Mesopotamian Genesis (Overview)

These pages explore Genesis 1–3 in its ancient Near Eastern context, particularly the Sumerian worldview that shaped the theological paradigms the biblical authors used when they wrote. The goal is to hear Scripture more clearly by recovering the conceptual world it originated in. This work builds on the research of Old Testament scholar John Walton whose findings can be reviewed in:

These pages follow a deliberate sequence. Each builds on ideas introduced in the previous ones. For the clearest understanding, please read them in order.

Reading Order

  1. Gen 1–11: Historical Memory of Sumer-Akkad

  2. Mesopotamian Genesis 1–3

  3. Eden and the Water of Life

  4. Gen 1: God’s Wisdom as Light

  5. Gen 1: Waters of the Deep

  6. Gen 1: The Cosmic Temple

  7. Gen 1: And God Said, “It Is Good”

  8. Gen 1: “Adam” as Archetype

  9. Gen 1: Priestly Authority and Rulership

  10. Gen 2: Sacred Trees of Eden

  11. Gen 2: Guard and Keep: the Water of Life

  12. Gen 2: Wisdom as Wife

  13. Gen 2: The Rib, Mortality, and Eternal Life

  14. Gen 3: Mortal Wisdom and the False Teacher

  15. Gen 3: Consequences of Earthly Wisdom

  16. Gen 3: Nakedness, Repentance, Restoration