Book of Genesis and the Concept of Knowledge

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1. Our study group is at odds over the concept of knowledge as we tackle the Book of Genesis: we need to comprehend the various ways in which it is defined in respect to the stories of Adam and Eve? Noah? Lot and with his daughters? If anyone has a clear understanding of this message; please help clear up our confusion.

In Genesis, we see that knowledge progressed from being directly spoken to Adam and Eve by God, to be given through the God-given conscience; and then through the law and government and God-given conscience. We see the blessing when knowledge is used wisely, and judgment by God when knowledge is used to "sin."

1). ADAM & EVE

In review of the setting of Genesis: Humans were created in the image of God-enjoying God's presence, in benevolent ruler ship over nature and capable of unity and diversity in relationship. All of this hinged on their free choice to trust God's loving authority as expressed through his prepositional communication (do not eat..). Knowledge is spoken directly to Adam and Eve by God.

This choice was made clear and concrete for them through the two trees in the garden. Read 2:16,17.

There was nothing intrinsically significant about the fact that they were trees. God could just as easily have said, "Don't cross that stream" or "Don't go past that mountain range." The point was that they were given a clear choice to obey God.

Neither did their fruits contain any magical or chemical properties. The tree of life is so called because the choice to trust and obey God results in fullness of life. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil is so called because the choice to disobey God is to arrogate to oneself the authority to define good and evil, instead of trusting God to define good and evil for us.

So the choice was clear. God gave them ample reason to trust him (personal fellowship and perfect environment), he gave them a very simple choice, and he spelled out the consequences that would flow from this choice. We do not know how long they lived in harmony with God, but at a certain point another influence came into the picture . . .Satan (left for another discussion)

2). NOAH

Now, what about Noah? How was "...the concept of knowledge... defined in respect to Noah..."

First, let's review the nature of the Old Testament.

God is advancing his plan (Is. 46:8-11) throughout. As we have discussed previously, history is God's history...his "progressive salvation history. Each era (broad literary unit) is connected to preceding and following eras establishing the continuity and unity of the OT as a narrative whole (see Diagram 1). Awareness of these ...