![[#02] Genesis 1:2 – Formless and Void](https://redeeminggod.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/One-Verse-at-a-Time-150x150.jpg)
This episode of the One Verse podcast looks at Genesis 1:2, where we see that although the text contains numerous dark and ominous elements, it ultimately points us to hope that our God is different than the gods of other religions.
The text of Genesis 1:2
Genesis 1:2. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
Main points from Genesis 1:2:
- Genesis 1:2 begins ominously. We read of chaos, destruction, and darkness.
- Why does Moses introduce us to God in this way?
- This episode looks at various theories about Genesis 1:2, and shows once again, that the proper way to read the text is through the eyes of the original audience.
- When we do this, the darkness and chaos of Genesis 1:2 leads us to renewed hope about the God we serve.
Resources:
- Logos Bible Software
- The Yahweh-Tehom Myth
- Creation-Myths-Johnston
- Subscribe and Leave a Review on iTunes
Images of Tehom
Downloadable Podcast Resources
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Thank you Jeremy! I have learned some new things from you in this podcast and I am getting your phrase Redeeming God.
The Babylonian background of the Beginning of the Bible is excellent information.
You really do make theology less stuffy and you pack a lot into 15-25 minutes. You are becoming my favorite theology guy. Praise Jesus!
Thanks for the encouragement, Mike! And thanks for listening.
Jeremy, I do have one question. On the word “bara,” is it correct to translate that as “create?”
If you look at 1 Samuel 2:29 the word is used as “fat.” So wouldn’t it be better to translate “bara” as fattened or filled instead of create?
This makes sense then in Genesis 1:2 where we are told that the earth was without shape and empty.
It also makes much more sense when we look at Genesis 1:27 when we see God “filling” the man with His image, etc.
Besides when God “creates” man the word used is “yatsar” not “bara” (2:7) which implies forming or molding out of something.
So if we look at Gen 2:7 we see God forming the man and “filling” him with a representation (tselem = outline or shadow) of Himself, and according to the verse his image is “male” and “female.”
Just looking for some feedback. Love your stuff, it encourages me to cast off my Calvanistic bonds of 63 years and look at Scripture and God in a fresh new way.