Day 1: Genesis 1-2 and Psalms 95-96

I have relied on the following sources, along with the Bible, in forming thoughts and questions about today's readings, as follows: 

1. http://www.bibletruths.net/Archives/BTAR133.htm
2. http://www.tonyhj.ca/Writing/Handbook/Biblhndbk02.html#Commentaries
3. http://www.jhom.com/topics/rivers/eden.htm
4. http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/bibleReadingGuide.asp?book=Ps#95
5. http://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/psalms/96.html

Apparently, throughout the Christian and other communities, some people claim that there are differences in Genesis 1 and 2 that are so drastic that they cannot be assimilated.  Likewise,  this is used to support the theory of evolution and discredit Creationism.  For example, in Genesis 1, it is written that God created Man and Woman and then Genesis 2 states that Eve was created from Adam's rib.   

After a close consideration of these alleged contradictions between chapter one and two of the Genesis' account of creation, there are essentially five supposed discrepancies (the following was arranged and succinctly worded by the scholar Kalisch). I shall now state them and then examine them. (1). In chapter one, vegetation is immediately produced by the will of God; in the second "account," its existence is made dependent on rain and mists; (2) in the first the earth emerges from the waters and, therefore, contains necessary moisture; in the second it appears dry and sandy; (3) in the first man and his wife are created together; in the second the wife is formed later, and from a part of man; (4) in the former man bears the image of God, and is made ruler of the whole earth; in the latter his earth-formed body is only animated by the breath of life, and he is placed in Eden to cultivate and to guard it; (5) in the former the birds and beasts are created before man; in the latter man before birds and beasts. These five comparisons constitute the so called insoluble contradictions between chapters one and two.

The commentary in the New American Standard Bible that I am reading indicates that the differences may be explained by comparing the days of "formation" versus the days of "filling."  Do you think that the days of formation were 24-hour days or indefinite periods?  What difference does it make  until there was actually light and dark and cultivation related to the seasons?  Did you  find yourself intrigued by the different ways to interpret "sea monsters" in Genesis 1 verse 21? Isn't Genesis 2:2 overwhelming?  His work was completed and it was "perfect."  It did not have to be repeated, repaired or revised and he rested "to commemorate it."

Look again at Genesis 1:27.  This is our first glimpse at poetry in the Bible, which overall is about 40 percent poetry.  Did you get that feeling when you read it the first time?

Did you find yourself wondering where are we?  Apparently, the location of two of the four rivers (Pishon, Gihon) and their current names. 

Ponder these questions in relation to Psalm 95:
What reasons to worship are we given in this Psalm?
What warnings and why are they issued in verses 8-11?

And consider these questions when reading Psalm 96:
What does it mean to ascribe to God attributes of glory and strength and what happens if we fail to do this?
In what sense is praise to God fitting or worthy?

Did you catch in 95:6-11 that the method of kneeling is proscribed and a mere genuflection is insufficient?
Did you get the message from 95:8 that we are reminded no to "quarrel" or "test?"

I think that a wonderful passage for us is 96:13 wherein we are reminded that in the Old Testament righteousness was only a promise and not yet the establishment and that we now benefit from the establishment of his righteousness. 

I think that is a perfect way to end today's blog post- take some time to reflect on the fear of the Old Testament followers, bleak and weary and how we benefit from their faith.