Seminaries and Institutes
Genesis 1; Moses 2: The Creation

“Genesis 1; Moses 2: The Creation,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 11–12

“Genesis 1; Moses 2,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 11–12

Genesis 1; Moses 2

The Creation

There are three accounts of the Creation in the scriptures: Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3 (which is the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 1–2); and Abraham 4–5. This study guide provides help with studying the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis but refers to Abraham for additional insight.

Some people believe that the earth was created by chance and that mankind came about by the accidental combining of the right elements over millions of years. In response, one writer said:

“When you can dump a load of bricks on a corner lot, and let me watch them arrange themselves into a house—when you can empty a handful of springs and wheels and screws on my desk, and let me see them gather themselves into a watch—it will [then] be easier for me to believe that all these thousands of worlds could have been created, balanced, and set in motion in their several orbits, all without any designing intelligence at all.

“Moreover, if there is no intelligence in the universe, then the universe created something greater than itself—for it created you and me” (Bruce Barton in E. Ernest Bramwell, comp. Old Testament Lessons [1934 seminary course], 4).

As you read, decide what you think Moses was trying to say in Moses 2 (Genesis 1) about the creation of man and all things on earth and in heaven.

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A–C as you study Genesis 1 and Moses 2.

  1. Make a Chart

    First Day

    Fourth Day

    Second Day

    Fifth Day

    Third Day

    Sixth Day

    Divide a page in your notebook into six parts and label each box like the one shown.

    In each box, write about or draw pictures of the things God created on that day.

  2. What It Is and What It Isn’t

    Notice that Moses 2 does not tell much about how the earth was created. What does it tell us? (see Moses 1:31–33, 39).

  3. Scripture Mastery—Genesis 1:26–27 (Moses 2:26–27)

    1. Compare Genesis 1:26–27 with Moses 2:26–27. How does Moses 2:26 help you understand the word us in Genesis 1:26?

    2. In what ways is man different from all the other creations described in Genesis 1 and Moses 2?