Enuma Elish Analysis
The character and function of Deity in Genesis 1-2 contrasts to that of Enuma Elish in that God creates out of selflessness, whereas in Enuma Elish the Gods are driven by their desire to be honored.
Genesis 1-2 begins with God, the sole creator of all, creating the heavens and earth. After He had completed this task, it continues with “now earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” It is for this reason God spent a total of six days molding and enhancing His initial creation of heaven and earth. He did not create heaven and earth as places for Him to be worshiped, nor was the life on earth intended for His personal benefit. Each addition brought a new dynamic …show more content…
As the poem begins, water has already been created. This means unlike in Genesis 1-2, these Gods did not start out with absolutely nothing. Two Gods, husband and wife, gave life to many other Gods. Each new God had their specialty, and that was what they ruled. With each God in charge of a different aspect of their life which was aligned with their unique skill set, there were many Gods who had rule, but there were some Gods who craved to have power over all others. Before man was established, the Gods were already becoming filled with greed. This selfishness sparked a battle between Tiamat and Marduk. Marduk defeats Tiamat and her plans to become supreme Goddess are destroyed. After his valiant win, Marduk is crowned the God of Gods and begins to plan the construction of earth and all its inhabitants. His plans for heaven and earth are filled with shrines, gifts, worships, and service to the Gods. He speaks of Babylon as a luxurious abode and temple with individual rooms for each of the Gods to spend nights in. The humans were created as workers and worshipers to construct buildings and shrines for the Gods, as well as praise the Gods while giving them gifts, honors, and service. They give nothing to man except life, life which was selfishly created as a means for the Gods to leisure and receive endless gratitude.
The significant difference between Genesis 1-2 and Enuma Elish is the reason for the creation of mankind. In Genesis 1-2 God was loving of man and granted him the gift of companionship. On the other hand, Enuma Elish depicts numerous Gods creating man for unethical and greedy reasons without giving him any gifts other than life its self. However, in this illustration it is the life of a slave, where as in Genesis 1-2 God allows man to be free asking for very little in
Genesis 1-2 begins with God, the sole creator of all, creating the heavens and earth. After He had completed this task, it continues with “now earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” It is for this reason God spent a total of six days molding and enhancing His initial creation of heaven and earth. He did not create heaven and earth as places for Him to be worshiped, nor was the life on earth intended for His personal benefit. Each addition brought a new dynamic …show more content…
As the poem begins, water has already been created. This means unlike in Genesis 1-2, these Gods did not start out with absolutely nothing. Two Gods, husband and wife, gave life to many other Gods. Each new God had their specialty, and that was what they ruled. With each God in charge of a different aspect of their life which was aligned with their unique skill set, there were many Gods who had rule, but there were some Gods who craved to have power over all others. Before man was established, the Gods were already becoming filled with greed. This selfishness sparked a battle between Tiamat and Marduk. Marduk defeats Tiamat and her plans to become supreme Goddess are destroyed. After his valiant win, Marduk is crowned the God of Gods and begins to plan the construction of earth and all its inhabitants. His plans for heaven and earth are filled with shrines, gifts, worships, and service to the Gods. He speaks of Babylon as a luxurious abode and temple with individual rooms for each of the Gods to spend nights in. The humans were created as workers and worshipers to construct buildings and shrines for the Gods, as well as praise the Gods while giving them gifts, honors, and service. They give nothing to man except life, life which was selfishly created as a means for the Gods to leisure and receive endless gratitude.
The significant difference between Genesis 1-2 and Enuma Elish is the reason for the creation of mankind. In Genesis 1-2 God was loving of man and granted him the gift of companionship. On the other hand, Enuma Elish depicts numerous Gods creating man for unethical and greedy reasons without giving him any gifts other than life its self. However, in this illustration it is the life of a slave, where as in Genesis 1-2 God allows man to be free asking for very little in