Topical Encyclopedia The term "The Early World" refers to the initial period of human history as described in the Bible, primarily found in the Book of Genesis. This era encompasses the creation of the world, the early generations of humanity, and significant events that shaped the course of biblical history. The Early World is foundational to understanding the biblical narrative and God's relationship with His creation.Creation (Genesis 1-2): The account of creation is detailed in the first two chapters of Genesis. "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). The creation narrative unfolds over six days, with God speaking the universe into existence. On the first day, God created light, separating it from darkness. The subsequent days saw the formation of the sky, land, seas, vegetation, celestial bodies, and living creatures. On the sixth day, God created mankind in His own image: "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them" (Genesis 1:27). The seventh day was sanctified as a day of rest, establishing the pattern for the Sabbath. The Garden of Eden (Genesis 2): God placed the first humans, Adam and Eve, in the Garden of Eden, a paradise filled with every kind of tree that was pleasing to the eye and good for food. The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil were central to the garden. God commanded Adam not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, warning that disobedience would lead to death (Genesis 2:16-17). The Fall (Genesis 3): The serpent, described as more cunning than any other beast, tempted Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. She and Adam both ate, resulting in the Fall of Man. Their disobedience brought sin and death into the world, altering the perfect creation. God pronounced curses upon the serpent, Eve, and Adam, and expelled them from the Garden of Eden to prevent them from eating from the Tree of Life and living forever in their fallen state (Genesis 3:22-24). Cain and Abel (Genesis 4): The first children of Adam and Eve were Cain and Abel. Cain, a farmer, and Abel, a shepherd, each brought offerings to the Lord. Abel's offering was accepted, but Cain's was not, leading to jealousy and anger. Cain murdered Abel, committing the first recorded act of fratricide. God punished Cain by making him a wanderer on the earth, yet marked him to protect him from vengeance (Genesis 4:15). The Generations from Adam to Noah (Genesis 5): Genesis 5 provides a genealogy from Adam to Noah, highlighting the long lifespans of early humans. This chapter underscores the continuity of God's creation and the unfolding of His plan through successive generations. The Flood (Genesis 6-9): As humanity multiplied, wickedness increased, and God decided to cleanse the earth with a flood. However, Noah found favor in God's eyes. God instructed Noah to build an ark to preserve his family and pairs of every living creature. The floodwaters covered the earth, destroying all life outside the ark. After the waters receded, God established a covenant with Noah, symbolized by the rainbow, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again (Genesis 9:11-13). The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11): Following the flood, humanity spoke a single language and settled in Shinar. They attempted to build a city and a tower reaching the heavens to make a name for themselves. God intervened by confusing their language, causing them to scatter across the earth. This event marked the origin of diverse languages and cultures (Genesis 11:7-9). The Early World sets the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, highlighting themes of creation, sin, judgment, and grace. These foundational events are crucial for understanding the biblical worldview and God's ongoing relationship with humanity. Subtopics Early Rising: Christ Set an Example of Early Rising: Illustrates Spiritual Diligence Early Rising: Neglect of, Leads to Poverty Early Rising: Practised by the Wicked, For: Deceit Early Rising: Practised by the Wicked, For: Executing Plans of Evil Early Rising: Requisite For: Devotion Early Rising: Requisite For: Discharge of Daily Duties Early Rising: Requisite For: Executing God's Commands Related Terms |