GENESIS
CHAPTER
2
1. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 1)
It is astounding how the process of creation that knows its beginning in chapter one of the book of Genesis is carried forward in to the second chapter of the book of Genesis. This could be an introductory phrase, a technical device used by the author of the book of Genesis, as in the use of flashbacks.
2. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done.
(Genesis chapter 1 verse 2)
On reflecting the author of the book of Genesis is applying human attributes to God, who is portrayed as being in need of rest after having finished all the work that He had done. However the message of this verse is for us humans who unlike God need the necessary rest. As humans we are to respect the boundaries ascribed by God with reference to work. God commanded us to work by day and rest by night and stop completely during the week-end save for certain occupations such as health and law enforcement among others anything can wait during the week end. During his leisure time God did not waste His time but spent it in reflection and evaluation of His work and took pleasure in His creation. After a week of working it is therefore necessary to stop and think about all the help and support and an abundance of graces that God has bestowed on us, without our being aware of them. While reflecting we can make special time of prayer and meditation during we we, thank God our father for loving and caring for us in many special ways.
3. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 3)
In order for us to remember this special day of rest and leisure in God, our father ordered that this day that is 'Sunday' for us Christians be held as a day of rest and that no work is to be done on this day. The State especially that of Malta and other nations agreed to hold this day as one of non work. However it is becoming a trend that certain outlets are opening their doors for business even on such days and thus are violating the will of God.
4. These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 4)
On reflecting verse four of the second chapter of the book of Genesis is an appropriate conclusion for the first chapter of the book of Genesis. As already mentioned this could be another technical device used by the author.
5. In the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up-for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground;
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 5)
Anyone with good observation skills can observe that we are going to reflect, on a similar or the same creation event or story found in Genesis chapter 1 and concluded in Genesis chapter 2. However if we compare the two versions we can observe certain features that contrast or even seem to contradict each other.
According to verse eleven of the first chapter of the book of Genesis God created vegetation on the third day before the creation of humanity. In contrast to verse eleven, verse five of the second chapter of the book of Genesis says that before the creation of humanity there was no vegetation because God had not sent rain on the earth.
Although this is a question that up to now in the chapter we may remain without knowledge of the correct answer we cannot refute the baby and the water and refute the whole creation event or process, because our faith is not determined by such technicalities, however what can be observed is that the second version of the process of creation found in chapter two of the book of Genesis when compared to the first one contains particular details that make the two versions complementary instead of contradictory to each other.
6. but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground-
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 6)
On applying the tools of reasoning that are complemented by our faith it can be concluded that streams do not flow from the earth, however a geyser can blow out water from the earth and water the vegetation on earth.
7. then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being.
(Genesis chapter 1 verse 7)
God left for last the most precious of his creation in which he takes pride and pleasure. This is proved by the fact that among all the creatures created by Him God chose to send his son in the form of a human. Humans are special because since as creatures and as human race we owe our existence to God, who personally gave us life by blowing His Holy Spirit or soul into our frail bodies, that actually gave us life.
On reflecting the body can have all its organs working in perfect order, however if we do not have the Spirit of God dwelling in us, we are technically without life in us. From the beginning of the process of life inside the womb, it is God who gives life to the fetus apart from human intervention. At the time of baptism and confirmation that same Holy Spirit is again given to us by means of the sacraments.
8. And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 8)
With reference to the actual location of the garden of Eden there is much discourse. Among the places mentioned is the region of Ethiopia where even s spring is found that is said to be a source of supply to four rivers in the same region.
Although the location of the garden of Eden might appear to be interesting the emphasis of this analysis is not the discovery of such land marks, we will leave that for archaeologists. What is important and therefore subject to our reflection is the fact that God is said to have put the man in the garden. This might imply that the first man was in no position to walk as in the case of a new born baby or maybe took the human in his Spirit and took him to the mentioned location like and eagle who carries her offspring under her wings. Another possibility is that the human did not know the way and God carried him to the location.
Many times God as a loving father God carries us during times of tribulation. From a human perspective it may seem to be that we are enduring the storm on our own, however in truth God is always with us protecting us from the temptations of the Devil and our own negative inclinations.
9. Out of the ground the LORD God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 9)
It seems that the first human was growing and ready to face his first task. God prepared the first test for him. This is the test of obedience. Among all the trees planted in the garden and on earth God planted in the very middle of the garden the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
As humans we are also given the opportunity of choosing what is right from what is wrong. Moreover we are also been given the mental ability to make the correct choice, however when faced with the opportunity we do not always make the right choice. This is because we tend to follow our own desires instead of referring to the will of God by means of spiritual discernment.
10. A river flows out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it divides and becomes four branches. 11 The name of the first is Pishon; it is one that flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; 12 and the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there. 13 The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one that flows around the land of Cush. 14 The name of the third river is Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
(Genesis chapter 2 verses 10 to 14)
On reflecting these verses have no significance however from an archaeological perspective and even geographical, the mentioned rivers are of particular value and significance that actually sustains the credibility of the Word of God. What is of significance is that the river flowing from Eden has its spiritual source found in God that is the sustenance of all creation both natural, physical and spiritual or supernatural.
15. The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 15)
According to verse fifteen of the second chapter of the book of Genesis, the first human had developed enough to perform the first given task. This was the role of a gardener. God assigned man the task of keeping the garden of Eden and to reap its produce. God works in the same way with us even in sour spiritual, social and psychological development. On sensing that we are ready to advance in our lives, God gives us the next task that may consist of anything that may promote our well being and development.
16. And the LORD God commanded the man, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die."
(Genesis chapter 2 verses 16 and 17)
In verses sixteen and seventeen of the second chapter of the book of Genesis God moves on to another stage in our development. This is the responsibility and the consequences of our actions that lead us to commit sins against each other and against the will of God. God is clear in his admonitions without any signs of ambiguity or contradiction. If we commit this action, this will be followed by the relative consequence.
18. Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone: I will make him a helper as his partner."
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 18)
God is aware that as humans we are not fully self-sufficient and that at some point in time we will be in need of the help, love and support of other human beings as much as that of God. God is also aware that it would facilitate the purpose of communication and relationships if the chosen partner would be of the same form and image meaning human likeness.
19. So out of the ground the LORD God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 19)
On reflecting verse nineteen clashes with what we have reflected on in the first chapter of the book of Genesis in relation to the creation of the animals of both land, sea and air. However if we adopt the perspective that the two creation accounts complement each other we can infer that God brought all the animals to the first human to possess them by giving them a name that would be forever. God gave us this authority over nature. This reflects further human growth and development. It can also be highlighted that God gave the first human this task in order to continue improving his skills and did not immediately find him the adequate partner.
20. The man gave names to all the cattle and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 20)
It seems that throughout the naming process God was assessing what type of creature would be adequate as a helper for the human, however in His infinite wisdom God was aware of the human's needs.
21. So the LORD caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 21)
When reflecting on verse twenty-one we assist for the first major operation. God created for the first human a replica human just like the original. God knows exactly how to match according to what is according to the natural and spiritual order. On reflecting God could have gave a man to the first human to be his partner, but he did not because God knows what is the best for our human spiritual and social development. If God created two men, this would not reflect the image of God because God declared Himself to appertain to both the male and the female traits. Moreover society and its development would have been stunted and the only means of reproduction for the two male humans would be to mate with animals in order to reproduce and obey God's command.
22. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 22)
As in the case of the male human God tenderly carried his newborn human to the male human who in age and maturity was more developed since he had been created before. We can only imagine the first man's feelings on finally being found a partner sharing his own likeness and form or image.
On a spiritual level when we encounter God for the first time we would try to spend so much time with Him in order to get to know Him. This is the attitude of the Christian. Every day is to be an exploration of God in our lives. Our aim is to get to know God better a help develop a long lasting relationship with Him.
23. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken."
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 23)
Finally Adam's wish had come true God gave him an adequate partner. Somehow the man became knowledgeable that the woman was created from his rib. God could have revealed it to him Himself. On growing up God makes us aware of our uniqueness both as individuals and both as humans.
24. Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 24)
By means of the first human beings God laid the foundations for the institution of marriage that is the union of a man with a woman and the beginning of a new family. As in God who is both male and female God declared that the man and woman would be likewise one flesh, mind and spirit. However this bondage is not a simple process at all. There are case when the woman and man leave the homes of their parents but they are still cleaving to them, in the sense that until trust and security in the partner is fostered the cleaving with the partner is not yet complete. This lack of trust in each other may be the cause of much litigation between them because both may refer to their parents as their reference points and not trust in each other.
Spiritually this is also the case. During our relationship with God at times we may clash and think of abandoning it while it is still in a non developed phase. However, in time we will learn how to place our trust in God alone and foster a blind faith in Him. As in the human process this is a long process because it implies the gradual denial of our own human will and the adoption and acceptance of the will of God as our life principle.
25. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 25)
On reflecting one tends to ask oneself about how come two naked people, seeing each other for the first time in their life could not have felt ashamed. One of the first reasons that comes to mind is that the focus of the first two human beings was not on themselves and on their sexuality but on God. Their eyes and brains were still spiritually pure and not corrupted by their own carnal natures with its drives, urges and strong sexual desires. For this time of their life they were still physically and spiritually pure, therefore there was no reason for them to feel ashamed.
As Christians this is to be our prayer. I wish to end this chapter with this intention in mind heart and Spirit.
"Oh God, purify my eyes so that they may only have their focus on you, my brain so that my thoughts will be purified in You and be free from the attraction of the world. My body so that in both thoughts and actions it will give glory to You every day of my life. My Spirit that is already yours so that we will become totally whole in cleaving and in leaving of the corrupted sinful spirit of this world. So that one day we will be united totally in Spirit and in in flesh amen.
(Genesis chapter 1 verse 7)
God left for last the most precious of his creation in which he takes pride and pleasure. This is proved by the fact that among all the creatures created by Him God chose to send his son in the form of a human. Humans are special because since as creatures and as human race we owe our existence to God, who personally gave us life by blowing His Holy Spirit or soul into our frail bodies, that actually gave us life.
On reflecting the body can have all its organs working in perfect order, however if we do not have the Spirit of God dwelling in us, we are technically without life in us. From the beginning of the process of life inside the womb, it is God who gives life to the fetus apart from human intervention. At the time of baptism and confirmation that same Holy Spirit is again given to us by means of the sacraments.
8. And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 8)
With reference to the actual location of the garden of Eden there is much discourse. Among the places mentioned is the region of Ethiopia where even s spring is found that is said to be a source of supply to four rivers in the same region.
Although the location of the garden of Eden might appear to be interesting the emphasis of this analysis is not the discovery of such land marks, we will leave that for archaeologists. What is important and therefore subject to our reflection is the fact that God is said to have put the man in the garden. This might imply that the first man was in no position to walk as in the case of a new born baby or maybe took the human in his Spirit and took him to the mentioned location like and eagle who carries her offspring under her wings. Another possibility is that the human did not know the way and God carried him to the location.
Many times God as a loving father God carries us during times of tribulation. From a human perspective it may seem to be that we are enduring the storm on our own, however in truth God is always with us protecting us from the temptations of the Devil and our own negative inclinations.
9. Out of the ground the LORD God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 9)
It seems that the first human was growing and ready to face his first task. God prepared the first test for him. This is the test of obedience. Among all the trees planted in the garden and on earth God planted in the very middle of the garden the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
As humans we are also given the opportunity of choosing what is right from what is wrong. Moreover we are also been given the mental ability to make the correct choice, however when faced with the opportunity we do not always make the right choice. This is because we tend to follow our own desires instead of referring to the will of God by means of spiritual discernment.
10. A river flows out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it divides and becomes four branches. 11 The name of the first is Pishon; it is one that flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; 12 and the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there. 13 The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one that flows around the land of Cush. 14 The name of the third river is Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
(Genesis chapter 2 verses 10 to 14)
On reflecting these verses have no significance however from an archaeological perspective and even geographical, the mentioned rivers are of particular value and significance that actually sustains the credibility of the Word of God. What is of significance is that the river flowing from Eden has its spiritual source found in God that is the sustenance of all creation both natural, physical and spiritual or supernatural.
15. The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 15)
According to verse fifteen of the second chapter of the book of Genesis, the first human had developed enough to perform the first given task. This was the role of a gardener. God assigned man the task of keeping the garden of Eden and to reap its produce. God works in the same way with us even in sour spiritual, social and psychological development. On sensing that we are ready to advance in our lives, God gives us the next task that may consist of anything that may promote our well being and development.
16. And the LORD God commanded the man, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die."
(Genesis chapter 2 verses 16 and 17)
In verses sixteen and seventeen of the second chapter of the book of Genesis God moves on to another stage in our development. This is the responsibility and the consequences of our actions that lead us to commit sins against each other and against the will of God. God is clear in his admonitions without any signs of ambiguity or contradiction. If we commit this action, this will be followed by the relative consequence.
18. Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone: I will make him a helper as his partner."
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 18)
God is aware that as humans we are not fully self-sufficient and that at some point in time we will be in need of the help, love and support of other human beings as much as that of God. God is also aware that it would facilitate the purpose of communication and relationships if the chosen partner would be of the same form and image meaning human likeness.
19. So out of the ground the LORD God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 19)
On reflecting verse nineteen clashes with what we have reflected on in the first chapter of the book of Genesis in relation to the creation of the animals of both land, sea and air. However if we adopt the perspective that the two creation accounts complement each other we can infer that God brought all the animals to the first human to possess them by giving them a name that would be forever. God gave us this authority over nature. This reflects further human growth and development. It can also be highlighted that God gave the first human this task in order to continue improving his skills and did not immediately find him the adequate partner.
20. The man gave names to all the cattle and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 20)
It seems that throughout the naming process God was assessing what type of creature would be adequate as a helper for the human, however in His infinite wisdom God was aware of the human's needs.
21. So the LORD caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 21)
When reflecting on verse twenty-one we assist for the first major operation. God created for the first human a replica human just like the original. God knows exactly how to match according to what is according to the natural and spiritual order. On reflecting God could have gave a man to the first human to be his partner, but he did not because God knows what is the best for our human spiritual and social development. If God created two men, this would not reflect the image of God because God declared Himself to appertain to both the male and the female traits. Moreover society and its development would have been stunted and the only means of reproduction for the two male humans would be to mate with animals in order to reproduce and obey God's command.
22. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 22)
As in the case of the male human God tenderly carried his newborn human to the male human who in age and maturity was more developed since he had been created before. We can only imagine the first man's feelings on finally being found a partner sharing his own likeness and form or image.
On a spiritual level when we encounter God for the first time we would try to spend so much time with Him in order to get to know Him. This is the attitude of the Christian. Every day is to be an exploration of God in our lives. Our aim is to get to know God better a help develop a long lasting relationship with Him.
23. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken."
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 23)
Finally Adam's wish had come true God gave him an adequate partner. Somehow the man became knowledgeable that the woman was created from his rib. God could have revealed it to him Himself. On growing up God makes us aware of our uniqueness both as individuals and both as humans.
24. Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 24)
By means of the first human beings God laid the foundations for the institution of marriage that is the union of a man with a woman and the beginning of a new family. As in God who is both male and female God declared that the man and woman would be likewise one flesh, mind and spirit. However this bondage is not a simple process at all. There are case when the woman and man leave the homes of their parents but they are still cleaving to them, in the sense that until trust and security in the partner is fostered the cleaving with the partner is not yet complete. This lack of trust in each other may be the cause of much litigation between them because both may refer to their parents as their reference points and not trust in each other.
Spiritually this is also the case. During our relationship with God at times we may clash and think of abandoning it while it is still in a non developed phase. However, in time we will learn how to place our trust in God alone and foster a blind faith in Him. As in the human process this is a long process because it implies the gradual denial of our own human will and the adoption and acceptance of the will of God as our life principle.
25. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.
(Genesis chapter 2 verse 25)
On reflecting one tends to ask oneself about how come two naked people, seeing each other for the first time in their life could not have felt ashamed. One of the first reasons that comes to mind is that the focus of the first two human beings was not on themselves and on their sexuality but on God. Their eyes and brains were still spiritually pure and not corrupted by their own carnal natures with its drives, urges and strong sexual desires. For this time of their life they were still physically and spiritually pure, therefore there was no reason for them to feel ashamed.
As Christians this is to be our prayer. I wish to end this chapter with this intention in mind heart and Spirit.
"Oh God, purify my eyes so that they may only have their focus on you, my brain so that my thoughts will be purified in You and be free from the attraction of the world. My body so that in both thoughts and actions it will give glory to You every day of my life. My Spirit that is already yours so that we will become totally whole in cleaving and in leaving of the corrupted sinful spirit of this world. So that one day we will be united totally in Spirit and in in flesh amen.
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