The Bible begins with the book of Genesis, also known as the book of beginnings. Genesis is the first of five books collectively referred to as the Pentateuch. The name is derived from the first word of the LXX, which is translated to mean beginning. Most scholars agree that the book consist of two parts, chapters 1-11 and 12-50. The first section is referred to as the primeval history, beginning with creation, and concluding with the genealogy of Shem. There are some who offer other suggested endings of this section, regardless it does not change the prominences of this section. Genesis as a whole is comprised of ten sections. Each section is marked off by the “toledoth formula.” David Dorsey notes, “In each instance, x is a person or entity
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He suggest, “A more through look at the structural unity of the repeated and interrelated themes and phrases indicates that a much more significant creative design is embedded in the structure of Genesis 1-11.” Smith recognizes similarities between Adamic and Noahic stories. The ending of the flood narrative is linguistically similar to that of the creation narrative. Smith mentions the following relationships that can be found: water covering the earth and diminishing from the earth (Gen. 1 and 8); birds and animals upon the earth (Gen. 1:20-21, 24-25 and 8:17-19; God set the days and seasons (1:14-18 and 8:22); God blesses the animals (Gen. 1:22 and 8:17); Man is blessed by God (Gen. 1:28 and 9:1,7); God provides food for man (Gen. 1:29-30 and 9:3); and in 9:6 the writer quotes 1:26-27. Smith suggests that God blessing of man to be fruitful and multiply is the key theological focal point. Smith notes, “If this blessing is of central significance to the author of Genesis 1-11, then we must carefully consider the observation that the genealogies in Genesis 5 and 10 are the realization and fulfillment of this blessing.” Smith’s observation can be seen at the beginning of the genealogy in Genesis 5:2. “The genealogy is evidence that the blessing of God to Adam was fulfilled,” according to
He suggest, “A more through look at the structural unity of the repeated and interrelated themes and phrases indicates that a much more significant creative design is embedded in the structure of Genesis 1-11.” Smith recognizes similarities between Adamic and Noahic stories. The ending of the flood narrative is linguistically similar to that of the creation narrative. Smith mentions the following relationships that can be found: water covering the earth and diminishing from the earth (Gen. 1 and 8); birds and animals upon the earth (Gen. 1:20-21, 24-25 and 8:17-19; God set the days and seasons (1:14-18 and 8:22); God blesses the animals (Gen. 1:22 and 8:17); Man is blessed by God (Gen. 1:28 and 9:1,7); God provides food for man (Gen. 1:29-30 and 9:3); and in 9:6 the writer quotes 1:26-27. Smith suggests that God blessing of man to be fruitful and multiply is the key theological focal point. Smith notes, “If this blessing is of central significance to the author of Genesis 1-11, then we must carefully consider the observation that the genealogies in Genesis 5 and 10 are the realization and fulfillment of this blessing.” Smith’s observation can be seen at the beginning of the genealogy in Genesis 5:2. “The genealogy is evidence that the blessing of God to Adam was fulfilled,” according to