The GAP

Among Biblical scholars and those just really curious about ancient texts such as the Torah and Tanakh, the foundation of Jewish thought and theology, have pondered, studied and debated for millennia what appears to be a discrepancy, or at least a contradiction between verse one and verse two of the very first book of the Hebrew Bible commonly known as Genesis (Bereshit in Hebrew).

This gap between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2, as stated, has been the subject of much theological discussion and speculation. The text reads:

•Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning, Elohim created the heavens and the earth.”

•Genesis 1:2: “Now the earth was (became) formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Ruach of the Elohim was hovering over the waters.”

The Gap Theory:

One prominent interpretation is the Gap Theory, which proposes that a significant event occurred between these two verses. According to this view, Genesis 1:1 describes the initial, perfect creation of the heavens and the earth. In contrast, Genesis 1:2 reflects a state of chaos or desolation, possibly caused by a catastrophic event.

Proponents of the Gap Theory suggest that this event could have been:

1. The Fall of HaSatan: Some interpret passages like Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-17 as describing Satan’s rebellion against God. They theorize that his fall led to widespread destruction on the earth, causing it to become “formless and empty” (Hebrew: tohu wa-bohu). This interpretation links the chaos in Genesis 1:2 to divine judgment on a pre-existing creation.

2. A Pre-Adamic World: Another idea is that a previous civilization existed on the earth and was destroyed during this gap, leaving the planet in a state of ruin before the six-day re-creation account began.

A Continuous Narrative:

Other scholars argue that no such gap exists and that Genesis 1:1 is a summary statement of creation, while Genesis 1:2 describes the initial condition of the earth before the Elohim shaped it. In this view, the transition between the two verses is seamless, emphasizing that the Elohim began It’s creative work by forming and filling a formless and void earth.

Theological Implications:

The debate over what, if anything, happened between these verses has implications for our understanding of:

• Creation and Time: The Gap Theory accommodates the possibility of an old earth and aligns with geological and fossil records, offering a reconciliation between the Bible and scientific observations.

• The Nature of Source’s Creation: It raises questions about whether HaShem’s original creation could have been subject to destruction or judgment.

Ultimately, the text does not explicitly describe an event between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2, leaving room for interpretation. Whether one views the gap as significant or sees the verses as a continuous narrative, the focus remains on Source as the Creator and sustainer of all things.

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