The Image of God in the Garden of Eden: The Creation of Humankind in Genesis 2:5-3:24 in Light of the mīs pî, pīt pî, and wpt-r Rituals of Mesopotamia ... and Theology of the Hebrew Scriptures)

by Catherine McDowell

Catherine McDowell presents a detailed and insightful analysis of the creation of adam in Gen 2:5–3:24 in light of the Mesopotamian mīs pî pīt pî (“washing of the mouth, opening of the mouth”) and the Egyptian wpt-r (opening of the mouth) rituals for the creation of a divine image. Parallels between the mouth washing and opening rituals and the Eden story suggest that the biblical author was comparing and contrasting human creation with the ritual creation, animation, and installation of a cult statue in order to redefine ṣelem ʾ elohîm as a human being―the living likeness of God tending and serving in the sacred garden. McDowell also considers the explicit image and likeness language in Gen 1:26–27. Drawing from biblical and extrabiblical texts, she demonstrates that ṣelem and demût define the divine-human relationship, first and foremost, in terms of kinship. To be created in the image and likeness of Elohim was to be, metaphorically speaking, God’s royal sons and daughters. While these royal qualities are explicit in Gen 1, McDowell persuasively argues that kinship is the primary metaphor Gen 1 uses to define humanity and its relationship to God. Further, she discusses critical issues, noting the problems inherent in the traditional views on the dating and authorship of Gen 1–3, and the relationship between the two creation accounts. Through a careful study of the tôledôt in Genesis, she demonstrates that Gen 2:4 serves as both a hinge and a “telescope”: the creation of humanity in Gen 2:5–3:24 should be understood as a detailed account of the events of Day 6 in Gen 1. When Gen 1–3 are read together, as the final redactor intended, these texts redefine the divine-human relationship using three significant and theologically laden kinship, kingship, and cult. Thus, they provide an important lens through which to view the relationship between God and humanity as presented in the rest of the Bible.

Genres: Religion, Biblical Studies, Theology

256 pages, Hardcover

Published September 9, 2015

Reviews

[Ethan Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. McDowell leads a magisterial encounter with ancient Near Eastern cultures. She sheds light on humanity's identity as kin-of-God, kings, and cult images of Yahweh. With humility and thorough precision, she identifies key features in Babylonian, Assyrian, and Egyptian texts that reveal the depth and familiarity of the phrase "image and likeness." She models an approach to ANE parallels, seeking connections only where truly warranted. And what a case she builds. Indeed, this research is valuable and illuminating. Just because it seems arcane in topic and unapproachable in scholarship doesn't mean this book isn't worth every word and footnote. For the patient reader and serious student of the bible, her work is immensely formative.

[Deb Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may have changed my life. The scholarship and insights offered by Catherine McDowell are just the beginnings of what should many long conversations for Christians who seek to understand the basics and basis of our theology of the imago Dei.

[Carmen Imes · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. Well worth reading. McDowell opens up new dimensions in the early chapters of Genesis in light of ancient texts and ideas.

[Jude Morrissey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not for the faint of heart... Mostly for those who studied (or are studying) biblical studies in college or beyond and who just really love reading this stuff. (That's me!) I picked it up as research material for a Sunday School series I'm planning, and those in my class will be glad to know I won't try and cover all of this material; but if you really love ANE/OT studies, it's a good book!

[Joy L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will definitely be revisiting this one to pick up the information I didn't get the first time through. Catherine McDowell's research is fascinating. As someone who is not an academic, I look forward to her lay-level book about it whenever that comes around.