| GENESIS |
| Explanatory Footnotes |
| 2:23-25 The First Marriage Adam joyfully recognized that he and Eve belonged together. As verse 24 suggests, this suitability is the basis for all marriages. This passage was quoted by Jesus (Matthew 19:5; Mark 10:7, 8) and Paul (1 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 5:31) in their comments on sex and marriage. 3:7 Sin and Shame When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they immediately became ashamed of their bodies and wanted to hide. Ever since, human beings have been "hiding" from each other and from God. 4:4 Improper Offerings Why God preferred Abel's offering to Cain's is uncertain; later in the Old Testament both animal and agricultural offerings were accepted by God. Quite possibly, Cain's problem was his attitude. Cain certainly became instantly angry with God when things did not go his way. 6:2 The Sons of God This mysterious description may refer to the "sons of Seth," the line of God's people from Adam to Noah, or it may refer to angels, often called "sons of God" in the Old Testament. However you interpret it, the point is that evil behavior increased in the world, a fact that led to punishment by a flood. 9:6 Why Capital Punishment Ironically, the reason murderers deserved the dealth penalty, as indicated here, was the supreme value of human life. To destroy human life is to attack the image of God, and therefore God demands an accounting. 9:12 The Reason for Rainbows Throughout the Bible, God makes covenant agreements with the people he loves. This first recorded covenant was marked |
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