In Genesis chapter 1, when 'man' is mentioned, it actually refers to 'mankind' as a whole -- both male and female. The Hebrew word for mankind here is 'Adam'. Throughout Genesis 1, God is referred to as Elohim.
In Genesis chapter 2, God introduces Himself as YHVH Elohim, or 'Lord God' in the English translation of the Bible. However in chapter 2, it refers to Adam with a definite article and conveys the sense of 'the man'; a single man, not mankind.
It has suddenly become a personal interaction. It is within that context that God reveals the nail and the hand (YHVH -- Behold the Nail Behold the Hand). In that first recorded interaction between the Creator and His man, when He breathes His breath into the man, He is YHVH. It is as if the entire context of God's relationship with man is based on the cross.
The amazing thing here is that man had not yet even sinned yet. But God lives outside of time does He not? It is so difficult for us who live within the confines of time of grasp this. Past, present and future are all before Him who holds time in His hands.
The ramifications here are astounding. Could it be that He made mankind even when he knew we would let Him down? And consider that now Jesus who sits on the highest place of all creation is fully God, but also fully man. He is known as the second Adam.
What an amazing value YHVH has placed on mankind. What an amazing love.
For addtional reading, go to http://www.bibleinterp.com/articles/hess357903.shtml
No comments:
Post a Comment