Discipline in the Old Testament The Perspective of the Primeval History, Genesis 1-11

Abstract

In the chapters of our study, we see that humankind is placed in an environment which makes it possible for it to live in relationship with God. We see humankind as unique in the whole of creation. The relationship in which the creator and the human creature live is a relationship in which the human creature is under obligation to the creator. The human creature is granted freedom of decision and choice in the environment, but the freedom is set within limits; the authority of the creator transcends it. The primeval story does not overlook the difficulty embedded in the exercise of discipline. Nevertheless, it affirms that in spite of the difficulty adherence to it bears positive and life-enhancing results. Anything other that destroys life with the creator.