INTRODUCTION
Genesis covers a tremendously long period of time, from the creation of the world to the captivity of the children of Israel in Egypt. The book of Genesis is foundational to an understanding of the Torah (Pentateuch) as a whole. The traditional author is Moses, though there are some areas that appear to be later insertions. While higher criticism has attacked the unity of authorship, much of this attack does not hold up to serious scrutiny.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
- Composition and authorship is debated, but basically Mosaic authorship is widely accepted among conservatives.
- Text & Tradition
Strictly speaking, Genesis is anonymous.
There is a long tradition of Moses as the law writer.
There are some hints of later glosses or contributions in isolated areas.
- Historical-Critical Approaches
The 17th-19th centuries saw a rise of the critical method.
1883-85 Wellhausen published a more clear articulation of JEPD than had been articulated before. There's a good summary of his views on pp. 41-42.
- Other critical approaches:
Fragmentary approach - Genesis is gathered from different sources.
Supplementary approach - there was originally one document to which other features were added.
Form & Tradition Criticism - see the work of H. Gunkel.
Some scholars see an oral tradition and folk-lore like development of Genesis.
EVALUATION OF THE CRITICAL APPROACH
The text critical approach is declining in prominence.
Problems: It is difficult to come up with definitive criteria to separate sources. The approach is also dependent on a particular presupposition about theological development.
There are recent new literary approaches to the Pentateuch, particularly since 1970, seeing it as essentially similar to other ancient literature. This approach would seem to be more fruitful.
Conclusion: the documentary hypothesis is waning, being more loosely held by scholars.
LITERARY ANALYSIS
- Structure - some analysts see an introduction followed by ten episodes each introduced with "these are the generations." Others look primarily at content and style, generally seeing one segment for chapters 1-11 and the remainder divided by dealings with the various patriarchs.
- Genre - basically history
- Literary artistry - while Genesis was typically considered a bit artless recent philological analysis has shown some sophisticated structures within the book. An example of the structure of chapter 11 verses 1-9 is given on p. 51 of the text.
THEOLOGICAL MESSAGE
In Genesis we see God as the maker and ruler of all. He makes promises to the patriarchs including a promise of redemption despite the unbelief of mankind. We see God as the one who overcomes obstacles to redemption.
As we approach the New Testament we see the very same God who has made and governs everything, who makes promises, and fulfills those promises.
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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com
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