Why do Bible scholars and teachers insist on putting time in the first four chapters of Genesis in the Bible?

Question

In my view I hear all those preachers, teachers, and Bible scholars saying God created in six [6] 24 hour days and rested on the 7th day. Where did they dream up this concept. There is absolutely no place in the first 4 chapters of Genesis that says that a day to God is 24 hours. The bible give diverse measurements for a day in its words and humankind knows a day is not exactly 24 hours.

In the Bible words time itself measured in a precise period or measured unit is not put in place until Genesis chapter 5. This time measure did not start until Mr Adam ate of the fruit and the pending death withing that day [1000 years or less]. If the Bible does not give a time, why do bible scholars, teachers, and preachers insist on putting time in placer in the first 4 chapters? Are they wiser than the Spirit of God? Are they designed to bring forth controversy? Are they in existence to create problems rather than solve them by not using the Bible words as a guide?

JUst a curious "NO"!

Answer 1

Our concept of time is not the same for God. A thousand years for us could be a blinking of an eye for Him. The writers of the Old Testament were inspired by God in their writings, unlike what many people believe, the Bible does not contradict itself if it is studied and read by a spirit filled believer. It is only nonsense to non believers because they have no spiritual understanding.

Answer 2

Your question asserts a fact about Bible scholars and teachers that is far from universal. In my experience, the overwhelming majority of Bible scholars since the early church fathers, have maintained that Genesis 1, for example is not literal days a we think of them. In the last couple of centuries, many have taken what they call a more "literal" view.

I don't know the truth, and I'm certainly not convinced by the ranting of hot-headed, proud, idolators or scientifically faulty evolution theories. We need not know. Life is full of uncertainty. I've learned to deal with it and remain emotionally balanced, as has many others. Some go off on a tear about something they have studied very little. Genesis was simply not written as a geology lesson. It is a spiritual lesson written in ancient Hebrew in a land where the "meaning" of a story rested on its spiritual meaning, not its scientific accuracy.

My faith in Christ, God, or His message found in the Bible, is not at all dependent on the next scientific discovery or the next interpretive Biblical fad. Read with your spiritual eye. Meditate over the Scripture. Ask others and weigh their statements against the rest of the Bible and the fruits of their works.

Answer 3

Actually in Genesis it says, "The evening and the morning were the first day." "The evening and the morning were the second day." "The evening and the morning were the third day" etc...

With the phrase, "The evening and the morning..." The Bible is giving its readers a period of time, most consider it to be 24 hours. But it does not necessarily have to be 24 hours, but it is (according to the Bible) an evening and morning, so we assume it is a period of time found within a 24 hour time frame.

Answer 4

I believe Terry Pratchett said it best (I'm paraphrasing here...) We are trying to understand the fundamental workings of the universe using a language used to describe when the best fruit is available.

The thing about Bible numerology is that it is used to ease people's understanding. We're are limited creatures. We have no concept, like the others have stated, of the awesomeness of God. Personally, I believe the Bible is a spiritual text, not to be taken literally.

Answer 5

Last time I checked, a day was defined as 24 hours. It has been that way for eons.