- the creation of the earth is far less specific than a day at work by an
individual. I don't see how this Exodus passage proves that the Genesis
writer meant a literal 24-hour period. I remain unconvinced either way.
SARAH
The larger scope and scale of the creation of the earth in reference to what
makes a day was probably not considered at the time when Genesis was written.
(DAVE 6/1) Sarah: Probably not - I agree.
Sarah
I would guess that the author(s) did not know it took millions of years to
form the earth and living things. Therefore, I believe that the Genesis
writer meant a literal 24 hour period. Remember, these were tribal people
explaining the mysteries of the earth.
(DAVE 6/1) Sarah: Agreed again - as I am starting to see. At least, they
were explaining them as best they understood. How does an ignorant person
describe something
he/she sees, but doesn't understand? For example, how does my two-year old
son understand the upcoming birth of his baby sister/brother (if he could
talk :))? It certainly won't be in technical terms - probably something
like "there's a door in mommy's tummy" or something like that.
Your point is acknowledged though - it is a fair one.
Sarah
A day in the rest of the OT is sun up to sun down. Why would it be different
in Genesis?
(DAVE 6/1) Sarah: Again, I don't know - we use the word "day" for various
reasons, and these various contexts could be found in the same document or
even statement: "I spent the day studying my grandfather's day" - I don't
know if it isdifferent in Genesis or why it would be, but remain open to the
possibility that it is different.
Thanks for the comments.
Dave.
"I study to be little. You study to be great. I creep; you strut
along...Do not seek to be something. Let me be nothing, and Christ be all
in all."
- John Wesley writing to Francis Asbury