The Flood Came

Genesis 7:11-12

“In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.” (Genesis 7:11-12)

The period from creation to the flood lasted about sixteen hundred fifty six years. Because most of the dates are not as precisely defined as this one, there could be as much as nine years of variation, a possible error of only about one half percent. Some of the other dates given throughout the Old Testament also give only approximate periods for the same reasons, but the variation is still roughly the same, and the amount of error is negligible for our purposes.

Because we do not know how old Joshua was when he became leader of Israel, or how long after his death it was before his son-in-law became the first judge, the period from Deuteronomy to the second chapter of Judges cannot be determined precisely, although it had to be less than a single individual’s lifetime, and probably more than about thirty years. A fifty year estimate seems fairly conservative here. We also have no clear length of time for the period from Samson’s death till Saul became king, although we know that Samuel started as a young boy, and was old when he anointed Saul king. Fifty years here is a very conservative estimate with a hundred being very possible.

Using these assumptions and the given dates, and recognizing that there can be some variation, we find that the date of the flood was probably around 2600 BC. It may have been as much as a hundred years earlier, or fifty years later. Since we know that even with the far more precise and complete records since Roman times, there is definitely an error of at least three years in our dating to the time of Christ, and possibly ten, we know that even fairly modern dates are not as precise as we are sometimes led to believe. The exact date is not critical, but the timeframe is, because it definitely affects whether evolutionary theory and the Bible record can be reconciled There is no place for the millions of years most evolutionists insist on. Creation must have been about 4300 BC.

Scientific evidence implies that in the early earth there was a vast amount of water in the upper atmosphere, far greater than modern day clouds contain. Genesis 1:7 speaks of the firmament dividing the waters, the breathable atmosphere. Since rain is dependent on the amount of moisture in the upper atmosphere, such an abundance would have enabled far greater rain than we now experience. Some areas of the earth have recorded a thirty inch rainfall in a single twenty four hour period, Forty days of that much rain would be a hundred feet of water. In the modern world, about two thirds of the earth is covered with water, so this would raise the water level by about a hundred fifty feet. Global warming advocates say the melting of the polar icecaps could raise the water levels by about six feet. Think how much more serious raising it by a hundred fifty feet would be, even with modern topography. Knowing the serious flash flooding a single localized inch of rainfall can cause here in New Mexico, I really wouldn’t want to be there.

In addition, scripture tells us, “the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up.” Literally, the vast underground reservoirs of water that now supply most of our water were emptied. This would cause me to expect settling of large areas of land to squeeze out the water. We have no idea how much water is actually trapped under the earth’s skin. There is no way of guessing how much the water level was raised by this, but the breaking up of the fountains and collapsing into the voids would have caused landslides and earthquakes. Many things would have been trapped in such conditions. The rapid trapping and inundation with mineral laden water explains the vast number of fossils we find here on the earth.

Since living material, in wet conditions, tends to rot very quickly, the presence of fossils indicates a rapid covering and solidification of the sediments around it before the material had an opportunity to decay. From developing means of preserving wood and other things we have learned that very high concentrations of minerals and high pressures amust be applied before the wood has a chance to dry to attain maximum penetration. Petrified trees had to be inundated almost immediately to enable petrifaction. The very existence of fossils is scientifically more indicative of a flood than of evolution.

Historic Geology dates rocks based on the types of fossils found in them. If the world has existed for millions of years, and that life evolved a step at a time, the it is logical that rocks containing the earliest fossils would be the oldest rocks. It would also be logical to assume they would be most commonly found beneath the newer rocks. That a nearly exact opposite organization is found in many areas, in some cases covering many square miles is more indicative of a rapid flooding and erosion trapping various organisms than of a prolonged evolution.

Near Glen Rose Texas, fossilized footprints of dinosaurs and humans have been found in the same strata of rock, sometimes overlapping each other. It is unlikely that sediment soft enough to have retained a dinosaur track could have retained it for millions of years while remaining soft enough to take a human imprint. They had to be made within a couple of days of each other, clearly indicating that there were no millions of years of evolution between the extinction of the dinosaurs and the evolution of humanity. The Creation Research Center has shown that most of the scientific evidence offers more support for creation than for evolution.

When Mount St. Helens erupted, a careful study of the effects and results was conducted. Ten years later the same scientists returned to see what changes had occurred. At least one of the geologists became convinced that the times claimed by historical geology were unfounded, after finding that some of the wood had already been turned to coal and various other fossilization and conversion events. As a result, he became convinced of the accuracy of the biblical record.

Hydrological engineers tell us that all of the geological formations supposedly indicating at least seven ice ages could easily have been the result of a single world wide flood, eliminating any basis for many millions of years of supposed existence for the earth.

Ultimately, there is as much or more evidence for creation as there is for evolution. Whichever one chooses to believe is a matter of faith. It indicates our underlying attitude toward God. I have not proven creation to be true, but neither has science proven evolution. I doubt that either can be proven empirically, so I have just tried to present enough to show there is evidence for both sides, For more evidence I would suggest some of the various books by the Creation Research Center as a starting point, but ultimately you will have to choose which you believe.

If it occurred, and I believe it did, the flood was the largest single geological event since the creation of the world. That almost every ancient culture has some legend relating to it indicates that something significant happened, even if it is, as some anthropologists insist, just an adaptation of the Babylonian Gilgamesh Epic. They still had to have had contact with people who carried it from Babylon at some point, and that they remembered it implies they took it seriously. Almost every legend has some sort of basis in fact, though it may be vastly distorted. The fact that they have become mythological does not destroy the original basis, although it may conceal it. Anyone who has played the game “Gossip”, can understand how the details may be distorted.

Loading the Ark

Genesis 6:19-7:10

“And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female. Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.” (Genesis 6:19-20)

One popular excuse for doubting the Flood story is that the Ark would not have been capable of transporting all the different animals. It is estimated that if the average size of all the different animals which have ever lived, as indicated by fossils and living animals were as large as a sheep, a hundred and twenty boxcars would provide adequate space for two of every one. In fact it would provide more area than is presently provided in many commercial hog and chicken farms. Since the ark was bigger than five hundred boxcars, only a single floor would provide enough space for all the animals. Since the vast majority of animals are insects and far smaller than a sheep, there should be plenty of room for all. It would not have been necessary to have taken the largest of every species, and since many animals hibernate or estivate for part of the year, even less room might be required.

“And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.” (Genesis 6:21)

With space equal to four hundred boxcars available for storing food, there would be an adequate supply for the animals , especially if some were in hibernation. Since all the animals were originally designed to eat a vegetarian diet according to Genesis 1:29-30, they were probably to subsist on it even though some had started eating meat, obviating the need for keeping it fresh, and reducing the levels of stress. Domesticated animals, good tools and other people would greatly simplify collecting adequate food.

The opening or window around the top of the Ark would have provided adequate ventilation allowing the wind to minimize concentrations of ammonia and humidity as well as supplying fresh air. It would also provide adequate lighting, while having some kind of covering or shield to prevent water from entering, tha had to be removed when Noah released the raven in Genesis 8. Being so high above the water level prevented most of the waves from entering. It may not have been pleasant by modern standards, but it would have been livable.

A source of fresh water is essential for sea going ships today. We know however that the salinity of the ocean is constantly increasing as minerals are dissolved from the soil and carried into it by the rivers, and water evaporates leaving the minerals behind. Assuming a similar rate of increase in salinity for the roughly five thousand years since the flood, the water would not have been so saline as to have caused much problem at the time, especially when diluted by the underground reservoirs and the water canopy that scientific research indicates was above the earth early in it‘s existence. This canopy may well be the waters above the atmosphere referred to in Genesis 1:6.

“Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” (Genesis 6:22)

Though it was a huge undertaking, Noah undertook to build the ark as directed, because he believed God. Hebrews 11:7 states, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” As James 2:26 states, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Faith that doesn’t result in action is worthless. Noah acted on his faith.

“And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female. Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth. For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.” (Genesis 7:1-4)

God had allowed Noah time to complete the Ark and to provision it. When he finished the work he gave the next set of instructions. Noah’s obedience by faith made him righteous. Romans 6:16 asks, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Though all Seth’s descendants knew of God only Noah and his family obeyed, because of their faith. The same faith that resulted in Noah’s building the Ark made him righteous before God.

Once everything is ready, God gave final instructions to Noah. He was to take a male and a female of every creature, including rodents, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and birds to maintain their existence on the earth. Noah was charged with keeping every creature preserving every creature to prevent their extinction. In the case of the “clean” animals, those who were approved for sacrifices, he was to take seven of each one. Leviticus 11:1-31 gives a description of what were to be considered clean animals. What ever God’s reasons for these being considered clean, it is known that they are less susceptible to diseases that can be passed on to man than are the unclean animals.

“And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him. And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth. And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood. Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth, There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah.” (Genesis 7:5-9)

God gave the final instructions and he and the animals boarded the Ark seven days before the flood started, in a single day according to verse 13. Having dealt with livestock, under normal circumstances today, eight people could not have loaded such a diverse group of animals in seven days, much less one. Notice the Bible says they went in, God caused them to go voluntarily. Otherwise they’d never have managed to load them in time. I suspect God worked in similar ways to speed building the Ark.

“And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth.” (Genesis 7:10)

Seven days would have given the animals time to settle in and get used to their surroundings before there was a problem with the motion of the boat. It also gave people, especially those of Seth’s descendants who were not aboard one last warning that judgment was coming, and a chance to turn to God. Imagine how busy eight zookeepers would be in such a situation. They’d have to be pretty efficient to get everyone fed and watered. I doubt if boredom was a major problem.

The Design Of The Ark

Genesis 6:9-18

“These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” (Genesis 6:9-10)

God created man in his own image and spent time with him. Cain rebelled against God and separated himself from him, leading his followers into bondage to Satan. Seth led his descendants to draw close to God but as time passed more and more of Seth’s family followed Cain’s leadership until finally only Noah’s family was still doing things the way God planned. Noah, like Adam and Enoch, walked with God, and kept his life right.

“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.” (Genesis 6:11-12)

God created the world and everything in it for his pleasure according to Revelation 4:11. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Thanks to Satanic influence and Man’s sin, the entire world had been messed up or corrupted. Wars, crimes and murder filled the earth and every thing that could be was deliberately done contrary to the way God had intended. It was no longer satisfactory to God.

“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.(Genesis 6:5-7)

Humans were the ones causing the problems, and it had become so bad God regretted creating them. He decided to redo the part that was causing the trouble. He decided to keep the parts that were not causing the trouble, and destroy those which were messed up. When building something, if I can’t get a part to function as I want it to, I have the right to destroy it and make a new one, and God has the same right with the things he has made.

“And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.” (Genesis 6:13-16)

This appears to have been the first large boat ever built, as the world appears to have consisted of just one continent prior to the flood, obviating the need for sea going vessels. With no idea what would be needed man would have needed a great deal of experimentation to designed such a boat.

No larger boat had ever been built until the early nineteen hundreds, when the Queen Elizabeth was first launched. A standard cubit is roughly eighteen inches long making the Ark about four hundred fifty feet long, about the length of one and a half football fields, or four and a half basketball courts. It was about seventy five feet wide or about half as wide as a foot ball field. In addition it was as about as tall as a three story building and had three floors, giving about two and a half acres of floor space with very high ceilings. It is estimated to hold the equivalent of more than five hundred railroad boxcars. The relationship of length, width and height comes very close to what modern science shows as the ideal design for oceangoing vessels to best handle storms at sea.

An opening of about eighteen inches high was to be left around the top of the boat to provide free air movement, which probably indicates the top floor was the one used for the animals. Since the Hebrew word translated ark simply means a box, it is probable that the ark was simply a huge box or barge, rather than the boat shape most modern drawings portray. With no means of propulsion, streamlining was not relevant.

"And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee." (Genesis 6:17-18)

The Ark was a huge undertaking for one man, and tradition tells us it took Noah a hundred twenty years. The scripture makes no such claim, and in fact indicates otherwise. Since Shem turned a hundred two years after the flood according to Genesis 11:10, Genesis 7:11 tells us the flood came when Noah was six hundred, and Genesis 5:32 indicates that Noah’s oldest was born when he was five hundred, it would seem unlikely God would have told Noah to take his sons and their wives onto the Ark before they were even born.

It is very possible Noah enlisted other workers, making it likely that far less time was required than tradition would have us believe. Knowing that smelting of iron and brass and domestication of animals had been developed, good tools were available, and beasts of burden could have been used to transport the materials, greatly reducing the time required for construction, perhaps even down to as little as a couple of years. Since the scripture gives no timetable, the only thing that can be said with certainty is that Noah built it. Everything else is pure speculation.

Sin runs Rampant

Genesis 6:1-8

Cain’s followers had separated themselves from God, and steadily gone farther into sin. Seth’s family and followers worshipped God. We tend to associate with those who share similar values and ideas, and to adopt the ideas of those with whom we associate. As the old saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together.” Proverbs 13:20 advises, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Because of the contrasting ideas, there was initially a segregation of Cain’s and Seth’s followers.

“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.” (Genesis 6:1-2)

Physical attraction isn’t limited to those of one’s own group, and Seth’s followers and descendants were attracted to Cain’s descendants. The separation over religious beliefs was relegated to a secondary position, and they began to intermarry, and turn from God. God forbade the Jews from marrying into certain cultures in Deuteronomy 7:3-4 because they would turn away from the Lord. “Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.” The prohibition was not based on race but on religious pressure. Some groups do not attempt to force the adoption of their beliefs, and Jews were not forbidden to intermarry with them.

Even Seth’s followers began to lower their moral standards. Genesis 6:11-12 describes the state of the world. “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.”

“And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” (Genesis 6:3)

Death came into the world as a result of Adam’s sin, and Man was driver from the Garden to keep him from eating the tree of life and living forever in his wicked state, but they still lived for hundreds of years. God reset man’s life to an expected lifespan of a hundred twenty years. Many still lived longer than that, but that was the norm. II Peter 3:9 tells us, “The Lord … is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” God didn’t destroy them immediately because he was giving them a chance to turn to him, but they ignored it.

“There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.” (Genesis 6:4)

Different genetic combinations produce sometimes startling results. While all humans have the same basic genetic makeup. Reorganizing the genes sequence produces great variations among us. Scientists have been able to trace all the different varieties of dogs back to a single pair genetically. All the varieties, from the Chihuahua to the St Bernard are just the result of reorganizing the same DNA in different orders. By carefully selecting parents with certain traits, and observing how they are passed on, certain characteristics can be emphasized.

Sometimes intermarriage of different races in our day produces women of exceptional beauty or men of outstanding physique or intellect. The same laws of genetics were in effect then, sometimes resulting in men of larger than normal size. In an increasingly violent society, such men quickly gained notoriety, much as they do in modern basketball or football. Some of that genetic combination was inherited by Noah’s family and resurfaced even after the flood. While rare, it still resurfaces occasionally, when paired with just the right other combination.

“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them." (Genesis 6:5-7)

God had shortened man’s life expectancy to a hundred twenty years to shake them up but they just kept going on in their rejection of him and his standards. The descendants of Seth were just as involved as those of Cain, although they still retained some of Seth’s practices. Romans 2:3-5 warns that that is not enough. “And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;”

Sin reached a level where God could no longer tolerate it, and people were ignoring his efforts to dissuade them. He is forced to take drastic steps to stop the wicked behavior. Even God can be pushed too far. As Genesis 6:3 said, “And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man." There is a limit to Godly toleration, and beyond that action must be taken.

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” (Genesis 6:8)

In a whole world of wickedness, only one man and his family did what was right. Even his relatives went along with the world’s wickedness, but Noah obeyed God. Things were pretty much like they are today.

Our Forefathers Continued

Genesis 5:18-32

“And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch: And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.

And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” (Genesis 5:18-24)

Chronologically, Enoch life was at the mid point of the Antediluvian period, He was born about six hundred twenty two years after creation and died about six hundred sixty nine years before the flood. Like Seth, he was devoted to God, living in personal communion with him as Adam had. As a result, Hebrews 11:5 tells us, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” We can have a life that is equally pleasing to God by walking in the Spirit. Galatians 5:16 promises, “…Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

Some have speculated that Enoch might be one of the two witnesses in Revelation 11:3. The statement in Hebrews 11:5, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death;” seems to indicate that he will not be.

“And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech: And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.” (Genesis 5:25-27)

Methuselah was the oldest person of whom we have any record, outliving Jared by seven years and Adam by thirty nine. His death, approximately sixteen hundred fifty six years after creation was just a few weeks or months before the flood started. Some have insisted that the dates given place his death after the flood and used it to question the accuracy of the scripture. Apparently they aren’t very good at adding. Adam died when Methuselah was two hundred and forty three, and they probably knew each other.

Some have commented that for a man who lived almost a thousand years, Methuselah must not have done very much since the only thing we know about him is his age and that he had kids. We don’t know any more about Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, or Jared. What ever their accomplishments, they were destroyed in the flood. The only thing affecting modern man is the genetic heritage, and the knowledge that was passed down through Noah and his sons.

“And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son: And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed. And Lamech lived after he begat Noah five hundred ninety and five years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years: and he died.” (Genesis 5:28-31)

Lamech was fifty six when Adam died. He died about five years before the flood came. While we know little about God’s working during this period., it is obvious from his comments about Noah that Lamech had some idea of the destruction of the earth six hundred years before the flood came.

“And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” (Genesis 5:32)

It appears that the first of Noah’s sons was born when he was five hundred. According to Genesis 7:11, the flood came when Noah was six hundred years old. Shem turned one hundred two years after the flood according to Genesis 11:10, making him one of the younger brothers.

Some have pointed out that since we don’t know the dates of their births, there could be considerable variation in the length of the Antediluvian period. If we assume a full year discrepancy in every case we come out with a maximum length of just nine more years, while it cannot be reduced by more than six years thanks to Methuselah’s having to die before or during the flood. This limit’s the period to a minimum of sixteen hundred fifty years and a maximum of sixteen hundred sixty-five years. This is minimal error, considering that we know that our modern calendar is off by at least three years, and possibly as much as ten.

The Forefathers of Modern Man

Genesis 4:25-5:17

“And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.” (Genesis 4:25-26)

After God pronounced judgment for Cain’s murdering Abel, rather than turning to God in repentance, Cain went from the presence of the Lord, and the civilization he started followed his example, with wickedness and violence continuously increasing. Seth had a totally different attitude than his brothers and sisters who’d been born in intervening years. Eve recognized Seth as being more like Abel. During Enos’s leadership, the group started by Seth began to seek the Lord and really worship and follow him.

“This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth: And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters: And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.” (Genesis 5:1-5)

Seth was born a hundred and thirty years after creation. He was more like Adam than any of his brothers and sisters, in much the same way Adam was created in the image of God. It will be this group, in the image of Adam that will be followed throughout the Bible, the group we are descended from. Adam lived eight hundred more years after Seth’s birth, and had additional children. Think of the potential rate of population growth with people having children for eight or nine hundred years.

Until a few years ago, such ages were often scoffed at. Today, we are told that the human body is designed to rebuild itself in such away that it should be able to live forever except for one small problem. There is what is called a genetic feature called a telomere which is depleted each time a cell divides. When the there telomere is used up, the cell stops reproducing and dies.

For years we have propagated certain varieties of fruit trees by taking cuttings from the original tree and rooting them. It has been discovered that this process can only continue for a certain number of times before the plant loses vigor and begins to die. It is the depletion of the telomere that causes aging. When a new seed is developed or an embryo forms, new telomeres are formed. This is one reason scientists are so interested in embryonic stem cell research, because it offers the possibility of starting a damaged organ with new telomeres. It has been found that certain diets and activities can accelerate of slow the depletion of the telomeres, extending or shortening one’s life. At least one company is trying to develop a practical means of renewing the telomeres.

After the flood, it would appear God reset the telomeres, even before the end of the Antediluvian or pre-flood period. In Genesis 6:3, God stated, “… My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” While we have a lot of people who get to be a hundred, almost no one in our world lives to a hundred twenty, and the vast majority stop around seventy, despite our medical advances. This is in line with the statement in Psalm 90:10. “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”

“And Seth lived an hundred and five years, and begat Enos: And Seth lived after he begat Enos eight hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died.

And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan: And Enos lived after he begat Cainan eight hundred and fifteen years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died.” (Genesis 5:6-11)

It was during Enos’ life that people began to turn to and worship God. In the Garden, Adam walked with God. More than two hundred thirty years after creation, Seth’s family turned to God, while Cain’s followers ignored him.

“And Cainan lived seventy years, and begat Mahalaleel: And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died.

And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared: And Mahalaleel lived after he begat Jared eight hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died.” (Genesis 5:12-17)

Assuming that the generational periods were roughly the same for Cain’s followers as for Seth’s family the development of animal husbandry, music and metal refining and working probably took place during the lives of Mahalaleel and Jared, a period of about a thousand years from about four hundred after creation. To about two hundred fifty years before the flood. The increasing population increased the need for better tools and ways of producing food, and people who did not trust God to provide had and extra incentive to develop their own methods of provision. As the saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” It is interesting that while those advances were adopted by our forefathers, they were not developed by them.

It is interesting that legends from several ancient cultures describe learning some of these things from another race or culture, with at least one describing it as happening before a huge flood. In Navajo tradition, the other culture is referred to as the Diyiini or Holy people. Could it have been handed down verbally for about five thousand years?

Civilization Without God

Genesis 4:17-24

Cain departed from the presence of God after his sentence for murdering
Abel was announced. As a result of his separation from God from that time until the flood, his descendents would steadily move farther into sin. A big debate down through the ages has been “Where did Cain’s wife come from?” Genesis 5:4 declares, “And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters.” Since there were no other humans it is obvious his wife had to be one of his sisters, We can only speculate how many other children Adam and Eve had in the next eight hundred years.

“And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.” (Genesis 4:17)

As the oldest son, Cain was influential among Adam’s family, and he started the first city, attracting many of his brothers and sisters to settle there. Undoubtedly, Cain and his wife also had many other children as they would have lived several hundred years. There is, however, no indication that Cain would never die, as has been claimed by some Mormon teachers. The prophecy was only that anyone who killed him would be punished, severely. It is a direct contradiction of Genesis7:21. “And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man.”

“And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.” (Genesis 4:18-19)

Here we have a partial listing of Cain’s descendants. It is the only record we have of the other humans. Since all Cain’s and Adam and Eve’s other descendents except Noah’s family were killed as a result of the flood, modern man has little direct connection to them. It is probable that some of the so-called predecessors of the human race were in fact true humans descended from Cain or other of Adam’s children, and were killed by the flood. The entire genetic pool, except for those individuals who were in the ark, was lost in the flood. While we know that some of the discoveries were fraudulent, none present any real conflict with scripture. Why do we make it an issue when the Bible explains it?

Six generations after the creation of man, we find the first known incident of polygamy, by Lamech, probably about the time of Mahaleel or Jared, about four to five hundred years after creation. About the same time some of the major discoveries were developed.

“And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle.” (Genesis 4:20)

Abel had been the first to herd sheep, but he had been killed by Cain, who focused on raising plants. Jabal, Lamech’s son developed the first nomadic culture, almost completely dependent on animal husbandry. They would have been responsible for many of our domesticated animals. The technology was adopted by other groups and passed to modern man through Noah’s descendants.

“And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.” (Genesis 4:21)

About the same time his brother Jubal developed the concept of musical instruments to artificially produce pleasing combinations of sounds. Adopted by others, it was passed to us through Noah’s family and has played a major part in human life since it was first developed.

“And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.” (Genesis 4:22)

Jubal and Jabal’s half brother Tubalcain developed processes fro smelting and casting metals, using both iron and brass. Adoption of this technology spread unevenly, depending on the availability of natural resources. Even in the twentieth century, there were cultures who did not have access to iron or metal tools. The so-called stone, bronze, and iron ages were more dependent on availability of resources than about development of the technology. The Babylonians worshipped Tubalcain as Bilkhan, the god of metal working. Later the Romans worshipped him as Vulcan.

“And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold. “ (Genesis 4:23-24)

Cain had committed the first murder. As the population grew, the lack of respect for human life also grew and violence began to spread. Lamech killed a younger man who was trying to hurt him. If the punishment for killing Cain was so severe, Lamech thought that one who acted in self defense should be much more protected.

By Noah’s day, the level of violence had gotten far worse. Genesis 6:11 states, “…and the earth was filled with violence.” What Cain had started would eventually result in the destruction of his entire race, although some of their developments would be passed on.

But It’s Not Fair!

Genesis 4:13-16

“And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.” (Genesis 4:13-14)

Cain had just murdered his brother. Abel would never again see a sunrise his little lambs playing. He’d never again enjoy a good meal or thrill at the sight of a beautiful view. Cain had taken that all away. Now when God declares that because of it, Cain will live in fear and be unable to have a secure home because of fear, and that his sin would prevent the earth supplying him like it did before, Cain said the punishment was too much. He would live constantly in fear of death.

Today those who have committed murder constantly complain how unfair it is that they have been deprived of their freedom and privileges for such a long time, even though they deprived someone of everything forever. For a wicked man, any punishment seems too severe. Human nature doesn’t change unless something changes it. Cain was still alive, even if he was afraid. Able wasn't.

“And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.” (Genesis 4:15)

By killing Abel, Cain implied that having his way was more important than other people’s lives. Everyone that knew of the murder knew that if he got mad he might try to kill them. By killing him they could eliminate the danger. Later God would give Israel a specific command, in Leviticus 24:17. “And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.” At this time. However, since Cain has already killed Abel, to kill Cain would have had serious implications for the survival of the human race. God forbade his execution, promising seven times as severe punishment as what Cain received. As both Jesus and Paul pointed out there are times when God overlooks the absolute standard due to other factors. That does not mean that the behavior is to be considered acceptable. Acts 17:30 advises, “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” It was only a temporary deferring of judgment.

“And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.” (Genesis 4:16)

Guilt caused Adam and Eve to hide from God. When they admitted their sin they could again fellowship with God. Cain was not willing to acknowledge his sin, and considered the consequences to severe. He pulled away from God and went to another area in his effort to get away. As we will see, his example was followed by his entire family.


Individual Judgement

Genesis 4:1-12

By eating the forbidden fruit, man lost his essential holiness and righteousness, replacing it with the ability to make moral decisions and the responsibility for those decisions. We have no idea how long Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden, but it may well have been several years.

"And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.“ (Genesis 4:1-2)

Cain was the older brother, and must have been at least a year older than Abel. As a result of the fall, God had said man would have to work to survive. Cain had become a farmer. Abel, on the other hand became a sheepherder. This indicates that man had begun to eat meat as there would have been little reason to keep sheep otherwise.

“And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.” (Genesis 4:3-5)

Both men are fully grown, and while we do not know what standards God may have set for worshipping him and seeking forgiveness, it is clear that there was an established protocol. Both Cain and Abel brought offerings to the Lord. Both offerings were dependent on God causing the things to grow and reproduce, but man has greater control over the plants than over the animals, so some have taught that in effect Cain was focusing on man’s effort, while Abel focused on God‘s provision. In any case, the offering Cain brought was unacceptable while that Abel brought was accepted, implying that a standard had been established.

“And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.” (Genesis 4:6-7)

God clearly implies Cain knew what the standard was and had deliberately ignored it. He had the same opportunity as Abel to do what was right, and could still do so. The only reason for him to be upset was his own sense of guilt. We still see the same dynamic when an individual becomes angry about being caught for their sin. Refusal to do what was demanded would lead to further sin, as would holding on to that anger.

Cain’s refusal to do what is right demonstrated his lack of respect for God. He was more concerned with his pride than with what was right. Proverbs 14:2 states, “He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.” Even his offering indicated a disdain for God, and as Proverbs 21:27 reminds us, “The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?”

There is speculation that the comment, “sin lieth at the door,” indicates that in fact Cain had an acceptable sacrifice available but refused to use it. The Hebrew wording could well imply that but it is not essential for understanding the passage. To refuse to do what was right would only result in further sin.

“And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.” (Genesis 4:8)

When confronted about their sin, Adam blamed Eve, and God for giving her to him. Eve blamed the serpent. Cain blamed Abel for his rejection, and killed him. Like Adam and Eves hiding and attempting to cover their nakedness, killing Abel did not address the real problem. Both, however, acknowledged, “I did eat,” accepting their guilt. By killing Abel, Cain further demonstrated his disdain for God. Murder is, in a very real sense, an attempt to destroy God by destroying his likeness.

Literally he murdered his brother for doing what was right, as I John 3:12 explains. “Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.” Proverbs 29:27 declares, “…and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.” Since they know what they are doing is bad, they would rather destroy what is good so there will be nothing to be compared to than to change what they do.

“And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)

Given the opportunity to repent and admit his sin, Cain denied any responsibility for what happened to Abel. His lack of respect toward God is demonstrated again by his response. It is as if he were saying “I’m so smart you’ll never be able to figure it out.“ Galatians 6:7 warns, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” God was not fooled.

“And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.” (Genesis 4:10-12)

Adam’s sin resulted in a curse on the entire earth. Inedible plants, struggle and death were the consequences. Cain’s sin resulted in a personal curse on himself from the earth. Even his best efforts would not produce satisfactory results and he would never be able to have a permanent home or live freely without fear.

Romans 2:9-11 stresses that every man shall be rewarded according to what he has done, beyond what everyone experiences. “Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.” We will receive exactly what we have earned.

The Need for Sacrifice

Genesis 3:20-24

“And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” (Genesis 3:20-21)

When doctors speak of a disease such as cancer as being in remission, they do not mean it is cured, but that it is not presently active, that it has been temporarily neutralized. Hebrews 9:22 informs us, “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” The effects of the sin could be temporarily covered and postponed by the sacrifice of an animal, and God killed and an animal to cover their nakedness and postpone judgment, making them clothing from the hides of animals. Unfortunately the sacrifices of animals could only postpone judgement according to Hebrews 10:4. “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” Only when Christ came would the sin actually be removed.

Man is unable to fix the Problem

“And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” (Genesis 3:22-24)

In the process of trying to be like God in his knowledge of good and evil, man had messed up his likeness to God in other areas such as righteousness and holiness. His nature became sinful and self centered. God chose not to put up with that forever.

God had not forbidden man to eat the tree of life, which would have guaranteed life forever. To prevent man from taking it and perpetuating sin, God drove him from the garden and effectively locked the door. It is probable that at the time of the flood, the Garden of Eden sank and is now covered by the Mediterranean Sea,or the Red sea, with the result that the rivers now flow in the opposite direction, since t Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” We may have once been but we are no longer. We haven’t just stopped doing the sin, the Christian is no longer a sinner. He has been changed, and sin no longer typifies him. As the song puts it, “I was once a sinner, but I came…”

As a result of sin. Man became dependent on his own efforts for survival. For the man who trusts God, that focus can be changed, as we see in Matthew 6:31-33. “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

The risk to the woman in childbirth resulting from sin are overcome according to I Timothy 2:15. “Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” She is again recognized as equal with man according to Galatians 3:27-28. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

During the thousand years of Christ’s reign on earth, the whole world will be restored to it’s original state, and there will be no carnivorous animals according to Isaiah 11:6-8. “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.”

Revelation 2:17 promises, “… To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Revelation 22:2-3 describes the new city in the new world that the Christians will inhabit. “In n childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” She is again recognized as equal with man according to Galatians 3:27-28. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

During the thousand years of Christ’s reign on earth, the whole world will be restored to it’s original state, and there will be no carnivorous animals according to Isaiah 11:6-8. “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.”

Revelation 2:17 promises, “… To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Revelation 22:2-3 describes the new city in the new world that the Christians will inhabit. “In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse…” Even access to the Tree of life will be restored.

Genesis 3 describes Satan’s initial effort toe destroy God’s plan and it’s consequences. Ultimately God will restore everything to it’s original state. What a wonderful and powerful God we have. At the end of the earthly thousand year reign under conditions similar to those in Eden, Satan will be freed for a little season. According to Revelation 20:7-9, the majority again choose to follow Satan’s deceit, proving God was right in his assessment of mankind and his decision to prevent their living forever in their unrepentant state. They will be judged accordingly.

The Effects of Sin

Genesis 3:14-19

On Snakes

“And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3:14-15)

We do not know how the snake looked or his means of travel before Adam sinned, but we know that he did not slither on his belly like he does today. Biologists tell us that certain varieties of snakes still have “vestigial” pelvic structures implying they once had legs, so perhaps they did. His method of locomotion was changed as a result of his allowing Satan to control him. In addition, there was to be an enmity between snakes and humans. That instinctive fear on both sides continues to the present day.

There are two clear implications of the last part, that the seed of the woman would bruise the serpents head while it only bruised his heel referred partly to the fact that while the snake would always be a threat to man, man would be a bigger threat to them. It is also a prophecy about Satan’s eventual defeat by Christ, seeming to get the victory by the crucifixion, but in effect only bruising his heel, while Christ bruises his head, gaining ultimate victory by raising from the dead and sentencing Satan to eternal judgment. Satan is referred to as the Serpent repeatedly in Revelation.

On Women

“Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.” (Genesis 3:16)

While many animals appear to grieve over the loss of a mate or offspring, the grief is relatively short lived. Humans, on the other hand, may never stop grieving, and women are even more likely than men to find it difficult to escape, especially if it was a child, even a stillborn one. That greater sensitivity resulted from Eve’s part in the sin. Along with that greater susceptibility to sorrow and depression, the level of difficulty in pregnancy greatly increased. Few animals in a natural state have problems giving birth, but such problems are common among humans. Paul was referring to this in I Timothy 2:15 when he stated, “Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” A woman who trusts and obeys God has no reason to fear childbirth.

As a result of her part in the sin, the woman would be most happy in meeting the desires of her husband, willingly subjugating her own desires to his. It did not make her inferior, just a willing helper rather than the leader. In I Timothy 2:12-14 Paul states it is this declaration by God that makes it unacceptable for the woman to take authority over the men of the church. He makes it clear that While Eve was guilty, she was not guilty to the same degree as Adam. Just as God would not allow man to shift the responsibility for the sin to Eve, He will not allow him to shift responsibility for obeying God to the woman. It appears that it was Adam’s failure to properly tell Eve what God had said that led to Eve’s being deceived.


On Mankind

“And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life. Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” (Genesis 3:17-19)

Whether Eve heard God’s instruction or not, Adam clearly did. He was not deceived as I Timothy 2:13-14 tells us. “For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived,…” While Eve had disobeyed God, she’d been fooled by Satan. No one had fooled Adam, he was fully cognizant of what he was doing. He deliberately ignored God’s command to do what she’d wanted. He had put her ahead of God.

As a result of Adam’s sin, all of creation was affected. Initially, there were only edible plants, and all the animals were vegetarians according to Genesis 1:29-30. “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. Death came into the world, and both animals and man die. Where before man’s sin there were no carnivorous animals, after ward, there were.

Prior to Adam's sin every plant was edible, afterward some were not. Some became weeds and nuisances, and they readily took over. It became a chore to obtain food, both for man and animal. As a result, Romans 8:28 tells us, “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” Think of the changes God had to make.

Accepting Responsibility

Genesis 3:7-13

When God created man, there was no sense of self-consciousness, guilt, or self doubt. Genesis 2:25 states, “And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” They simply accepted themselves as the y were. That all changed when they ate the forbidden fruit.

“And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.” (Genesis 3:7)

Suddenly they were able to make moral decisions, not just logical ones. A dog may know that his master will not approve and logically fear his master’s anger, but he makes no moral decision as to whether his actions were right or wrong. Even the decision to disobey God was strictly a logical decision, not a moral one. Eating the fruit changed that by activating the conscience.

According to Romans 5:13, “…sin is not imputed when there is no law.” As long as there was no standard of judgment, man could not be held accountable for his actions. Once the conscience was activated, man had a standard for judgment, and must be held accountable. Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death;…” James I:15 declares, “…and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

As long as man could not be held accountable for his sin, the penalty could not be imposed. The activation of his conscience made him subject to the consequences of sin, seriously damaging his likeness to God. He will need to be restored to the original specifications. Ephesians 4:23-24 describes what is needed. “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

The sense of guilt immediately destroyed their sense of well being. Before they were naked and totally unconscious of it. Afterward, they were so troubled by it that they began to try to hide their nakedness, even sewing fig leaves together to make aprons to hide behind. Like pain, guilt makes us aware of a problem, and thus is valuable. Unfortunately too often we simply try to stop the pain, rather than resolving the problem. Taking a pain pill may prevent feeling the broken bone, but it doesn’t heal it, just covers up the pain. The fig leaves could only conceal their sin, not take it away, and like the pain it still affects even when one is not conscious of it.

“And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.” (Genesis 3:8)

The same guilt that made man conscious of his sin also made him consciousness of unworthiness to face God. When they heard God’s voice, they hid. Sin destroys the spiritual nature, and man is embarrassed to be compared to God’s standard. As a result he hides himself from God. It is that attempt to flee from God that causes such hatred of Christians today, and led to the development of many false religions. Romans 1:28 tells us, “…they did not like to retain God in their knowledge…” Adam and Eve tried to hide so they wouldn’t be questioned. It is the reaction described in Proverbs 28:1. “The wicked flee when no man pursueth:…” Guilt hinders and destroys relationships, and especially with those who are good.

“And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” (Genesis 3:9-10)

The separation was not God’s choice, but Adam’s. God was still seeking to maintain his relationship. Guilt caused fear, and Adam hid from God. God had done nothing to cause the fear. There is nothing harder to live with than a guilty conscience. God Knew exactly where Adam was, but he will not force himself on people. God was seeking Adam, but Adam had to choose to respond. He responded, explaining that he hid from God because he felt guilty because he was naked.

“And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?” (Genesis 3:11)

God was not concerned with Adam’s nakedness. He would not even have been aware of it if he hadn’t disobeyed God. His guilt over his nakedness was just a symptom of the real problem, of having rejected God’s authority. Every sinful action and sense of guilt is the result of having done so. This is the sin God is concerned with. We spend our time, Like Adam and Eve, trying to cover up the symptoms, rather than curing the problem.

“And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.” (Genesis 3:12)

Covering up and hiding didn’t resolve the guilt, so Adam tried to shift the blame. “The woman…she gave me”. Throughout history, people have blamed Eve for the sin, despite the fact that Romans 5:12 declares, “…by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, …” It was not Eve’s sin that made us sinners’ but Adam’s.

Adam even tried to shift some of the blame to God, saying, “The woman whom thou gavest to be with me.” A preacher I know said God must have wanted me to have a temper because he gave me a really bad one. Others say God’s commands are just too hard. God’s not going to accept the blame for our wrong doing, nor will he accept excuses. Adam finally had to admit, “I did eat.” It was still Adam’s choice to eat the fruit. According to I John 1:8-10, until we accept responsibility for our sin we will not be forgiven, and are in effect blaspheming God by implying he is falsely accusing us.

“And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.” (Genesis 3:13)

Eve also shifted the blame. “The serpent beguiled me,” or “he tricked me.”
While it was a true statement, Eve knew God had said “Ye shall not eat of it.” She listened to the lies and chose to believe them rather than God. She still had to accept the responsibility. “…I did eat.” She still made the decision.

Remember this was Adam and Eve’s first sin. They weren’t nearly as skilled at covering up and shifting blame as we are. We’ve had a lot more practice, and probably wouldn’t have accepted the responsibility so easily, but we are just as responsible for our actions. Even being lied to doesn’t excuse our wrong doing

Deceiving Eve

Genesis 3:1-6

As a child, my parents had a several milk cows. One of them would wait until someone was not paying attention and slip up behind them. She’d give a loud bellow that invariably caused the person to drop everything they were carrying, and if a stranger, usually ended with them climbing the fence in terror. She’d then walk casually away switching her tail gleefully as if to say “got ‘em.” She obviously thought it was funny, and it was, if you weren’t the victim. It wasn’t nearly so funny when you were.

Many times we think we are a great deal smarter than the animals, and in some ways we are, but they frequently, like the cow, astound us with their ability to think. Studies of various animals have shown that they nearly all have some ability to communicate, and some seem to have a fairly extensive language, either vocal or by various types of body language. Modern man has learned to use some of these languages to a degree, and some apes and birds have learned to use rudimentary human language as well.

A program about snakes on PBS stated they were the most efficient and effective hunters of any creature. While they have no highly developed intelligence in many areas, their hunting skill is finely tuned in our day. Satan had already begun to rebel against God, wanting to take over his position, and the serpent would allow Satan to utilize his body, unlike the pigs in Matthew 8, who preferred death to Satanic control. The same ability that makes them effective in hunting today, the ability to conceal themselves and their intent was highly developed then.

“Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” (Genesis 3:1)

Using the serpents body because he could not deceive Eve in his own, Satan questioned God’s statement. “Did God really say …?” Because he has found it so effective, he still uses it today, questioning whether a statement is really what God said, and whether it is actually what he meant. Satanically inspired False teachers thrive on redefining words and meanings to confuse people.

“And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.” (Genesis 3:2-3)

Both Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 describe God’s instructions about their food before the creation of the woman, so it is very possible, she did not hear the command directly from God, but second hand, from Adam. In any case, she did not accurately state God’s command as found in Genesis 2:16-17. “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” She added one seemingly minor phrase, “neither shall ye touch it.” In addition she changed “thou shalt surely die” to “lest ye die,” implying that while it was a possibility, it was not a certainty.

The slight doubt as to exactly what God had said that the addition revealed gave Satan an opportunity to attack. Can’t you imagine Satan tossing her a piece of fruit knowing she will instinctively try to catch it, and that when she doesn’t die from touching it she’ll be open to further doubt? Even a seemingly insignificant change in meaning can open the door to false doctrine. II Timothy 2:16 commands. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Failure to do so makes us just as susceptible to deception as Eve was.

“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5)

Satan never directly contradicts what eve believes God has said, just making her question it. You might die but it is not a sure thing, and just touching it didn’t kill you. God just is trying to keep you from being like him. It is an outright lie, because God created man in his own image, but having accepted the idea that God was being deceptive, because touching it didn’t kill her, it was easy to believe eating it wouldn‘t either. If they can cause a person to doubt God’s word, it is relatively easy to convince people of lies. An accusation of discrimination, as in this case is easily believed.

“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” (Genesis 3:6)

Once that acceptance of God’s command is removed, it is easy to yield to what appeals to us. James 1:14 states, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” Satan suggested that knowing the difference between good and evil would make her more like God, something Eve desired. The natural flesh is attracted by three things that physical things appear to offer according to I John 2:16. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

The fruit appeared to offer all three. It appealed to the flesh, “the tree was good for food.” It was attractive and appealed to the eyes, “it was pleasant to the eyes.” It appealed to her pride, that she’d be as wise as God. It was, “a tree to be desired to make one wise.” The suggestion was enough. As James 1:15 states, “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

Excited by what she’d done and what she expected she offered Adam some of the fruit and he ate it as well, knowing exactly what God had said. We see the same dynamic played out over and over where a kid is enticed to take drugs because it will make them more attractive or popular, and give them a greater understanding of the world. They then share the drugs with their friends, who know it is illegal and dangerous, but because their “friend” suggests it, they use it. This plan still works to get people involved in everything from sex and drugs to financial scams and false religion.

The Institution Of Marriage

Genesis 2:18-25

Before creating animal life, God created everything they would need for survival. Air, water and plants were readily available, as were the dry land or water they needed to live on or in. Although man was a special animal, created in the likeness of God in his mental capacity and spirit, all his essential physical needs had been supplied as well. Because man was different than the animals, he had other needs than just the physical.

“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” (Genesis 2:18)

Most animals have a need for companionship with their own kind to some degree for their emotional health. A lack of proper socialization results in psychological problems and anti social behavior. Almost everyone has observed the frenzied barking and aggressive behavior, or of abject fear of a dog who is alone most of the time, while roosters and stallions who are constantly shut up from the rest of their become dangerously aggressive and abnormal in their approach to others. At the same time, Animals forced into too close proximity for long periods begin to attack each other, in an attempt to achieve necessary privacy. Anyone who has been around a large chicken or hog raising operation can describe instances and abnormal behavior that result.

Much of the antisocial behavior of young people today is the result of being isolated at home and then thrust into abnormally large groups before they are emotionally prepared. They have not learned to properly relate to other people, and become either overly aggressive, or emotionally withdrawn. Sadly, we have become so accustomed to the abnormal behavior it is often accepted as normal. Recognizing the emotional needs, God proceeded to make a creature uniquely designed to meet those emotional needs. The help meet means literally a helper fitted to his needs. Just as a specialist in heart surgery may partner with a diet specialist because they specialize in areas he cannot do effectively, the concept of a help meet is of one who brings other valuable abilities that the man cannot perform effectively.

“And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.” (Genesis 2:19-20)

Dogs are often called “man’s best friend”, and kept to meet the emotional needs. Bringing all the other animals that had been created demonstrated that none of the other animals could completely meet man’s emotional needs. Millions of dollars are spent in the United States today on pets in an attempt to fulfill emotional needs using them. It is producing a nation of psychologically abnormal people and pets. A special being was required to meet man’s needs.

“And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.” (Genesis 2:21-22)

Man was created from the dust and the woman was created from the man’s flesh. As such she has the same physical needs and abilities as man. She is also capable of meeting the reproductive needs, of having babies. Unfortunately, many have been led to believe that is the only area that matters. The effects are visible throughout our society, from promiscuous sex and homosexual activity to gang violence and shooting sprees. Normal relationships are not being developed.

“And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:23-24)

Adam recognized that the woman was man’s equal. She was created specifically to meet the emotional deficiencies he had. They were to separate from their parents and obtain emotional support and fulfillment from each other, to become one flesh, one entity. The modern psychological term “codependence” is a distorted view of what they are to become. In Proverbs 31, we find that each should be free to function independently, yet always in concert, like two musicians playing different parts of a song to produce something wonderful. If they begin to compete with each other, the harmony turns to discord.

Quoting this passage in Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus made it clear that marriage is not the result of a human ceremony but of God’s action, and neither state or church have authority over it. “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

Quoting the same passage, I Corinthians 6:15-16 makes it clear that this joining or bonding by God automatically results from the sex act. “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.” As a result, Exodus 22:16 commands, “And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.” She was to be acknowledged as his wife even if her parents refused to let her live with him.

The emotional bonding resulting from the sex act is so strong that a separation or divorce causes as much emotional distress as losing an arm or leg. It is not something to be treated lightly. The present flippant attitude toward divorce and promiscuity has left a lot of emotionally crippled people. This includes both the parties involved, and their children.

“And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” (Genesis 2:25)

This last verse reveals the lack of self consciousness and concern about appearances the natural man, as created by God had. Man’s sin will destroy that innocence and freedom, as we see in the next chapter.

The Garden Of Eden

Genesis 2:4-17

In Genesis 1, we were given a brief outline of the order of creation. Here in Genesis 2, God goes into greater detail about how things were produced or generated, and how the ecosystem worked. In Genesis 1, we learned that plant life was created on the fourth day. Genesis 2 gives greater detail about the plants and how they were cared for.

“These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.” (Genesis 2:4-6)

It is very specific God designed every plant before it grew. He did not simply make already existing seeds begin to grow. The concept of a prior creation, the such as the Gap Theory, or evolution is rendered untenable. Clearly conditions were somewhat different than in our day, because there was enough dew or fog to water the plants, and no rain fell. Here in New Mexico, we receive very little rainfall, and for months, the weeds have grown very little. Yesterday we had high humidity, and this morning the weeds have almost doubled in size, making it clear how easily God could have done this. This condition continued until the flood, almost seventeen hundred years later. When he created the plants there was no one to care for them.

“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7)

Genesis 1:26 tells us that God created man specifically to have dominion over and care for the things God had created. He was created in the image of God for that purpose. Here we are told that he was physically formed from the dust of the ground, the materials god created in Genesis 1:1. God them breathed into him the breath of life. And man became a living soul, a living being. Human beings are comprised of a physical body, a soul and a spirit. The physical body is the part we see. The Soul appears to be the actual life part, while the spirit seems to be the attitudes and character of the person. Distinguishing soul and spirit is difficult without God’s guidance. Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Mere human logic cannot make the distinction.

“And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the LORD God 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 knowledge of good and evil.” (Genesis 2:8-9)

God placed the man in the Garden to care for it. Apparently it was almost like a nursery for the plants around the world, with every kind of tree there. At that time, every plant was edible, according to Genesis 1:29-30. That would change after the fall in Genesis 3. Also growing in the Garden of Eden was the tree of life, which if it is the same plant, is described in Revelation 22:2. “In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” To have eaten of this tree would have guaranteed that mankind would never die physically according to Genesis 3:22-23. “And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.” A second tree was growing in the Garden, the “tree of knowledge of good and evil.”

“And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads. The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone. And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia. And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.” (Genesis 2:10-14)

Havilah is believed to be on the southern edge of Arabia with the Pishon river now called the Wadi Bishain or Bisha. The Gihon may well be the Nile or one of it’s tributaries, and stretches across much of northeastern Africa. The Hiddekel is generally believed to be the Tigris flowing from Eastern Turkey into Iraq near Baghdad. The Euphrates originates in eastern turyey as well but flows past Babylon before entering Iraq. These modern rivers are remnants of the rivers which originated in the Garden of eden, and may well flow in the opposite direction as a result of topography changes during the flood and subsequent tectonic plate movement. It is possible that the original Garden is now submerged either under the Mediterranean or the Red sea. We know that the topography of the earth changed dramatically during the flood, but the book of Genesis lists these rivers as having once been part of the river originating in the Garden of Eden.

“And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Genesis 2:15-17)

God gave man specific responsibilities and guidelines as to his treatment of the Garden, forbidding him to eat from the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil. Every other tree was freely available. It appears that Eve had not yet been created when the command was given.

Celebrating Creation

Genesis 2:1-3

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.” (Genesis 2:1)

It took God just a week to complete the universe. Clearly he had had a carefully thought out plan. Otherwise, the sun would have been too close or too far from earth at some point, so life as we know it could not exist, or the other stars would have been close enough to affect the earth‘s orbit around the sun. Perhaps the speed of the earth‘s rotation would have flung off the atmosphere or chunks of the planet.

In southern Arizona there is a yucca like plant which produces a flower which can only be pollinated by a particular moth which eats the flower. The moth’s digestive system is designed so that the moth can eat nothing but the flowers of that particular plant. The plant had to be created first for the moth to survive, but if the moth evolved too much later or in a different area, he would not pollinate the plant and they would have ceased to exist. God placed everything in the right place at the right time. Many biologists now say that micro evolution could never work as the changes would not be enough to support one another. Changes would have to be major changes to produce the diversity we see today. God created it all in a very short period to function as a unit.

“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” (Genesis 2:2-3)

When God examined what he had made, he found it “very good.” Anyone who has made some challenging project successfully knows the sense of satisfaction completing it gives. God apparently shares that sense of pleasure in his accomplishments. He set aside a day to celebrate what he had done.

The Sabbath or seventh day as a day of rest is not mentioned again in scripture until God gave the command to Israel, about twenty five hundred years later, in Moses’ day. Exodus 31:16-17 explains why. “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” It was particularly for Israel as a reminder that God had provided everything for them, and keeping the Sabbath was a condition of receiving God’s blessings as a nation.

Deuteronomy 5:14 tells how the Sabbath was to be celebrated. “But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.”

Jesus explained that the Sabbath was for man’s sake in Matthew 2:27-28. “And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.” Humans need to take time to thank God for what he has done and to rest for a while. Because Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, we are not obligated to keep it like the Jews, as a condition of salvation. As a result, in Colossians 2:16-17, Paul says, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”

Because they were celebrating Jesus’ completion of salvation, and his resurrection, New Testament Christians assembled on the first day of the week rather than the seventh. Those who were Jews also celebrated the Sabbath as part of their Jewish heritage. There was no command for non Jews to keep the Sabbath, and no record of anyone keeping it until after the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt.

The Command to Populate the Earth

Genesis 1:28-31

“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:28)

The Gap theory, that there was a long period of time between Genesis 1;1 and Genesis 1:2, during which Satan was cast out of heaven and messed the earth, was developed in response to the discovery on numerous fossilized dinosaur skeletons, and science’s assertion that dinosaurs became extinct millions of years before man appeared on the earth. The translation of the Hebrew word as replenish is used to support the theory. The literal meaning of the word is “to fill” and is used in the same sentence structure in Genesis 1:22, where it is translated as “fill“. The only other place where this sentence structure is used that it is translated replenish is in Genesis 9:1, where either meaning is acceptable. There is nothing to indicate any redoing or refilling the earth. Discoveries of human and dinosaur tracks in the same layer of sedimentary rock cast serious doubt on the scientific claims. It appears that the original KJV translation as “fill” was later changed to “replenish”, probably to satisfy scholars of the day.

In Job 40 and 41 two creatures, behemoth, and Leviathan, are described as animals Job was familiar with. The descriptions do not fit with any modern animals, but resemble descriptions from folklore and drawings throughout history from many cultures. Job was written near the time of Abraham, about 300-400 years after the flood. David refers to one of the same creatures, Leviathan, 700-800 years later, declaring that God made him to play in the sea, in Psalm 104. Interestingly, records of dragon or dinosaur like creature sightings were common world wide up until about 1600 AD. What could have happened to them?

In 1968, Life magazine published a report on the Komodo dragon, stating that the large ones were relatively un aggressive, often weighing close to a ton and measuring up to fifteen feet long. Thirty or thirty five years later, National Geographic reported that Komodo dragons weighed 300 pounds and grew to a length of five feet, They also reported they were very aggressive and lived only about ten years, as compared to a lifespan of more than thirty in Life’s report. The change is largely attributable to efforts to save them from extinction resulting in over population and the consequent destruction of their natural food supply.

It is well known that other species have become extinct as a result of competition for food. Dinosaurs would have been especially susceptible due to their large size and the amount of food required to sustain them, just as the large Komodo dragons were. Increased fishing fleets would have caused the loss of available food, while firearms and improved weapons made it easier to kill them.

History and the Bible both account for the dinosaurs with no need for a Gap theory to explain them. Whether we accept the Biblical account or not is dependent on whether we believe God or science more. It indicates how we really feel about God, and how real our faith is. If we need to adapt the Bible to fit the theory, our faith is in human wisdom, rather than the power of God as Paul describes in I Corinthians 2:5. It is just as true for psychology as for creation.

Man kind was to fill the earth, and to oversee all the animals and plants according to God’s instruction. Because of his ability to forsee the results of his actions and the attitude God designed him with man would be able to make wise decisions about the effects of his actions on the world..

"And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.“(Genesis 1:29-30)

Because there were not carnivores as originally created, there would have been no reason to fear each other, and total energy could be devoted to getting enough to eat, rather than protecting oneself from predators. Genesis 2 will give a little more insight into god’s specific instructions to man. While we were originally created to be vegetarians, that does not mean we are still to be vegetarians. Today many animals are incapable of subsisting on vegetarian diet. It is nearly impossible for humans to remain healthy without taking supplements synthetically derived from meat. Clearly, there have been physical changes in some animals.

“And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” (Genesis 1:31)

At the end of the sixth day, God was completely satisfied with what he’d created. It was very good.