From Creation to Abraham: Further Studies in Genesis 1-11

John Day investigates disputed points of interpretation within Genesis 1-11,expanding on his earlier book From Creation to Babel with 11 stimulating essays. Day considers the texts within their Near Eastern contexts,and pays particular attention to the later history of interpretation and reception history. Topics covered include the meaning of the Bibles first verse and what immediately follows,as well as what it means that humanity is made in the image of God.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

John Day delves into the intricate and contentious realms of interpretation within Genesis 1-11, building upon his earlier work, From Creation to Babel, with a collection of 11 thought-provoking essays. Day approaches the texts with a keen eye for their Near Eastern contexts, carefully examining the rich tapestry of interpretation and reception history that has unfolded over centuries. The book explores a wide range of topics, including the enigmatic significance of the Bible's opening verse and the subsequent narratives that unfold. It delves into the enigmatic role of the serpent in the Garden of Eden, the complexities of the Cain and Abel story, the conflation of the Covenant with Noah and the Noachic commandments in later Jewish thought, and the misinterpretation of 'Ur of the Chaldaeans, Abraham's purported place of origin, by Jewish, Christian, and Islamic sources. These chapters serve as a profound exploration of the meaning, background, and subsequent interpretation of the Book of Genesis, laying the foundation for Day's upcoming ICC commentary on Genesis 1-11.

John Day investigates disputed points of interpretation within Genesis 1-11,expanding on his earlier book From Creation to Babel with 11 stimulating essays. Day considers the texts within their Near Eastern contexts,and pays particular attention to the later history of interpretation and reception history.Topics covered include the meaning of the Bibles first verse and what immediately follows,as well as what it means that humanity is made in the image of God. Further chapters examine the Garden of Eden,the background and role of the serpent and the ambiguous role of Wisdom; the many problems of interpretation in the Cain and Abel story,as well as what gave rise to this story; how the Covenant with Noah and the Noachic commandments,though originally separate,became conflated in some later Jewish thought; and the location of ‘Ur of the Chaldaeans,Abrahams alleged place of origin,and how this was later misinterpreted by Jewish,Christian and Islamic sources as referring to a ‘fiery furnace of the Chaldaeans. These chapters,which illuminate the meaning,background and subsequent interpretation of the Book of Genesis,pave the way for Days forthcoming ICC commentary on Genesis 1-11.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780567703132