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The Torah states that it was written in its entirety by one author, Moses (Deuteronomy 31:24), to whom it was dictated by God (Exodus 24:12), including earlier events.
The Torah has one creation-narrative, which takes the form of a summary (Genesis ch.1) followed by an in-depth recap (Rashi commentary, Genesis 2:8).

Other mentions of Creation (Psalms, Isaiah, Job) are poetic, not meant to supplant or alter the details in Genesis.


When we see a newspaper whose opening headline is paraphrased in the detailed story, we don't ascribe the repetition to different writers.

But this kind of literary device, which the Torah employs to enrich its text, has been used by Bible-critics in an attempt to reassign and divide up its authorship.

The Jewish sages, based on ancient tradition, identified many of the literary devices used by the Torah, which include:

- recapping earlier brief passages to elucidate,

- employing different names of God to signify His various attributes,

- using apparent changes or redundancies to allude to additional unstated details,

- speaking in the vernacular that was current during each era,

and many more. While Judaism has always seen the Torah as an intricate tapestry that nonetheless had one Divine source, some modern authors such as Wellhausen (the father of modern Biblical-criticism, 1844-1918) have suggested artificially attributing the narrative to several unknown authors, despite the Torah's explicit statement as to its provenance (Exodus 24:12, Deuteronomy 31:24). This need not concern believers, since his claims have been debunked one by one, as archaeology and other disciplines have demonstrated the integrity of the Torah. No fragments have ever been found that would support his Documentary Hypothesis, which remains nothing more than an arbitrary claim:

Refuting the JEPD Documentary Hypothesis

The creation-narrative in Genesis (a Christian author)

The authorship of the Hebrew Bible


A summary of the Creation-narrative is that, day by day, God created the universe and everything in it (Genesis ch.1).God created the universe out of nothing (Exodus 20:11, Isaiah 40:28; Rashi commentary to Genesis 1:14; Maimonides' "Guide," 2:30). Note that the Torah, in describing the Creation, deliberately employs brevity and ellipsis, just as it does in many other topics. See the Talmud, Hagigah 11b.


  • On day 1: God created the universe in general, light, and this Earth. The light was not the same as that of the sun. Rather, it was light that God created before the sun, and which emanated from a point in space without any physical source; like what we might term a "white hole."
  • On day 2: God created the separation between the Earth and the upper atmosphere.
  • On day 3: God separated the continents from the oceans, and created plants.
  • On day 4: God created the sun, moon, and stars.
  • On day 5: God created birds and fish.
  • On day 6: God created animals and people.
  • On day 7: God ceased creating, thereby creating the concept of rest.

See also:

Is there evidence against Evolution?

Can you show that God exists?

Seeing God's wisdom

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Why did god curse his creation?

God did not curse His creation but the actions which his creation (Man) committed. Man is perfect in his bodily creation but imperfect in the use of the intelligence it possesses.


Who was the first man in the Muslim creation story?

Adam was the first man in the Muslim creation story.


Who is the Eygptian god of creation?

Amun is the god of creaion


What similar event is found in all three creation stories?

The first biblical creation story is in Genesis 1:1-2:4a. The second is in Genesis 2:4b-25 and chapter 3. Some regard Genesis chapter 5 as a third creation story, similar to the second, but clearly a little different, but most scholars generally ignore the differences and regard it as a parallel restating of the previous chapters. Fragments of a further (third) creation story can be found in the psalms and the Book of Job.Each is entirely different in content and style. For example, the first creation story has man (both male and female) created after all the other animals, while the second has man (Adam) created first, then all the animals, then finally Eve. The third creation story is too fragmentary to follow fully, but it does have God defeating the Leviathan, a chaos monster already known from pre-Israelite religion. The one event that all would undoubtedly have in common is the creation of man.The first biblical creation story is in Genesis 1:1-2:4a. The second is in Genesis 2:4b-25 and chapter 3. Some regard Genesis chapter 5 as a third creation story, similar to the second, but clearly a little different, but most scholars generally ignore the differences and regard it as a parallel restating of the previous chapters. Fragments of a further (third) creation story can be found in the psalms and the Book of Job.Each is entirely different in content and style. For example, the first creation story has man (both male and female) created after all the other animals, while the second has man (Adam) created first, then all the animals, then finally Eve. The third creation story is too fragmentary to follow fully, but it does have God defeating the Leviathan, a chaos monster already known from pre-Israelite religion. The one event that all would undoubtedly have in common is the creation of man.For more information, please visit: http://christianity.answers.com/theology/the-story-of-creation


What is the canaanite creation story?

The Canaanite creation story is primarily illustrated in the ancient text known as the "Enuma Elish," which, while Babylonian, shares themes with Canaanite mythology. In this narrative, the god Baal emerges as a central figure, battling the primordial chaos represented by the sea deity Yam. Baal's victory establishes order, allowing the creation of the world and humanity. This story reflects themes of conflict, divine authority, and the establishment of civilization, common in ancient Near Eastern myths.

Related Questions

What does the story of creation tell us?

creation reveals God's goodness


What did God Create after Adam?

In the second biblical creation story (Genesis 2:4b-20), God's creation of Adam was the first act of creation. God then planted a garden eastward of Eden.For more information, please visit: http://christianity.answers.com/theology/the-story-of-creation


Psalms creation story?

Tehillim (Psalm) 104 is a poem to God. It isn't a new creation story, but rather it recounts the story of creation as found in the Torah and culminates by exclaiming how wonderful God is. Please see the related link for a wonderful article about this subject.


What is Hathor's creation story?

He was created by Ra the sun god.


How did God make Adam according to the creation story in the Bible?

According to the creation story in the Bible, God made Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him, making him a living being.


What are the four truths of the creation story?

The four truths of the creation story is : 1. God is one, not many. 2. God created by plan, not chance. 3. God created everything good, not evil. 4. God made the sabbath special


What was created on the third day according to the biblical account of creation?

According to the biblical account of creation, on the third day, God created land, plants, and trees.


What is the major character in the creation story?

God, who created all things.


What is a Hindu creation story?

In Hinduism, the creation story is described in the Rigveda, one of the oldest texts. According to this story, the universe originated from the cosmic egg, and the god Prajapati is seen as the creator of the world. The creation is cyclic, with periods of creation, preservation, and destruction.


What are some of god's attributes or characteristics that we learn from the first story of creation?

Some attributes of God that we can learn from the first story of creation in the Bible include His creativity, power, wisdom, and goodness. Through His spoken word, God brought the universe into existence and saw that it was good, showing His attention to detail and care for His creation.


What are some of gods attributes or characteristics that we learn in the first story of creation?

In the first story of creation, we learn that God is powerful, creative, orderly, and that He sees all His creations as good. God is portrayed as the ultimate authority and source of life.


What does the story of creation tell us about man?

The story of creation depicts man as a special and beloved creation of God, made in His image and given dominion over all other creatures on earth. It emphasizes man's responsibility to care for and steward the earth, as well as the importance of relationships with God and fellow humans.