Hymn of the Creator (Gen 1,1-2.4a) in the interpretation of the Book of Jubilees (Jub 2)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/BPTh.2011.006Keywords
Genesis, creation story, God the Creator, Jubilees, interpretation of the creation story, creation of the angels, Israel’s election, the sabbathAbstract
The Book of Jubilees was written in Hebrew around the middle of the second century B.C. This document has taken from the biblical creation story (Gen 1,1–2,4a) the arrangement into six days of work, after which comes the seventh day of rest. Like Genesis, Jubilees numbers the days and details what was made on each one. There are, however, some differences. For example, the creation of the angels on the first day (Jub 2,2) and the mention of the Garden of Eden (Jub 2,7). The Book of Jubilees highlights many of the themes. Firstly, the emphasis in Jubilees lies on God as creator and recipient of praise. God alone created the universe and all its parts. Secondly, the sun is ruler of times in the creation. The sun alone has calendrical duties, not the moon and stars. The sun, like the sabbath, is a great sign given by God. Thirdly, Israel’s election is built into creation story, as God rested at the end of 22 works, so Jacob (Israel) arose after 22 generations. Jacob (Israel) and the sabbath are blessed and holy. Israel was chosen to keep the sabbath.
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