Frontline Kelvin Friebel Nov.6, 2010

Genesis:Genesis: Creation & CovenantCreation & Covenant

in the Flow of in the Flow of the Old Testament Storythe Old Testament Story

Dr. Kelvin Friebel

Frontline Community ChurchNov 6th, 2010

“I believe in God the Father, the Maker of heaven and earth . . .”

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth . . .”

Patriarchal History (chs. 12 - 50)

Primeval History (chs. 1 - 11)

Theme of Genesis chs. 1 - 11

Creation De-creation Re-creation

(a) Sin (b) Judgment

Primeval History (chs. 1 - 11)

Creation World Creation (ch. 1)

Human Creation (ch. 2)

Creation

De-creation(a) Sin

World Creation (ch. 1)


Adam & Eve’s Sin (ch. 3)

Cain kills Abel (ch. 4)

6:5-6, 11-12

Creation

De-creation(a) Sin





6:5-6, 11-12

6:5 The LORD saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth,

and that every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. (NRSV)

1:4, 9, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25 And God saw that it was good1:31 And God saw that it was very good

The ONLY Previous Places where God “sees”

6:11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight,and the earth was filled with violence.

12 And God saw that the earth was corrupt;for all flesh had corrupted its ways upon the earth. (NRSV)

Creation

De-creation(a) Sin

De-creation(b) Judgment



Flood (chs. 6-7)



6:5-6, 11-12

Flood Narrative (Gen chs. 6-9) & Creation Narrative (Gen ch. 1)

Literary Links:

6:20; 7:14: “according to their kind” 1:21, 24, 25

7 days significance (7:4, 10; 8:10, 12) 7 day Framework

6:21: food 1:29-30

Flood Narrative (Gen chs. 6-9) & Creation Narrative (Gen ch. 1)

De-creation

7:11 windows of heaven opened Obliteration of separation of waters above & waters below

(Day 2 - - 1:6-7)

7:19-20 dry land is covered Obliteration of separation of water & dry land(Day 3 - - 1:9-10)

7:21-23 all living creatures die Pre-Day 6 situation with No animals or humans

Undoing Creation

Creation

De-creation(a) Sin




Flood (chs. 6-7)

Re-Creation



Receding of Flood (chs. 8-9)

6:5-6, 11-12

Re-Creation

8:1: wind (rûaḥ) blowing over earth Pre-creation: Spirit (rûaḥ) hovering over deep (1:2)

8:2: division of waters Day 2: Separation of waters above & waters below (1:6-7)

8:5-13: appearance of

dry land

Day 3: Separation of waters & dry land (1:9-10)

8:11: growth of trees Day 3: Vegetation created (1:11-12)

8:17, 19: repopulating with birds

& land animals

Day 5: Birds created (1:20-21)Day 6: Land Animals created (1:24-25)

8:17: animals could

“multiply, be fruitful, & increase”

Day 6: Blessing of animals (1:22)“be fruitful & increase”

8:15, 18: repopulation with humans Day 6: Humans created (1:26-27)

8:22: re-establishing of seasons Day 4: (1:14)

9:1-7: blessing of humans

& giving of food

Day 6: blessing & provision of food (1:28-30)

Redoing of Creation

Noah as a “New Adam”

animals brought to himNoah’s bringing the animals into the ark (6:19-21; 7:2-3, 8-9, 13-16)

≈ God bringing animals to Adam (2:19-20)

Comparisons:

progenitors of the human race9:19 . . .. And from these the whole earth was peopled.

≈v3: 20 The man named his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all living.

tiller of the ground9:20 Noah, a man of the soil, was the first to plant a vineyard.

≈v2:15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.

reiteration of the blessing9:1-7 // 1:26-30

Genesis 1:26-30 Genesis 9:1-726 And God said,

"Let us make humans in our image,

according to our likeness;

and let them rule over the fish of the sea,

and over the birds of the sky,

and over the cattle,

and over all the earth,

and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

27 And God created the human in his own image,

in the image of God he created him;

male and female he created them.

28 And God blessed them; and God said to them,

"Be fruitful and increase, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over every living (beast) that creeps on the earth."

29 And God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant seeding seed

that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has in it the of the tree seeding seed;

for you, it shall be food;30 and to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the skies, and to every creeping thing on the earth which was a living creature, every green plant for food".

1 And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them,

"Be fruitful and increase, and fill the earth.

2 And the fear of you and the terror of you shall be

on every beast of the earth,

and on every bird of the skies,

on everything that creeps on the ground,

and on every fish of the sea;

into your hand they are given.

3 Every creeping thing that is alive shall be food for you;

as (I gave) the green plant, I give everything to you.

4 Surely you shall not eat flesh with its life, (that is,) its blood.

5 And surely I will require your blood for your lives;

from the hand of every living thing I will require it.

And from the hand of humans,

from the hand of each person's brother,

I will require the life of humans.

6 The one who sheds the blood of humans,

by humans their blood shall be shed.

For in the image of God he made humans.

7 And as for you, be fruitful and increase;

Swarm in the earth and increase in it."

Noah’s obedience vs. Adam’s disobedience6:22 Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.7:5 And Noah did all that the LORD had commanded him.7:9 . . . As God had commanded Noah.7:16 . . . As God had commanded him.

reversing of the curse:5:29 he named him Noah, saying, “Out of the ground that the LORD has cursed

this one shall bring us relief from our work and from the toil of our hands.”

8:21 And when the LORD smelled the pleasing odor,the LORD said in his heart,“I will never again curse the ground because of humankind . . .”

Noah as a “New Adam”Re-Creation Reversals:

Creation

De-creation(a) Sin




Flood (chs. 6-7)

Re-Creation



De-creation (a) Sin

Ham’s Sin

Babel (ch. 11)


6:5-6, 11-12

Creation

De-creation(a) Sin




Flood (chs. 6-7)

Re-Creation



De-creation (a) Sin

Ham’s Sin

Babel (ch. 11)

De-creation (b) Judgment

Dispersion


6:5-6, 11-12

Theme of Genesis chs. 1 - 11

Creation De-creation Re-creation

(a) Sin (b) Judgment

Patriarchal History (11:27 – 50:26)

Creation

De-creation(a) Sin




Flood (chs. 6-7)

Re-Creation



De-creation (a) Sin Babel (ch. 11)


Dispersion


Re-Creation Covenant with Abraham (chs. 12ff.)

Ham’s Sin (ch. 9:20-27)

6:5-6, 11-12

Patriarchal Narratives & “Re-Creation”

1) Abraham Narrative:

Abraham will bring “blessing”Gen 12:2-3:“I will make of you a great nation,

and I will bless you, and make your name great,

so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

vs. De-Creation ofSin resulting in “curse”

Patriarchal Narratives & “Re-Creation”

2) Jacob - Esau Narrative (a) Narrative begins with “family conflict”,

but ends with “reconciliation”

(b) There is a transformation in Jacob’s character from a “schemer /

deceiver”

vs. De-Creation of Cain & Abel story

vs. De-Creation of Humans not changing (e.g. Cain),

becoming more sinful (Gen 6:5-6, 11-12)

3) Joseph Narrative (Gen chs. 37-50)

A) Joseph Fulfills Creation Mandate (Gen ch. 1):

(1) Joseph as Administrator / Manager of ResourcesGen 1: 26: “let them rule over . . . all the earth”

B) Joseph Reverses “The Fall” (Genesis chs. 3-4):

(3) Joseph Not Succumbing to Temptation

(4) Joseph & Family Reconciliation

(2) Multiplying Descendants (47:27)Gen 1: 28: “Be fruitful and increase in number.”

(5) Transformation of “evil” to “good” (50:20)

vs. De-Creation of Cain & Abel story (Gen ch. 4)

vs. De-Creation of Adam & Eve story (Gen ch. 3)

1:4: And God saw that the light was good;

1:10: And God saw that it was good.





1:31: God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.








Genesis 3: Conflict between good and evil








50:20: You intended to harm (literally “do evil to”) me, but God intended it for good

to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Genesis 3: Conflict between good and evil

Creation

De-creation(a) Sin




Flood (chs. 6-7)

Re-Creation



De-creation (a) Sin Babel (ch. 11)


Dispersion


Ham’s Sin (ch. 9:20-27)

6:5-6, 11-12

In the midst of on-going De-Creation, God works to bring about Re-Creation by choosing a single family through whom Salvation History will occur

Re-Creation Covenant with Abram (ch. 12)

God: Creator

Perfect Creation (Gen 1-2)Sin (Gen 3)

Cre

atio

n un

der

the

Cur

se

The Covenants with Abraham & at Mt. Sinai (& New Covenant in Jesus) are a Response to Sin’s

Disruption of Creation

God: Covenant Overlord

Sal

vatio

n H

isto

ry

Cov

enan

t P

eopl

eCovenants are the means

through which God is doing His Re-Creation in

the world

God: Creator


Cre

atio

n un

der

the

Cur

se

Restored Creation

The Goal of God’s Redemptive Work is a Restored Creation as in Gen 1 &

2, but with modifications

The Covenants with Abraham & at Mt. Sinai (& New Covenant in Jesus) are a Response to Sin’s

Disruption of Creation


Sal

vatio

n H

isto

ry

Cov

enan

t P

eopl

eCovenants are the means

through which God is doing His Re-Creation in

the world

c. 2000 B.C.Abraham

c. 1450 B.C.Mt. Sinai

Abrahamic Covenant

Sinai (Deuteronomic) Covenant

Covenants (of Redemption History = God’s Work of Re-Creation)

Gen 12 – Exod 18 Exod 19 -- Malachi

Theme of the PentateuchPromise to the Patriarchs

Genesis 12:1-3; ch. 15; ch. 17

1) Posterity / Descendants

3) Land

a) Covenant God: “I will be your God”

b) Divine Presence: “I will be with you”

2) Divine – Human Relationship

God’s Promise to “Bless” Abraham with:

chs. 12-50 = 1) Posterity / Descendants

Theme of the Pentateuch3-Part Promise to the Patriarchs


= 2) Divine - Human Relationship(Mt. Sinai Covenant &

Tabernacle)


“I will be your God, and you will be my people”



Tabernacle)


= 2) Divine - Human Relationship (Covenant Worship)

“I will be with you”



Tabernacle)



= 3) Land(journey to the Land)



Tabernacle)



= 2) Divine - Human Relationship(Renewing the Covenant)

= 3) Land(journey to the Land)

c. 2000 B.C.Abraham


Abrahamic Covenant




c. 2000 B.C.Abraham


c. 1000 B.C.David

Abrahamic Covenant


Davidic Covenant



c. 2000 B.C.Abraham


c. 1000 B.C.David

Abrahamic Covenant


Davidic Covenant

Covenants (of Redemption History)

Gen 12 – Exod 18 Exod 19 -- Malachi New Testament

In Prophetic Literature:Anticipation of

“New Covenant”

Hosea chs. 1-2Jeremiah 31:31-34Jeremiah 32:40Jeremiah 50:4-5Ezekiel 16:60‑63 Ezekiel 34:25-27.Ezekiel 37:23, 26-27

c. 2000 B.C.Abraham


c. 1000 B.C.David

B.C. / A.D.Jesus

Abrahamic Covenant


Davidic Covenant

New Covenant

Covenants (of Redemption History)

Gen 12 – Exod 18 Exod 19 -- Malachi New Testament

Genesis chs. 1-11

Exodus LeviticusNumbers

DeuteronomyHistorical Books:

JoshuaJudges

Ruth1 & 2 Samuel1 & 2 Kings

1& 2 ChroniclesEzra

NehemiahEsther

Books of the Prophets:Isaiah

JeremiahEzekiel

12 Minor Prophets

PsalmsLamentations

Wisdom Literature:Job

ProverbsEcclesiastes

Song of Songs

Creation Psalms (8 19:1-6, 33, 104, 139, 148)

Creation Themes in Prophets

2 Underlying Theological “Streams” in the Old Testament

Creation Theology Covenant Theology

Genesis chs. 12-50

Daniel

Creation Theology

(Genesis chs. 1-2)

Covenant Theology (Sinai Covenant; Deuteronomy)

God

God as Creator

► Creator

Creation Relationship

God as Covenant Overlord

► Master / Suzerain

Servant / Vassal Relationship

God’s Revelation of Himself

Natural Revelation

►God is known through non-speaking Creation

Special / Propositional Revelation

►God communicates directly with humans

through speech and other communication forms

Creation Theology

(Genesis chs. 1-2)


Ethical Behavior

Moral Order is Part of Creation

Morals are delineated in the

Covenant

Natural Law: All Humans are held

Accountable

Covenant Law: Only Covenant

Members are held Accountable

Creation Theology

(Genesis chs. 1-2)


Humans

InternationalIntercultural

► All Humans are “brothers & sisters” made in the “image of God” ►Focus in on Worldwide Community► God deals with All Peoples ►God Sovereignly Controls All Nations

Chosen PeopleIsraelite Specific

Ethno-Centric► Are “brothers & sisters” as part

of the Covenant Community► Focus is on the Covenant

Community► God has a Special

Relationship with His Chosen People

► God’s Redemptive Work occurs through the Covenant Community

Creation Theology

(Genesis chs. 1-2)




JoshuaJudges


1& 2 ChroniclesEzra

NehemiahEsther


JeremiahEzekiel

12 Minor Prophets

PsalmsLamentations

Covenant Theology

Genesis chs. 12-50

Daniel



JoshuaJudges


1& 2 ChroniclesEzra

NehemiahEsther


JeremiahEzekiel

12 Minor Prophets

PsalmsLamentations

Covenant Theology

Genesis chs. 12-50

Daniel

What happens in Israel’s history is

understood through the lens of the Covenant

Theology of Deuteronomy

Deuteronomistic History



JoshuaJudges


1& 2 ChroniclesEzra

NehemiahEsther


JeremiahEzekiel

12 Minor Prophets

PsalmsLamentations

Covenant Theology

Genesis chs. 12-50

Daniel

Prophets indicted the people for covenant

violations and called the

people to return to covenant

loyalty4) Prophecies of restoration:

Correspond to the covenant declarations of restoration & blessing (Deut 30:1-10)

4 Major Prophetic Literary Types:

3) Calls to RepentanceCorrespond to the Covenant Call to Return

when the Covenant has been violated

(Deut 30:2-3, 6)

2) Predicted judgments: Correspond to the covenant curses

(Lev 26; Deut 28) for disobedience

1) Prophetic indictments for sin:People are being held accountable

to the covenant obligations



JoshuaJudges


1& 2 ChroniclesEzra

NehemiahEsther


JeremiahEzekiel

12 Minor Prophets

PsalmsLamentations

Covenant Theology

Genesis chs. 12-50

Daniel

God: Creator


Cre

atio

n un

der

the

Cur

se

Restored Creation

The Goal of God’s Redemptive Work is a Restored Creation as in Gen 1 &

2, but with modifications

Covenant Theology is basis upon which God works with His

“covenant” people


Sal

vatio

n H

isto

ry

Cov

enan

t P

eopl

e

Creation Theology is basis

upon which God works with

non-covenant

people

Genesis chs. 1-11



Song of Songs

Creation Psalms (8 19:1-6, 33, 104m 139m 148)


Creation Theology

Genesis chs. 1-11



Song of Songs



Creation Theology

Creation Theology & Wisdom Literature

(Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs)

► God created the World using WisdomProverbs 3:19-20

Proverbs 8:22-31

Job 28:23-27

God has made inherent within Creation a natural order

that involves not just physical laws of science, but

morals & ethics, and practical living (common sense)

and that order is observable by us as humans.

Assumption of “Creation” Theology:Assumption of “Creation” Theology:



“Wisdom” is:

(1) discerning that creation order

and (2) living in harmony with that order, in relationship to God (“fear God”),

in relationship with other human beings, and in relationship to the rest of creation.



is Humble Recognition of our Limitations as

Humansin both (a) Understanding Creation

Ecclesiastes 2:18-19; 3:11, 21; 6:12; 7:14b; 23-24; 8:6-7, 16-17;

9:1, 11-12; 10:14b; 11:5-6

(b) Being Able to Control Creation

Ecclesiastes 1:15; 7:13-14; Job ch. 28; chs. 38-41

► the Appropriate Response to God as Creator

Creation Theology &

Wisdom Literature (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of

Songs)

Genesis chs. 1-11



Song of Songs



Creation Theology

Arguments related to God as Creator:Arguments related to God as Creator:

Creation Theology in Prophetic Literature

► As Creator, it means Yahweh is the Lord of Creation, and thereforea) Is Sovereign over ALL Nationsb) Controls all of Human History

Isaiah 40:12-31Isaiah 44:24-28Isaiah 45:1-8 (vv. 7 & 8, “create”, ברא), 11-13Isaiah 48:12-16Isaiah 51:12-13Jeremiah 32:17Zechariah 12:1-3

Genesis chs. 1-11



JoshuaJudges


1& 2 ChroniclesEzra

NehemiahEsther


JeremiahEzekiel

12 Minor Prophets

PsalmsLamentations



Song of Songs

Creation Psalms (8 19:1-6, 33, 104, 139, 148)


2 Underlying Theological “Streams” in the Old Testament

Creation Theology Deuteronomic Covenant Theology

Genesis chs. 12-50

Daniel

Creation PsalmsPsalms 8

19:1-6

33

104

139

148

(a) As Creator, God is Present throughout all of CreationPs 139:5, 7-12

► God’s Working in the World:

Creation Theology in the “Creation Psalms”

Psalm 139 (NRSV)

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?

Or where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I ascend to heaven,

you are there;

If I make my bed in the Depths, you are

there;

9 If I take the wings

of the morning,

and settle at the

farthest limits of the

sea,

10 even there

your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall

hold me fast.

“Surely the darkness shall cover me and the light around

me become night.”

11 If I say,

12 even the darkness is not dark to

you; the night

is as bright as

the day,

for darkness is as light

to you.



(b) As Creator, God has On-going Awareness of all that Happens in Creation

Pss 33:13-19; 139:1-4, 15-16a, 23-24


Psalm 33 Psalm 33 (NRSV)(NRSV)

13 The L13 The LORDORD looks down from heaven; looks down from heaven;he sees all humankind.he sees all humankind.

14 From where he sits enthroned he watches14 From where he sits enthroned he watchesall the inhabitants of the earth — all the inhabitants of the earth —

15 he who fashions the hearts of them all,15 he who fashions the hearts of them all,and observes all their deeds.and observes all their deeds.

16 A king is not saved by his great army;16 A king is not saved by his great army;a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.

17 The war horse is a vain hope for victory,17 The war horse is a vain hope for victory,and by its great might it cannot save.and by its great might it cannot save.

18 Truly the eye of the L18 Truly the eye of the LORDORD is on those who fear him,is on those who fear him,

on those who hope in his steadfast love,on those who hope in his steadfast love,19 19 to deliver their soul from death,to deliver their soul from death,

and to keep them alive in famine.and to keep them alive in famine.




Pss 33:13-19; 139:1-4, 15-16a, 23-24

(c) As Creator, God exercises On-going Control of Creation (even Humans)

Ps 33:10-12


Psalm 33 (NRSV)

10 The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;

he frustrates the plans of the peoples.11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever,

the thoughts of his heart to all generations.12 Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD,

the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.




Pss 33:13-19; 139:1-4, 15-16a, 23-24

(e) As Creator, God continues his Creative ActivityPs 139:13


Ps 33:10-12

(d) As Creator, God executes Judgment in CreationPss 104:31-35; 139:19-20


13 For it was you who formed my inward parts;

you knit me together in my

mother’s womb.




Pss 33:13-19; 139:1-4, 15-16a, 23-24



Ps 33:10-12


(f) As Creator, God is the On-going Sustainer of CreationPs 104:10-23, 27-30


1a Praise the LORD, O my soul.

Psalm 104 (NIV)

1b O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed

with splendor and majesty.

2 He wraps himself in light as with a garment;

he stretches out the heavens like a tent

3a and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.

3b He makes the clouds his chariot

and rides on the wings of the wind.

4 He makes winds his messengers,

flames of fire his servants.

5 He set the earth

on its foundations;

it can never be moved.

10a He makes springs pour water into the ravines;

10b it flows between

the mountains.

11a They give water to all the

beasts of the field;

11b the wild donkeys

quench their thirst.

12a The birds of the air nest by the waters;

12b they sing among the branches.

13a He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;

13b the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work.

14a He makes grass grow for the cattle,

14b and plants for humans to cultivate –

bringing forth food from the earth:

15 wine that gladdens the heart of

humans, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.

1616 The trees of the LThe trees of the LORDORDare well watered are well watered ,,

the cedars of Lebanon that he plantedthe cedars of Lebanon that he planted..

1616 The trees of the LThe trees of the LORDORD are well watered are well watered,,

the cedars of Lebanon that he plantedthe cedars of Lebanon that he planted..

17 There the birds make their nests;

the stork has its home in the pine

trees.

18 The high mountains 18 The high mountains

belong to the wild goats;belong to the wild goats;

the crags are a refuge the crags are a refuge

for the coneys.for the coneys.

19 The moon marks off the seasons,

and the sun knows when to go down.

20 You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl.

21 The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God.

22 The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens.

23 Then humans go out

to their work,

to their labor until evening.

24 How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full

of your creatures.

25 There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond

number-- living things both large and small.

27 These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time.

28 When you give it to them, they gather it up;

when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.

when you take away their breath, they die and return to the

dust.

29 When you hide your face, they are terrified;

30 When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth.

31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever;

may the LORD rejoice in his works --

33 I will sing to the LORD all my life;

I will sing praise to my God

as long as I live.

34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,

as I rejoice in the LORD.

35b Praise the LORD, O my soul.

Praise the LORD.




Pss 33:13-19; 139:1-4, 15-16a, 23-24



Ps 33:10-12


(f) As Creator, God is the On-going Sustainer of CreationPs 104:10-23, 27-30


Psalm 8:1, 9Psalm 8:1, 9Psalm 33:1-3, 8Psalm 33:1-3, 8Psalm 104:1, 31-34Psalm 104:1, 31-34Psalm 148Psalm 148

► Appropriate Response to God as Creator is

“Praise”


Spiritual

Frontline Kelvin Friebel Nov.6, 2010