1. How many time does the name "God" appear in Genesis 1:1-2:3?
The name "God" occurs ___________ times in Genesis 1:1-2:3.
2. What conclusions can be drawn from the number of occurrences?
3. The creation account in Genesis 1:1-2:3 is patterned as six days of creation followed by a day of rest. As you read through Genesis 1:1-2:3, note the occurrences of the refrains (a refrain is a repetition of words) that give literary structure to Genesis 1:1-2:3. List the verse numbers in which the refrains occur. The occurrences of the first refrain are provided below as an example.
Announcement: "And God said . . ."
Verse numbers: 3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26, 28, 29
Order formula: "Let there be. . ."
Verse numbers:
Fulfillment formula: "And it was so. . ."
Verse numbers:
Execution formula: "And God Made. . ."
Verse numbers:
Approval formula: "God saw that it was good. . ."
Verse numbers:
Naming formula: "God called. . ."
Verse numbers:
Affirmation: "And there was evening . . ."
Verse numbers:
4. What conclusions can be drawn from your observations? List your conclusions.
5. What is the significance of the change in the approval formula from "good" to "very good" in Genesis 1:31?
6. Compare Genesis 1:1-2:3 and 2:4-25 then list the similarities and differences in
a. The order of creation
b. God's role in creation
c. Mode of creation (how God creates)
d. Time fame
Rather than following the modern tendency to look upon differences as error, it is best to see the two creation accounts complementary.
7. How does the literary analysis support the purposes of the passage?