am overwhelmed by the pertinence it has on where I am and what I am searching for. For people who have never experienced this movement of the Spirit through Scripture, I am sure this sounds like pure fantasy.
I get it. I truly do. I think that is why I am in such awe of my God.
I digress…
One thing I’m finding as I keep reading and researching, comparing, compiling notes, looking up translations and interpretations is just how even a single verse, a single word, a single piece of punctuation can profoundly affect how different people read the Bible. It’s no wonder the transcription and copying of the Bible as we know it today comes under such strenuous scrutiny.
For example:
In Genesis chapter one, creation is completed. Space, solar system, planet, ecosystems, biologicals, and humankind. All within seven days. (I will not get into the endless debate over whether it was seven 24-hour days, or seven days as though they were a thousand years… In the scope of His power, and the message of overpowering love and redemption, the passing of time matters not.)
Then, in chapter two, the creation of Adam and Eve is discussed. And this is where research and interpretations get interesting. Some view the separate telling of Adam being created and placed within the Garden in Eden as though humanity was indeed created across the planet during the initial act of creation. That Adam, and then Eve, were created post God’s day of rest.
How could this be significant?
Well… Geez.
Considering the chronic push to erase God’s deliberate creation of all that we know, science outright dismisses Adam and Eve as the father and mother of the human race because, scientifically, it makes little sense. Some argue impossible. (I don’t know about that, because it is no great feat for me to always see the possible in what others claim to be impossible, but… )
What if?
What if God created humanity across the face of earth along with all other creation?
What if God saw mankind, and loved mankind so much He decided he wanted to create a sample with which He could safely interact on a day-to-day basis?
What if creating Adam within the Garden in Eden was His way of getting to share in creation, not just being the Creator?
So while Adam and Eve were living within the Garden, outside the Garden, life was moving along within the systems God created, humanity along with it. Hence, fossil records of humanity all around the same time, all across the planet, pre-evidence of the worldwide (and world recorded) flood?
Was the act of creating Adam, then Eve, God’s way of protecting his prized creations? Protected? Cared for? Catered to? Within the safe and secluded confines of what we believe to have been the ultimate paradise?
Going even further, should this interpretation be true, how wonderfully does it explain, even scientifically and sociologically, the ways culture evolved and adapted around the world over time. How perfectly it explains why God’s Chosen People were considered to be outcasts from other human societies, from the very beginning.
Because, come on.
Never in the history of humankind has the favorite son, or the teacher’s pet been beloved by their peers. No matter how righteous, good, and kind that person may be, let alone an entire group of people.
Now – again – keep in mind, this is just rumination based on differing views I have found as I am researching. I am drawing no conclusions on the matter. I simply find it intriguing. No matter where you might stand on this subject, it does not affect the method of God’s love, nor the manner of salvation He offers each of us.
I just thought it would be fun to get your wheels turning. I encourage you to re-read Genesis 1-3. And if you have a concordance or commentaries, read over them as well. But above all, as you read His Word, allow the Spirit to guide your mind and your heart as you read. He will astonish you with truth, and wonder, and even more questions, no doubt. More questions that I sincerely pray push you deeper into a quest to experience God.
I’d love to get your thoughts – just leave a comment.