Genesis and Job: A Cosmic Conversation in Conflict

Abstract

The creation account of Gen 1:1–2:3 is only one of several accounts featured in the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. The one account that most closely matches its cosmic orientation is the poetic description of creation given in Job 38–41. Nevertheless, both accounts are worlds apart regarding how they describe creation and what they find most important about creation. Their theological and literary differences make for a lively intertextual conversation, as entertained in the interpreter’s imagination. Let the dialogue begin.