Genesis 1:1 through 2:3 appear to be a summary of the entire Bible, and it also seems to be an introduction to the entire book.  As the Bible moves forward, it builds upon and explains in more detail the first chapters of Genesis.

Viewing Genesis 1 as a summary and introduction to the Bible helps clear up the seeming contradictory nature of the two creation stories in this book.  One story is based on the “LORD God” (single God) and his interaction with Adam in the Garden of Eden and the other is based on “God” (plural Gods) working for six days and then resting on the seventh day. Both of the stories are meant to be understood spiritually and allegorically. They both represent the making of “man&...