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The Textual Unity of Genesis 2–4 Against the Backdrop of the History of Exegesis

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The Textual Unity of Genesis 2–4 Against the Backdrop of the History of Exegesis The Textual Unity of Genesis 2–4 against the Backdrop of the History of Exegesis By Igal German A Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Wycliffe College and the Biblical Department of the Toronto School of Theology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Theology awarded by the University of St. Michael’s College © Copyright by Igal German 2014 The Textual Unity of Genesis 2–4 against the Backdrop of the History of Exegesis Igal German Doctor of Philosophy University of St. Michael’s College 2014 Abstract The thesis explores the literary unity of the narratives of Adam-Eve and Cain-Abel supplemented with an inquiry into the history of traditional exegesis. Most contemporary studies and commentaries reflect a varied understanding of the textual relationship between the narratives of creation and sin in Eden and outside of it (Gen 2:4b–4:16). According to one dominant stream of historical tradition, the unit of Genesis 1–3 is delimited and expounded apart from the juxtaposed chapter 4. A key figure in this hermeneutical tradition is Augustine, who devoted his Genesis commentaries to chapters 1–3 apart from the sin narrative of Cain. An important implication arising from this thesis is that Christian exegetes of Genesis should be aware of, and avoid, any uncritical adoption of the tradition represented by Augustine in their reading of the stories of the origins. According to another historic exegetical tradition of Jewish and Christian interpreters the narratives of creation and sin are treated conjointly. In their view, the narrative of Cain-Abel in Genesis 4 is closely related to the preceding narratives of Adam-Eve. These works include some representative exegetical elaborations from Second Tempe Judaism, Church Fathers, and the Protestant reformers Martin Luther and John Calvin. ii In addition to examining in detail a selected portion of the history of exegesis, this thesis delineates the narratives of Adam-Eve and Cain-Abel as an interdependent familial saga within the literary framework of Gen 2:4b–4:26. The present author contends that these juxtaposed texts are interrelated by means of the following textual elements inherent within Genesis 2–4: (1) toledot formula; (2) diptych; (3) the primeval characters; (4) the motifs of silence and voice; (5) the tests of Adam and Cain; (6) the motif of knowledge; (7) the motif of death; (8) the trials; and (9) punishment and hope. Finally, other Genesis narratives echo the literary contours of the narratives of Adam-Eve and Cain-Abel (Gen 9:20–26; 16:1–2, 12; 21:8–13; 22:1–19). iii Acknowledgments I would like to acknowledge all these individuals who have been a tremendous help to me as I moved forward to the successful completion of this dissertation. I am indebted to my thesis director, Dr. Glen J. Taylor of Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto. Professor Taylor graciously mentored me throughout the whole course of my doctoral studies. Thank you so much for being patient with and kind to me. I would like to extend my gratitude to the other examiners of the dissertation for their constructive criticism and suggestions. I am grateful to Dr. Brian Irwin, Dr. John McLaughlin, Dr. Michael Kolarcik, and Dr. Bill T. Arnold. I am also thankful for the generous and constant financial support of Wycliffe College. All the teaching assistantships at Knox College and Wycliffe College, as well as other lecturing opportunities, proved beneficial for my pedagogical development. I am grateful to Dr. Marion Ann Taylor of Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto. I learned much from all the God-given opportunities to interact with other fellow doctoral students at Wycliffe College. Special thanks are due to Jake Stewart, Manhee Yoon, and Dr. Marina Hofman. I would like also to express my gratitude to Dr. Carluci Dos Santos for encouraging me during the thesis proposal stage. I appreciate those valuable interactions with other faculty members and students at the wider academic community at the Toronto School of Theology. I am also very grateful to St. Augustine’s Seminary of Toronto for granting me the teaching position of sessional lecturer in Old Testament. I am particularly indebted to Dr. Robert Nusca and Dr. Fred Chung of St. Augustine’s Seminary of Toronto. I am sincerely thankful to Leslie Demson for investing time and effort to carefully proofread the chapters of the iv dissertation. I also appreciate the timely feedback on parts of the dissertation provided by Dr. Brian Peterson from Lee University. Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my parents Boris and Ada German, for their unfailing love and many sacrifices throughout the course of my doctoral program. I am very grateful to Nataliya Toporovskaya for her immeasurable love. Your tremendous care and support are so precious to me. My deepest gratitude is extended to my Saviour Yeshua ha-Mashiah (Jesus Christ) for shedding his gracious light into my heart and filling my days with goodness and mercy (Ps 23:6; 27:1, 14). Soli Deo Gloria. v Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................ii Acknowledgments........................................................................................................................iv Table of Contents .........................................................................................................................vi Abbreviations ...............................................................................................................................viii Chapter One: The Textual Unity of Genesis 2–4 in Contemporary Scholarship ........................1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................1 Review of Secondary Literature ..................................................................................................4 1883–1897.................................................................................................................................4 1904–1999.................................................................................................................................7 2000–2013.................................................................................................................................28 Thesis Statement ..........................................................................................................................51 Methodology ................................................................................................................................53 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................60 Chapter Two: The History of Interpretation from Antiquity to the Reformation ........................61 Second Temple Jewish Sources ...................................................................................................62 Sirach ........................................................................................................................................62 Wisdom of Solomon .................................................................................................................65 Apocalyptic Texts .....................................................................................................................68 Adam, Eve, and Cain ................................................................................................................73 Satan ..........................................................................................................................................81 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................83 The New Testament .....................................................................................................................84 Romans 5 ..................................................................................................................................87 1 Corinthians 15 ........................................................................................................................90 Romans 1 ..................................................................................................................................92 Hebrews 11 and 1 John 3 ..........................................................................................................93 The Church Fathers ......................................................................................................................95 Irenaeus of Lyons ......................................................................................................................97 Cyril of Jerusalem and Salvian the Presbyter ...........................................................................99 vi Origen and Ephrem the Syrian ..................................................................................................100 John Chrysostom .......................................................................................................................101 Augustine of Hippo ...................................................................................................................103 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................110
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