Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology

by John H. Walton

Publisher:

Eisenbrauns

, 2011

Overview

John Walton presents comparative studies of ancient texts and their cosmologies. The first half of the book focuses on the ancient texts that inform our understanding of Near Eastern cosmology. Egyptian, Sumerian, and Akkadian texts are the primary focus, but occasionally Ugaritic and Hittite are included as appropriate. Walton posits that functional ontology was pervasive in ancient writing because bringing about order and functionality was the very essence of creative activity.

The second half of the book is devoted to a fresh analysis of Genesis 1:1–2:4. Walton studies significant Hebrew terms and shows that, like the rest of the ancient Near East, the Israelite texts use a functional cosmology that is constructed with temple ideology in mind. He contends that Genesis 1 was never an account of material origins but that, as in the rest of the ancient world, the purpose of this “creation text” was to outline functions for the components of the cosmos. All of this demonstrates that, when we read Genesis 1 as the ancient document it is rather than trying to read it in light of our current world view, the text recovers the energy it had in its original context. At the same time, it provides a new perspective on Genesis 1 in relation to what have long been controversial issues.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Interested in more? Be sure to check out the Eisenbrauns Old Testament Studies Collection (3 vols.).

Product Details

• Title: Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology
• Author: John H. Walton
• Publisher: Eisenbrauns
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 228
• Resource Type: Monographs
• Topic: Biblical Studies

About the Author

John H. Walton is a professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College Graduate School. Before teaching at Wheaton, Walton taught at Moody Bible Institute for 20 years.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The model of the cosmos as a kingdom was more relevant in the ancient world than our modern model of the cosmos, which typically portrays it as a machine.” (Page 9)

“I posit that, in the ancient world, bringing about order and functionality was the very essence of creative activity.” (Page viii)

“‘We ought then to think of creation in terms of functions rather than material objects.’” (Page vii)

“I will suggest that cosmic ontology in the ancient world was a functional ontology—that is, everything exists by virtue of its having been assigned a function and given a role in the ordered cosmos.” (Page 24)

“One of the most important of these issues is the concept of divine rest—the idea that deities in the ANE find rest in temples and that temples are built for the deity to rest in.” (Page 10)

Product Details

• Title: Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology
• Author: John H. Walton
• Publisher: Eisenbrauns
• Print Publication Date: 2011
• Logos Release Date: 2013
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. O.T. Genesis 1 › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Biblical cosmology; Cosmogony
• Resource ID: LLS:GNSS1SNCNTCSMLG
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-02-12T08:24:16Z

About John H. Walton

Dr. John H. Walton, professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College, spent 20 years teaching at Moody Bible Institute.

In his college years, he developed a passion for archaeology and Bible history. Instead of training to be an archaeologist, though, he focused his attention on studies comparing the culture and literature of the Bible and the ancient Near East. He has never lost his fascination with this subject, but comparative studies only provide one of the means by which he tries to get people excited about the Old Testament. He’s saddened by how little exposure to and understanding of the Old Testament many Christians have, but he’s passionate in doing whatever he can to remedy this spiritual and theological loss.

For 25 years, Dr. Walton was active at South Park Church in Park Ridge, Illinois—teaching at every level, from adults through preschool. He’s driven by the desire to offer people a greater familiarity with God’s Word and a greater confidence in understanding God’s revelation of himself in its pages. Since moving to Wheaton, he has gotten involved in the same areas of ministry at Glen Ellyn Bible Church.

Whether in teaching or writing, he’s constantly challenged in his own life because the material he’s presenting stretches him as much as it stretches his students and readers. Whatever he’s writing or teaching also has a way of infiltrating his family. His wife, Kim, was trained as a biochemist, which made for interesting dinner conversations—especially when he was working on his Genesis commentary. His three kids have often gotten involved in the discussions, and he’s had fun responding to them and seeing his family grow together.