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1. Why does the text use the cardinal number ('one day,' v. 5), but use ordinal numbers (2nd, 3rd, and so on) for the remainder of the week?
Since on the first day, there was no second, it couldn't be the first. There is only a first, when there is a second. It is like King George I: a coin with King George I on it is a fake! Only when there was a King George II, do we call his father the 1st. It is the same with World War One. Veterans called it 'The Great World War.' Only in 1945 was it called WWI.
2. The midrash suggests that the moon and sun were originally created the same size, and the moon was made smaller (for complaining). What is the basis in the text for this midrash?
First the text says God created the two great lights (v. 16), then immediately says one is great, and one is lesser.
3. What is the meaning of 'us' in v. 26? Why is this a problem?
If there is only one God, why is God referring to him/herself in the plural? And who is God talking to, anyway?
4. If the sources of natural light (sun, moon, and stars) were created on the fourth day, what light was created on the first day?
The Rabbis imagine a Divine light that was hidden away for the future; or what about plasma, or lightning? If we imagine the chaotic primordial soup, such cosmic light would fit the image, but at first we are struck by the seeming contradiction of how there could be light without the natural sources created yet.
5. How many times does the word 'good' appear in chapter 1? What does this suggest to you?
Seven. But they are not evenly distributed one per day (as you might have thought). One day has two, (traditionally good luck for weddings). One day has Very good. This repetition, yet with slight variation we will see is a powerful technique in the biblical narrative.
Reading the traditional commentators is often helpful in getting the answers to these kinds of questions. The problem is, the question is rarely included in their commentary; here is an example of an exception:Gopher wood (Gen. 6:14)
So it is named. And why from this type of wood? Because of gophrit [sulphur] by which it had been decreed to blot out humanity.The trick is, then, to imagine the question that the answer is resolving.
Read the following commentaries to determine the difficulties that bothered the Rabbis. You may want/need to check the context of the original verse(s). Try and compose the question that each difficulty generates.
6. Neither shall you touch it (Gen. 3:3 see 2:16,17)
She added to God's command, therefore she was led to diminish it.Why does the Torah add/she say 'and not touch it' if God didn't say that.
7. Where are you? (Gen. 3:9)
God knew where he was- but wanted to open the conversation with him....Why does God, (who knows everything) ask Cain where he is?
8. Do I know? Am I my brother's keeper? or I didn't know that I am my brother's keeper! (Gen. 4:9)
This is a question.How is this read, as a question or a statement.
9. Tzohar (a light ?) (Gen. 6:16)
Some say this was a window; others say that it was a precious stone that gave light to them.What does the word Tzohar mean?
10. And the rain was upon the earth (Gen. 7:12)
But later on it says, And the Flood was upon the earth (v. 17). The rain descended gently at first, so the people might repent; when they did not, it became a flood.Why does it say in v. 12 the rain was on the earth and then it repeats that the flood was on the earth (v. 17)?
