Close Reading
The first thing we have to (re) learn, is how to read. Reading
the Biblical text requires that we read differently than we're
used to. We must slow down. Joel Grishaver of Torah Aura calls
this 'close reading.' The questions below are to guide you into
thinking about how the Torah chooses its words carefully.
Use a separate sheet to note your answers. This is a very important
part of this course. Be sure to work through this material. I recommend printing this page out. When you're finished, check
your answers below. If you're stuck or want further help, ask! To discuss any questions or to comment, use the forum.
PART ONE
First, read Gen. chapter 1 carefully and slowly.
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?
(*Actually, your translation may indeed use the word 'first',
but the Hebrew does not use Rishon- instead it uses 'echad.' We
will look at the kinds of things we can learn from different translations
in the next module.)
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?
3. What is the meaning of 'us' in v. 26? Why is this a problem?
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?
5. How many times does the word 'good' appear in chapter 1? What
does this suggest to you?
PART TWO
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.
7. Where are you? (Gen. 3:9)
God knew where he was- but wanted to open the conversation with
him....
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.
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.
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.
Answers
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Close Reading