1. What is presented here is the fruit of my own study of the Hebrew text of Genesis. I have not, since I crafted it out, surveyed the literature to see if any similar findings have been published. If you are aware of any, I will be glad to know about them.
2. This theme of the two histories runs through the Bible like one of the thread that hold the pearls together in a necklace. It is the theme of Psm 1 (Click here to open the commentary), forcing the worshippers as they begin their worship to reflect on which history they live.
3. I am indebted to David J. A. Clines, Theme of the Pentateuch (JSOTS 10; Sheffield: JSOT Press, 1978) for the insights that make this exposition possible.
4. A complete resolution would require Adam and Eve dying immediately for their disobedience, which would end the story.
5. We are, of course, reaching a point where we can "come together and make a name for ourselves" as those gathered on the plains of Shinar once did. The human race have never had at its disposal such facilities and technologies to mass-rebel against God as we do now.
6. The art of doing this well is called rhetorics, and it is a powerful art preachers should learn well. It can, of course, be abused. The most crafty politicians, whether at the national level or in the office, know this and so say things in a way that create layers of possible contexts so that they weasel their way out of any potential pitfalls. It's call 'spinning.'
7. There are other hints in the text that this is a sound reading of the text which we shall consider only when we come to dealing with the details of the text later in the commentary.
©ALBERITH
011122lch