?Peeling back the layers in Genesis 1:1-2:4a, provides a much deeper insight to the story of creation in the Old Testament. It provides the essence of understanding and grasping the theological message behind the passage. In order to grasp the Priestly writers conception behind the story, one must look at the historical context, social and religious conditions, who? it was written for and what did it mean for the people of this time or for those who are presently reading it.
             It is evident that the historical context is a very important factor in the creation of the first chapter in the Old Testament. The formation of the narrative bases itself among the cultural and historical aspects of its time around the sixth Century. It is in this time that that the King of Babylon Nebuchadnezzar (605-562 bce) conquered Judah and captured Jerusalem, destroying it completely along with the city's temples.1 The captured leading Israelite citizens were then exiled to Babylon. It is in this time the exiled were exposed to the many deities and gods worshiped in the magnificence of Babylon. The wealth and sophistication of Babylon was indeed impressionable upon the exiles, such magnificence questioned their own religious beliefs and thought the gods of Babylon to be more powerful than that of their own, Yahweh.2
             The effects of the exile resulted in the thought that Yahweh had abandoned the exile community. Devastated through the loss of their land, the exile community found it difficult to worship Yahweh without their temples. The religious leaders of the exile community were aware that the community could turn to the worship of the Babylonian deities and abandon their religious faith and culture because of their present situation.3 This historical backdrop is what carries Genesis 1 into existence.
             The intention of the Priestly writers, producing the story of creation and in particular Genesis 1:1-2:4a is to emphasize the importance of Yahweh....