There has been speculation on the creation of man and the universe since the beginning of time. Upon careful examination and analysis it is not unusual to discover commonalities and irregularities in the given subject matter. This assertion can be used to asses the similarities and differences between the creation stories in the Enuma Elish and Genesis chapters 1 and 2. Comparing the Babylonian and Hebrew creation stories one gets the impression that the portrayal of the deities influences societal expectations.
Through the portrayal of the deities it is easy to compare and to contrast the difference in number and the characteristics of the gods in each account. The story of Genesis gives a monotheistic view of God. He is the single divine entity. The Genesis account characterizes God as very peaceful and kind. For example, he provides Adam with a helper, Eve (Gen. 2:18). On the other hand, Enuma Elish provides a polytheistic outlook and displays the use of many gods. The gods of the Enuma Elish are very violent and vengeful. This is seen in Apsu's intentions to kill the young gods, his first born children, because they were disrespectful, as seen in tablet 1. Further evidence of the ruthless qualities of the gods is revealed when Tiamat, wife of Apsu, plots to kill Marduk to avenge the death of Apsu. Analyzing the cultural aspects of both accounts reveal a distinct cultural representation pertaining to the depiction of God. The biblical story points towards a cultural belief that there is one God with emphasis on his dominion over all of creation. He is a distinct and distant entity and resides in the domain of sacred. Another key characteristic of the Gods is the way in which they create. Looking at the creation process in Genesis, it is obvious that Go ...