Understandings of God

Jewish understandings of God

Primeval History

The Creation accounts reveal that God’s creation was good, ordered, and harmonious and that woman and man are created equal in the image and likeness of God.(p38-43)

Patriarchs and Matriarchs 1850 (BCE).

They came to understand God as ONE, a personal relationship with humanity, help Moses have a family and land. (p44)

The Exodus of the Israelites and the Covenant 1700 to 1290 (BCE).

The understanding that one God was above all other gods came to Moses when God revealed God’s name—Yahweh, meaning “I am the One who is always present.”

They came to understand God as a powerful soldier who fought for those in trouble and who wanted people to be free. (p46)

Settling the Promised Land 1250 to 1000 (BCE)

The Nation and the Temple (BCE)

They came to understood God like a great King, living in a palace or The Temple. (p50)

The Kings and the Prophets 922 (BCE) - 587 (BCE)

They came to understand God as Divine Wisdom guiding creation. (p52, 56)

The Two Hands of God, creation and scripture Dr Mary Coloe John Garratt