The verse 2 Esdras 6:46 reads: "And after these things also I made man, that he might have dominion over all that I had made. And gave them a charge to do service to man, that was to be made."
This verse, found in the apocryphal book of 2 Esdras, deals with the creation narrative and the relationship between humanity and the rest of creation. Let's break it down:
"And after these things also I made man...": This establishes the order of creation. God created everything else before creating humanity. This places humanity as the final, culminating act of creation.
"...that he might have dominion over all that I had made.": This highlights humanity's unique position in creation. God gives humans authority and responsibility over the rest of the world. The concept of "dominion" is important. It isn't simply about exploitation; it carries a stewardship responsibility.
"And gave them a charge to do service to man, that was to be made.": This is the most complex part of the verse. Here's a breakdown of possible interpretations:
"Gave them a charge": This refers to the rest of creation, particularly the animals and the natural world. God gave the rest of creation an order or command.
"To do service to man": This highlights that the purpose of the rest of creation is, in part, to support and benefit humanity. The created world provides sustenance, resources, and beauty for human life.
"That was to be made": This emphasizes that the "man" the rest of creation is meant to serve is the future human race. It's not about serving a past or present humanity, but a humanity that is still to develop and grow.
Possible Interpretations and Implications:
Purpose of Creation: This verse suggests that the purpose of the created world is, in part, to serve humanity. This doesn't imply that creation has no value in itself, but that it is also designed to be a resource and support system for human life.
Humanity's Responsibility: Given that creation is designed to serve humanity, humans have a responsibility to care for and manage it wisely. Abuse or exploitation would be a violation of this created order.
Future Focus: The phrase "that was to be made" suggests that the relationship between humanity and creation is not static. It is evolving, and humanity has a responsibility to guide that evolution in a positive and sustainable direction. It may also highlight the potential and the hope that God placed in humanity.
Hierarchy of Creation: The verse reflects a hierarchical view of creation, with God at the top, humanity below, and the rest of creation below humanity. This hierarchy implies a responsibility of those higher in the hierarchy to care for those lower down.
In summary, 2 Esdras 6:46 outlines a God-ordained relationship between humanity and the rest of creation, where the created world serves humanity, and humanity, in turn, has a responsibility to care for and manage it wisely for the benefit of the future.
The verse 2 Esdras 6:46 reads: "And after these things also I made man, that he might have dominion over all that I had made. And gave them a charge to do service to man, that was to be made."
This verse, found in the apocryphal book of 2 Esdras, deals with the creation narrative and the relationship between humanity and the rest of creation. Let's break it down:
"And after these things also I made man...": This establishes the order of creation. God created everything else before creating humanity. This places humanity as the final, culminating act of creation.
"...that he might have dominion over all that I had made.": This highlights humanity's unique position in creation. God gives humans authority and responsibility over the rest of the world. The concept of "dominion" is important. It isn't simply about exploitation; it carries a stewardship responsibility.
"And gave them a charge to do service to man, that was to be made.": This is the most complex part of the verse. Here's a breakdown of possible interpretations:
"Gave them a charge": This refers to the rest of creation, particularly the animals and the natural world. God gave the rest of creation an order or command.
"To do service to man": This highlights that the purpose of the rest of creation is, in part, to support and benefit humanity. The created world provides sustenance, resources, and beauty for human life.
"That was to be made": This emphasizes that the "man" the rest of creation is meant to serve is the future human race. It's not about serving a past or present humanity, but a humanity that is still to develop and grow.
Possible Interpretations and Implications:
Purpose of Creation: This verse suggests that the purpose of the created world is, in part, to serve humanity. This doesn't imply that creation has no value in itself, but that it is also designed to be a resource and support system for human life.
Humanity's Responsibility: Given that creation is designed to serve humanity, humans have a responsibility to care for and manage it wisely. Abuse or exploitation would be a violation of this created order.
Future Focus: The phrase "that was to be made" suggests that the relationship between humanity and creation is not static. It is evolving, and humanity has a responsibility to guide that evolution in a positive and sustainable direction. It may also highlight the potential and the hope that God placed in humanity.
Hierarchy of Creation: The verse reflects a hierarchical view of creation, with God at the top, humanity below, and the rest of creation below humanity. This hierarchy implies a responsibility of those higher in the hierarchy to care for those lower down.
In summary, 2 Esdras 6:46 outlines a God-ordained relationship between humanity and the rest of creation, where the created world serves humanity, and humanity, in turn, has a responsibility to care for and manage it wisely for the benefit of the future.
