Evolution of an Idea

The Evolution of an Idea: The Creation Through Scripture
Jackson Snyder, October 29, 1994

1. The IDEA we will consider some concepts from Genesis 1, like the "wind of God" that swept (or hovered) over the face of the deep, and the light which God created that was so good. We will see that these concepts have evolved in meaning with time.

Gen 1:1-4 (NRSV) In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, {2} the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. {4} And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.

2. The Psalmist, basing his song on a much earlier Egyption song, sees God as wrapped in light and unfurling the universe. (About 1000 B.C.)

Psa 104:1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty, {2} wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch out the heavens like a tent, {3} you set the beams of your chambers on the waters, you make the clouds your chariot, you ride on the wings of the wind, {4} you make the winds your messengers, fire and flame your ministers. {5} You set the earth on its foundations, so that it shall never be shaken.

Write down words in the song that refer directly to the Genesis 1 text.

3. The writer of the Proverbs believes that creation was well planned through the wise mind of God. (About 950 B.C.)

Prov 3:19-22 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. My child, do not let these escape from your sight: keep sound wisdom and prudence, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.

4. Enoch is a text known only from quotes (like in Jude 6) until the late 19th century. Many fragments of Enoch were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls in the 1940's and 50's. It was well known by Gospel writers. Wisdom for the writer of Enoch becomes an individual distinct from God. Wisdom descended to earth, but could not find a place to stay; so Wisdom ascends to her origin. (300 B.C. or earlier.)

1 Enoch 42:1,2 (Isaac Translation) Wisdom could not find a place in which she could dwell; but a place was found for her in the heavens. Then Wisdom went out to dwell with the children of the people, but she found no dwelling place. So Wisdom returned to her place, and she settled permanently among the angels.

Note that Wisdom descends then ascends.

5. Sirach was a wise man that lived about 200 B. C. His book of proverbs was used extensively in the early Christian Church, and is still a part of the canon of scripture for Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox. Wisdom is a person who was present during and an agent in creation. Sirach contradicts the writer of Enoch: Wisdom does find a home with the people of Jacob (Israel).

Sirach 24:1-9 (RSV) Wisdom will praise herself, and will glorify herself in the midst of the people. {2} In the assembly of the Most High she will open her mouth, and in the presence of his host she will glory: {3} "I came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and covered the earth like a mist. {4} I dwelt in high places, and my throne was in a pillar of cloud. {5} Alone I have made the ciruit of the vault of heaven and have walked in the depths of the abyss. {6} In the waves of the sea, in the whole earth, and in every people and nation I have gotten a possession. {7} Among all these I sought a resting place: I sought in whose territory I might lodge. {8} Then the creator of all things gave me a commandment, and the one who created me assigned a place for my tent. And he said, 'Make your dwelling in Jacob, and in Israel receive your inheritance.' {9} From eternity, in the beginning, he created me, and for eternity I shall not cease to exist."

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