1.4 Creation and the nature of humans in Genesis 2

Question 1

Genesis 2 teachings on creation and the nature of humans

Answer 1

In Genesis 2, God personally creates hyman beings like Adam from dust, stressing how precious humanity,is.
Humans share the Spirit of God due to Genesis 2:8 as God created Adam, the first man by breathing into him. The hebrew word for breath is ru’ach, translated as spirit,showing God’s spirit gives humans some of his qualities and humans share the Spirit of God.
God has given humans free will as God makes a garden of Eden for Adam to live in and tells Adam he can eat from any tree in the garden except for the tree of knowledge of good and evil. He gives Adam the chpice to decide whether or not to eat from the tree. Using free will to sin results in turning away from God(why evil exists) and using free will to live in a way that pleases God brings humans closer to God.
Humans have authority and responsibility for God’s creation as the animals made by God are presented to Adam to name. However these animals aren’t a suitable helpmate for Adam, so God makes Adam fall into a deep sleep and from Adam’s rib, God creates Eve; showing humanity is subdivided into two complementary parts. This is seen in Genesis 2:24-25 where a man and woman become “one flesh.”
Humans are given their distinct nature by God, the human qualities reflecting God’s nature mean humans have a close relationship with God.

Question 2

Adam

Answer 2

The Hebrew word for humanity, which many people see as the name of the first man

Question 3

What was written earlier, Genesis 1 or 2?

Answer 3

Genesis 2