Why are there two different stories of creation in Genesis?<\/a>\u00a0 I’m trying to understand this, so please correct me if I’m wrong:<\/p>\nGen. 1:1 – Gen. 2:4 (beg.): God’s record
\nGen. 2:4 (end) – Gen. 5:1 (beg.): Adam’s record
\nGen. 5:1 (end) – Gen. 6:9 (beg.): Noah’s record
\nGen. 6:9 (end) – Gen. 10:1 (beg.): Shem, Ham, and Japheth’s record
\nGen. 10:1 (end) – Gen. 11:10 (beg.): Shem’s record
\nGen. 11:10 (end) – Gen. 11:27 (beg.): Terah’s record\nIf this is true, what you’re saying is that when Gen. 5:1 says: “This is the book of the generations of Adam”, that the verse is actually referring to Gen. 2:4 (end) – Gen. 4:28.\u00a0 Am I correct in this?<\/p>\n
From there is where I get confused.\u00a0 Following the pattern, then Ishmael’s record would be from Gen. 11:27 (end) – Gen. 25:12 (beg.).\u00a0 This doesn’t make sense (at least to me).\u00a0 On the website it says (contained within Isaac’s account).\u00a0 Are you saying that it is actually Isaac’s account that goes from Gen. 11:27 – Gen. 25:19, and contained within it is Ishmael’s account?\u00a0 This would make sense to me, but I just want to ensure that I’m interpreting your material correctly.\u00a0 The same then would be true of Esau’s record being contained within Jacob’s record then, from Gen. 25:19 (end) – Gen. 37:2 (beg.), right?\u00a0 That would leave the rest of the book to be the records of the children of Israel (Ex. 1:1), with this likely being Joseph.\u00a0 This is the first time I’ve considered this, so any more clarity that you can provide on the issue would be appreciated.<\/p>\n
Thanks again for your hard work, I get a lot out of visiting the La Vista church’s website: some great material there.<\/p>\n\t
Answer:<\/h2>\n
I originally found this idea mentioned in\u00a0The Genesis Record\u00a0<\/em>by Henry Morris and the more I’ve examined it, I believe it to be correct. When the text of Genesis was originally divided into verses, it is apparent that the person doing so saw “These are the records of …” as in the introduction to the next section. However, this causes problems. For instance, if Genesis 5:1-6:8 were Adam’s records, then he recorded his own death and the births and deaths of people after he lived. If the verses are divided and the first half is seen as a signature line to the section preceding it, then all these problems disappear.<\/p>\nAs you noted, there are three exceptions that could be explained as one recorder inserting the records of another person into his own records. These inserted records, because they are in the middle of another record, are marked where they start instead of where they end, so there would be less confusion. The inserted records break the overall pattern, but they appear to do so by following a fixed pattern of their own.<\/p>\n
Ishmael’s record would go from Genesis 25:12-16 and occur right at the end of Isaac’s record which had gone from Genesis 11:27b-Genesis 25:19a. Isaac would have learned of Ishmael’s descendants when they meet at Abraham’s funeral (Genesis 25:9). After including Ishmael’s lineage, Isaac notes the death of his brother and the fact that Ishmael and his descendants continued to defy all his relatives, just as God had prophesied.<\/p>\n
Esau’s records also appear near the end of his brother Jacob’s record, going from Genesis 36:1-43. It is actually two records. The first covers Esau’s immediate family and why they moved to Edom (Genesis 36:1-8). The second is a detailed genealogy of Esau’s family in Edom (Genesis 36:9-43). Notice that the second record repeats some of the information already mentioned in the first record. This could indicate that there was a time gap between the two records. Perhaps the first record was received when Jacob and Esau met after Jacob’s return to Canaan (Genesis 33:1-17). Then it is at Isaac’s funeral (Genesis 35:29) that Jacob would have received Esau’s second record. Jacob’s overall record goes from Genesis 25:19b to Genesis 37:2a.<\/p>\n
The final section of Genesis from Genesis 37:2b to Genesis 50:26 was a compilation by the sons of Israel. Most were likely Joseph’s records, but there are also sections that Joseph would not be privy to, such as what happened to Judah’s family (Genesis 38) since he was a slave in Egypt at the time. Joseph could not have recorded the final section of Genesis 50:22-26 since it deals with his death, but it could have been written by one of the other brothers or Joseph’s sons.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Question: I have been reading your material in Genesis and find your conclusions intriguing on the book being a collection of inspired records that Moses made under the direction of the Holy Spirit.\u00a0 I am creating material for my daily Genesis podcast, so I want to ensure that I’m accurately portraying this part of your…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[20],"tags":[189],"class_list":["post-51787","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-answer","tag-genesis"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6960,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/covenants\/","url_meta":{"origin":51787,"position":0},"title":"Covenants","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"May 31, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"I.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Covenants play a major role throughout the Scriptures. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0We see covenants between people \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a01.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Jacob and Laban (enemies) - Gen 31:44-54 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a02.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0David and Jonathan (friends) - I Sam 18:1-4 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0B.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0We see covenants between nations, such as between Israel and Gibeon - Josh 9:3-27 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0C.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0We see covenants between God and various people\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Sermon"","block_context":{"text":"Sermon","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/sermon\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":62739,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/homosexuality\/","url_meta":{"origin":51787,"position":1},"title":"Homosexuality (Hamilton)","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"September 15, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Discussions of homosexuality have been occupying prominent places in the news \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Many arguments that the rights of those practicing homosexual relationships need to be protected. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0B.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Arguments that homosexual relationships are normal and should be taught in public schools as acceptable alternatives. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0C.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Annoucements of new studies attempting\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Sermon"","block_context":{"text":"Sermon","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/sermon\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":44579,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/mans-sinful-nature\/","url_meta":{"origin":51787,"position":2},"title":"Man’s Sinful Nature","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"February 12, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019ve been hearing a lot about man\u2019s sinful nature \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A large number of people in denominations take it for granted that mankind is born sinful. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a01.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0In other words, people can\u2019t help but to sin because it is a part of our nature. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a02.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Philadelphia Confession of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Audio"","block_context":{"text":"Audio","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/audio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":25501,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/the-importance-of-covenants-part-ii\/","url_meta":{"origin":51787,"position":3},"title":"The Importance of Covenants – Part II","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"January 9, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Text: Jeremiah 31:31-34 \u00a0 I.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Covenants play a major role throughout the Scriptures. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0These are not promises, such as to be somewhere next week. Nor are they just solemn oaths. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0B.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Covenants create a binding relationship between people, much like a treaty. II.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Parts of a covenant \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0People have analyzed not only the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Audio"","block_context":{"text":"Audio","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/audio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":63655,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/we-dont-do-religion\/","url_meta":{"origin":51787,"position":4},"title":"We Don’t Do Religion","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"October 28, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A young lady called, asking if I would consider conducting her wedding. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I tell them that I\u2019m willing, but I have certain restrictions. If either had been divorced, it had to be because of sexual immorality (that eliminates most of the calls right there). I also\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Sermon"","block_context":{"text":"Sermon","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/sermon\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":20177,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/why-is-the-creation-of-man-mentioned-twice-in-genesis\/","url_meta":{"origin":51787,"position":5},"title":"Why is the creation of man mentioned twice in Genesis?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"September 18, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: Can you shed some light on the account of the creation in the Book of Genesis?\u00a0 In Genesis 1 you have man being created and then in Genesis 2 you have man being created again. Answer: Though attributed to Moses, the Bible never states that Moses was the original\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51787","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51787"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51787\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51787"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51787"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51787"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}