Introduction:
Little Genesis, also known as the Book of Jubilees, is an ancient Jewish text that expands upon the narratives found in the Book of Genesis and the early chapters of Exodus. It is considered part of the Pseudepigrapha, a collection of ancient writings that are not included in the canonical Bible. Little Genesis is particularly valued for its detailed chronological framework and its emphasis on the observance of the law.

Authorship and Date:
The authorship of Little Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses, as the text claims to be a revelation given to him by an angel on Mount Sinai. However, modern scholarship generally dates the composition to the 2nd century BCE. The text was likely written in Hebrew, though the complete version is preserved in Ge'ez, the classical language of Ethiopia.

Content and Structure:
Little Genesis is structured around a series of jubilees, or 49-year periods, which provide a chronological framework for the events from Creation to the giving of the Law at Sinai. The text is divided into 50 chapters, each detailing specific events and laws.

1. Creation and Early Humanity:
Little Genesis begins with an account of Creation, similar to Genesis but with additional details. It emphasizes the sanctity of the Sabbath, aligning with the commandment in Exodus 20:8-11 : "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy."

2. Patriarchal Narratives:
The text elaborates on the lives of the patriarchs, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It provides additional accounts and moral teachings, often focusing on the importance of covenantal faithfulness and obedience to God's commandments.

3. The Law and Covenant:
A significant portion of Little Genesis is devoted to the laws given to the patriarchs, which prefigure the Mosaic Law. The text underscores the importance of circumcision, dietary laws, and the observance of festivals, reflecting a strong emphasis on ritual purity and holiness.

4. Angelic Mediation:
Little Genesis frequently mentions the role of angels as mediators of divine revelation. This is consistent with biblical accounts, such as in Genesis 28:12 : "And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth, with its top reaching up to heaven, and God's angels were going up and down the ladder."

Theological Themes:
Little Genesis emphasizes themes of divine justice, the importance of the covenant, and the role of Israel as God's chosen people. It presents a deterministic view of history, where events unfold according to God's sovereign plan. The text also highlights the importance of repentance and the consequences of sin, echoing the biblical call to holiness found in Leviticus 19:2 : "Speak to the whole congregation of the Israelites and tell them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'"

Influence and Reception:
While Little Genesis is not part of the canonical Bible, it has been influential in Jewish and Christian traditions. It provides insight into Second Temple Judaism and the development of Jewish thought. The text is particularly significant for understanding the background of certain New Testament themes, such as angelology and eschatology.

Conclusion:
Little Genesis remains a valuable resource for biblical scholars and theologians, offering a unique perspective on the early biblical narratives and the development of Jewish law and tradition. Its detailed chronology and emphasis on covenantal faithfulness continue to resonate with those who seek a deeper understanding of the biblical text.Little Genesis

LITTLE GENESIS

See BOOK OF JUBILEES.

Genesis xxvii. 38
... GENESIS xxvii.38 ... you as a trial; if it gall your pride, as well as restrict your
enjoyments; then remember, that here, even in this seemingly little thing, the ...
/.../arnold/the christian life/lecture xviii genesis xxvii 38.htm

Appendix i. Pseudepigraphic Writings
... Another work of that class - Little Genesis,' or The Book of Jubilees' - has been
preserved to us in its Ethiopic translation (though a Latin version of part ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix i pseudepigraphic writings.htm

The Old Faith Preparing for the New - Development of Hellenist ...
... as the oldest of these books are those known as the Book of Enoch, the Sibylline
Oracles, the Psalter of Solomon, and the Book of Jubilees, or Little Genesis. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the old faith.htm

How by Holy Complacency we are Made as Little Infants at Our ...
... who has her breasts like two cabinets rich in the treasures of sweet milk, armed
with as many weapons to conquer the dear little baby as ... [229] Genesis 49:11. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ii how by holy.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... The Book of Jubilees, or the Little Genesis, is mentioned by name continually in
the writings of the early Fathers, and by a succession of authors reaching to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

The Little Ones and their Angels.
... and to save them." [5987] But you will consider, according to these things also,
whether these are indeed angels of the little ones "who ... [5989] Genesis 48:16. ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/26 the little ones and.htm

And it came to Pass Some Little Time After...
... And it came to pass some little time after, that an enrolment was made according
to the edict of C??sar Augustus, that all the world was to ... [1641] Genesis 12:3 ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 13 and it came.htm

Ep. cxxi. Written a Little Later, as a Letter of Thanks for an ...
... Written a little later, as a letter of thanks for an Easter Gift.? (Written a little
later, as a letter of thanks for an Easter Gift. ... [4765] Genesis 27:28. ...
/.../cyril/select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep cxxi written a little.htm

Moses and his Writings
... with the help of the writings which we now know must have existed in his time, would
have but little difficulty in writing those parts of Genesis which tell us ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter iii moses and his.htm

Little Sins
... "Is it not a little one?""Genesis 19:20. THESE words we shall take for a motto,
rather than a text in the ordinary acceptation of that term. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/little sins.htm

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