Comments on: Genesis and Gilgamesh

By: Dr John Gregory Leslie

Dr John Gregory Leslie — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 14:55:33 +0000

In response to Gary Przybylski comments:
Please note that Hendel even questions whether the Noah Flood ever happened or was only derived from one of many local flood stories. The above author, in comparing Genesis to Epic of Gilgamesh, puts the chapters of Genesis 1-11 within the context of interaction with Mesopotamia and final completion of the scriptures during the 7-5th C BC. There are many assumptions in these views that I do not accept e.g., a local flood, a fictional Adam and Eve etc. I for one do accept a literal Adam and Eve from whom all mankind are derived and genetics fits with this view. As well, I accept a worldwide flood and geologic, biological and common societal beliefs are consistent with this view. The structure of the text is consistent with a true narrative. It would be a long discussion to debate this. But the Gilgamesh Epic would obviously be a flawed derivative of these events, and I would assume that the Holy Scriptures would give a clearer account of the Flood and the first 11 chapters of Genesis.
Regarding Abram’s interactions with Yahweh- this took place later after the founding events of God’s Creation and of mankind and the Flood and relates to the founding of the Jewish People. I am not sure why this issue was included unless one accepts the assumption of a late derivation/completion of Genesis-which I do not. Also, I do not see Abram as the author of Genesis.
There can be a broader discussion of how the integrity of the Holy Scriptures developed with God’s hand on them. Archaeology has a part to play in this-but assumptions must be noted.

By: Brianroy

Brianroy — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 14:38:36 +0000

When the reference is to trees 100 feet high, it wasn’t even just 1000 feet, it was more along the line of the use of miles, using a value much greater than rods by the 100s, or a greater value than that. We are talking anywhere from 10,000 feet and higher on some of these trees…and when I say miles high, the biggest were likely 6 miles high, not a mere almost 2.
There is at least on mountain that takes on the appearance of such a monstrous petrified tree stump, the Jugurtha Tableland of Tunisia, that should be part of the discussion here. While the Bible is 100% trustworthy, only certain aspects of Gilgamesh, mixing truth to gain credibility with myth making, are to be noted as comparatives to understand the past replacement religions by.

By: Gerry Przybylski

Gerry Przybylski — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 23:45:00 +0000

In reply to John Gregory Leslie PhD, MD, PhD. For all of your credentialed knowledge, it certainly has not enlightened you to see your religious beliefs in their proper light. The Epic of Gilgamesh is not a derivative of Genesis but its predecessor by at least a thousand years!! The poetry upon which the Epic was based dates to the early third millennium BC, a thousand years before Abram hears Yahweh's voice!! Your ignorance of ancient history is appalling!!!

By: Nathan Steinmeyer

Nathan Steinmeyer — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 09:41:25 +0000

In reply to Patrick. Right-click on it and open it through that.

By: John Gregory Leslie PhD, MD, PhD

John Gregory Leslie PhD, MD, PhD — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 21:18:03 +0000

You continue to compromise the integrity* of the Genesis Account by subjecting it to comparison with obvious degraded derivatives from it. Why do you do this-especially when you call yourselves “Biblical Archaeology”? I encourage you to make it clear that these other accounts are degraded derivatives and preserve the context and beauty of the Book of Genesis.
Nonetheless, I have appreciated your labors in presenting a variety of archaeology issues as related to Biblical History.
* In this context, one issue I refer to is your repeated presentation of Ronald Hendel’s incorrect views of the true Noah Flood Account. As you have presented his views of at best a local flood then you should allow the other view of a worldwide flood and evidence for it to be presented.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 16:45:57 +0000

Hello. I am clicking on the Reading Genesis: 10 Methods, but nothing is happening. Am I missing something? Thanks.