Careful composition in Genesis 2-3.
The 4 rivers of Genesis 2 are progressively easier to locate.
So descriptions get progressively shorter.
Pishon, far, otherwise unknown: 20 words.
Gihon, far, but name known from near Jerusalem: 10.
Tigris, far: 8.
Euphrates, known: 4.
The 4 rivers of Genesis 2 are progressively easier to locate.
So descriptions get progressively shorter.
Pishon, far, otherwise unknown: 20 words.
Gihon, far, but name known from near Jerusalem: 10.
Tigris, far: 8.
Euphrates, known: 4.
River 1 has 2x the words of River 2.
River 3 has 2x the words of River 4.
Only River 4 is introduced as a known name.
River 1 is the only one connected with exotic precious materials.
So don't be surprised if you struggle to find River 1.
Treasure is not so easy to find now.
River 3 has 2x the words of River 4.
Only River 4 is introduced as a known name.
River 1 is the only one connected with exotic precious materials.
So don't be surprised if you struggle to find River 1.
Treasure is not so easy to find now.
Only a chapter later, word numbers again appear in patterns.
The man excuses himself in 10 words.
The woman in 3.
The serpent is judged in 33.
The woman in 13 (10 + 3)
The man in 46 (33 + 13)
The man excuses himself in 10 words.
The woman in 3.
The serpent is judged in 33.
The woman in 13 (10 + 3)
The man in 46 (33 + 13)
These patterns might appear by chance or with hidden meanings.
But I tend to see them rather as signs of textual stability following careful composition with an occasional rhetorical kick.
But I tend to see them rather as signs of textual stability following careful composition with an occasional rhetorical kick.
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