The Book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, details the creation of the world and the early history of humanity. Traditionally attributed to Moses, the question arises: how did Moses, who lived centuries after these events, acquire this knowledge? While the Bible offers no explicit explanation, several theories have emerged.
Oral Tradition: A Chain of Knowledge
One prominent theory proposes that the knowledge of creation was passed down orally through generations, from Adam to Moses. The significantly longer lifespans attributed to individuals in the early biblical period suggest that relatively few generations separated Adam and Moses. For instance, the lineage from Adam to Abraham could have been bridged by just a few individuals: Adam to Lamech, Lamech to Shem, and Shem to Abraham.
Given Adam’s firsthand experience of creation, it’s plausible that he shared this account with his descendants. God could have directly communicated details not witnessed by Adam. This narrative could have been preserved and transmitted through subsequent generations, eventually reaching Moses. The genealogical line from Abraham to Moses encompasses only a few more generations, further supporting the feasibility of oral transmission. Thus, the creation story might have traversed time via Noah’s family lineage, ultimately reaching Moses.
Ancient Records: Josephus and the Stone Obelisks
A second theory, presented by the first-century Jewish historian Josephus, suggests a more tangible source of information. Josephus posited that Methuselah, known for his exceptional longevity, documented the world’s history, as recounted by Adam, on stone obelisks. These obelisks were purportedly preserved on Noah’s Ark during the Great Flood.
Following the flood, Noah supposedly deposited these stone tablets in Arabia. According to Josephus, God later guided Moses to these obelisks during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. There, Moses deciphered the history inscribed in Hebrew, believed to be humanity’s original language, and subsequently incorporated it into the scriptures.
Faith and Internal Consistency: The Bible’s Testimony
While both theories lack definitive proof, they offer potential explanations for Moses’ knowledge of Genesis. Ultimately, the Bible’s narrative relies on faith. The scriptures themselves assert that God conveyed the knowledge of creation to Moses, and believers accept this testimony.
Furthermore, the internal consistency between Genesis and the rest of the Bible reinforces its authenticity. The themes and principles introduced in Genesis resonate throughout scripture, suggesting a unified and divinely inspired origin. While the precise method of transmission remains a subject of speculation, the core message of creation persists as a foundational element of faith.
