5 Minute Bible

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Two Narrators by absentmindedprof

Since I am teaching Genesis again I am filling out the gaps in my podcasts on this book. I think it is important to notice that Genesis is told to us by (at least) two narrators. The story comes to us as an edited text, that is it already in its telling belongs, not to one person, not even a great hero like Moses, but to a community. For it is a book that tells of the origins not only of “everything” but of the people of God…

In this podcast I’ll focus on chapters 1-5 where it is easiest to spot the different narrators, then (all being well) I’ll talk about the rest of the book soon.

Here is the audio: Genesis as an edited text: pt.1 Genesis 1-5.

This podcast takes a second look at Babel, with a focus on the structure of the story, and its themes. It includes “homework” for which you should ideally have a photocopy of Genesis 11:1-9 (preferably in a fairly literal translation like NRSV, RSV, TNIV, NIV, ESV…) and some coloured markers or crayons.

This chapter is the beginning of the Bible, and beginnings are important. We learn why the world was made, and how God is “different”.

Among other structural details we will notice is this one (the diagramme may help as you listen):

Day Creation Day Creation
One Light Four Luminaries
Two Water and Sky Five Birds and Sea Creatures
Three Land and Vegetation Six Land animals (inc. Humans)