Chapter Summary

God's Sabbath rest. The creative act of Gen. 1:27 explained. The Edenic covenant.

Discussion Questions for Genesis, Chapter 2

1. Genesis 2 begins with God resting on the seventh day. Western civilization observed this event by closing most places of business well into the 20th century. The concept of giving rest was even used to give fields a season of rest by not planting. How has the idea of giving rest been beneficial to society? How does it affect society when rest is not given? Describe your day when you are well rested compared to having little rest? When are you most productive? Why?
2. Genesis 2:7 describes God creating man from the dust and breathing life into him. Everything in Genesis 1 was created by God speaking it into existence. What does this signify about the importance of human beings to God? How should this affect mankind's response to God? Why?
3. Tigris and Euphrates Rivers mentioned Genesis 2:11 still exists today and are known as the cradle of civilization since this was the location of Mesopotamia, the world's first known civilization. What is the significance that the other two rivers mentioned in Genesis 2 are not found in modern society? What are some of the possibilities for the disappearance of the two rivers? Why is this significant in the development of Judeo-Christian beliefs?
4. Genesis 2 describes the Garden of Eden. Do you believe that the Garden Eden literally existed? Why or Why not? How does your belief shape your view of Christianity?
5. God gives directions for man not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil or they will die. Genesis 2:9 also mentions the tree of life. God does not give any direction concerning eating of it. What do you think would have happened if Adam and Eve would have eaten it? How would eating it shaped the narrative of the Bible?
6. Genesis 2:18 says that God said man should not be alone. Do you agree with that statement? What do you value more in life: time with others or time alone? Why?
7. Genesis 2:18-20 describes Adam naming all of the animals that were created. Is there any animal's name that you would like to ask Adam about? Why did God give Adam give this task and not just name all of the animals himself? What is the significance of God giving this task in the relationship between man and God?
8. Genesis 2 gives the account of Eve being created by God from Adam's rib and not just from the dust as God made Adam. Why is the way God made Eve different from the way He made Adam and how does it affect the relationship between man and woman?
9. Genesis 2:24 (ESV) says that man shall leave his father and mother to hold fast to his wife. It does not say the wife is to leave her family. How do these directions affect the relationship between husband and wife? Which member in the marriage should sacrifice more? Why?
10. Genesis 2 provides the account how God created man and woman and not two members of the same gender. Why is this significant? How do these scriptures affect the belief of transgender or non-binary genders? If a person does not have a Judeo-Christian belief system, are they still held accountable to biblical teachings concerning gender and marriage?

Key Words/Phrase

Man, v. 7.

Characters

God, Adam, Eve.

Strong Verse(s)

3, 7, 18, 24.