The passage is definitely in contrast to the "Enuma Elish" which is the creation narrative of the Babylonian Empire. Here are some comparisons...
Enuma Elish:
1. The passage is about establishing the GOODNESS of all creation and that humanity's home is within that, not in escaping it to human-made habitats.
2. It tells us that the Creator LOVES his creation and that he creates not with violence but by speaking. It also shows that he is generous to his very core. To give, not to take, is the core of the nature of the Creator.
3. Humans are part of the creation, yet are called to reflect the image of the Creator within the creation. Humans are called to be agents of manifesting God's Kingdom (or "dominion") throughout the creation. A "dominion" which is about "serving and protecting" the creation (again see Gen 2:15 and the story of Jesus). The fullness of humanity is found in both male AND female.
4. This passage shows that humans are called to live within the creation in a way that serves and protects the best interests of the creation as a whole.
Enuma Elish:
- The heavens and earth (and humans as well) are born out of the violence and vengeance of the gods.
- It is that violence which keeps chaos at bay.
- Humans are slaves that allow the gods to be free.
- The city Babylon is created as the safety and sanctuary from the chaos.
- The heavens and earth (and humans) are born out of the speaking of the Creator.
- The Creator's word, not violence, keeps chaos at bay.
- Humans are free, but called to serve and protect the creation (see Genesis 2:15).
- It is the garden of creation (the trees, rivers, mountains, animals, etc) that is the safety and sanctuary from the chaos (this creation is called "VERY good"). It is only later in Genesis 3-4 that humans will fall into violence and THEN build the first city (which is rebellion against the Creator and the creation).
1. The passage is about establishing the GOODNESS of all creation and that humanity's home is within that, not in escaping it to human-made habitats.
2. It tells us that the Creator LOVES his creation and that he creates not with violence but by speaking. It also shows that he is generous to his very core. To give, not to take, is the core of the nature of the Creator.
3. Humans are part of the creation, yet are called to reflect the image of the Creator within the creation. Humans are called to be agents of manifesting God's Kingdom (or "dominion") throughout the creation. A "dominion" which is about "serving and protecting" the creation (again see Gen 2:15 and the story of Jesus). The fullness of humanity is found in both male AND female.
4. This passage shows that humans are called to live within the creation in a way that serves and protects the best interests of the creation as a whole.