CMLIT 101W Essay 1
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CUNY Queens College *
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101W
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English
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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CMLIT 101W
Essay 1
Date – 06/14/2023
Question 1 -
Create an original argument about any aspect of Genesis (Chapters 12
through 23)? Create an original argument about any aspect of the portion of the
Book of Exodus assigned for this day?
Answer:
Guiding Question:
How do the depictions of Abraham's covenant with God in Genesis
chapters 12 through 23 and the symbolism behind the plagues depicted in the assigned portion
of the Book of Exodus contribute to our understanding of faith, obedience, power dynamics,
and the fulfillment of divine promises, while exploring themes of liberation and redemption?
Argument Question:
How do the significance of Abraham's covenant with God in shaping the
narrative and themes of Genesis, and the symbolism of the plagues in the assigned portion of
the Book of Exodus, contribute to our understanding of faith, obedience, power dynamics, and
the fulfillment of divine promises, while exploring themes of liberation and redemption?
Introduction:
The books of Genesis and Exodus within the Bible have profound narratives that
explore themes of faith, obedience, power dynamics, and the fulfillment of divine promises. In
Genesis chapters 12 through 23, the depiction of Abraham's covenant with God shapes the
overarching narrative and themes of the book. This covenant plays a pivotal role in the story,
guiding Abraham's journey, and laying the foundation for the lineage of his descendants.
Meanwhile, in the assigned portion of the Book of Exodus, the symbolism behind the plagues
unveils the power dynamics between God and Pharaoh while underscoring themes of liberation
and redemption. By examining the significance of Abraham's covenant and the symbolism of
the plagues, we gain insights into the complexities of faith, obedience, power, and the
fulfillment of divine promises. Together, these narratives shed light on the interplay between
human and divine actions, and the transformative journey towards liberation and redemption
etc.
Part 1:
The covenant between Abraham and God, as depicted in Genesis chapters 12 through
23, serves as a foundational element that shapes the narrative and themes of the book.
Abraham's journey begins with God's call to leave his homeland and embark on a pilgrimage to
a land that God will show him. This act of faith and obedience marks the beginning of the
covenant. Through this covenant, God promises Abraham land, descendants, and blessings. It
becomes a guiding force in Abraham's life, leading him through trials and testing his unwavering
trust in God. Notably, the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, as commanded by
God, serves as a profound testament to his devotion and faithfulness to the covenant. The
covenant with Abraham proves him as the patriarch of a great nation, and his descendants,
namely Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, continue the lineage that unfolds throughout the book of
Genesis etc.
Part 2:
The assigned portion of the Book of Exodus introduces us to the symbolism behind the
ten plagues, which hold deep meaning in understanding the power dynamics between God and
Pharaoh, as well as the themes of liberation and redemption. These plagues, unleashed upon
Egypt as divine punishment for Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites from slavery, serve as
a demonstration of God's authority and the futility of human resistance against divine will. Each
plague carries symbolic weight, directly challenging the Egyptian society and their religious
beliefs. For instance, the plague of blood, which transforms the Nile River into a river of blood,
undermines the perceived power of Happi, the Egyptian god associated with the Nile. The
plagues escalate in intensity, inflicting devastation upon Egypt, exposing the impotence of
Pharaoh and the false gods of Egypt. Moreover, the plagues create unbearable conditions,
emphasizing the urgency for the Israelites' liberation and highlighting the divine intervention
required for their redemption. The symbolism of the plagues in Exodus illuminates the power
dynamics at play between God and Pharaoh, underscoring the ultimate triumph of God's
authority and the liberation of the oppressed. Through the examination of Abraham's covenant
in Genesis and the symbolism of the plagues in Exodus etc.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the narratives of Abraham's covenant with God in Genesis chapters
12 through 23 and the symbolism of the plagues in the assigned portion of the Book of Exodus
offer profound insights into faith, obedience, power dynamics, and the fulfillment of divine
promises. Together, they supply a comprehensive exploration of the transformative journey
towards liberation and redemption. Abraham's covenant serves as a foundational element in
Genesis, shaping the narrative and themes of the book. It guides Abraham's journey of faith and
obedience, leading to the establishment of a great nation through his descendants. The
covenant highlights the relationship between God and humanity, emphasizing themes of divine
guidance, faithfulness, and the testing of one's devotion. In Exodus, the symbolism of the
plagues unveils the power dynamics between God and Pharaoh while emphasizing themes of
liberation and redemption. Each plague challenges specific aspects of Egyptian society and
religious beliefs, exposing the impotence of Pharaoh and the false gods. The plagues create
unbearable conditions, underscoring the urgent need for the Israelites' emancipation and
displaying the transformative power of divine intervention. They remind us of the importance of
trust, the testing of devotion, and the ultimate triumph of divine authority. These stories invite
reflection on our own relationships with the divine, encouraging us to embrace the promises
and guidance bestowed upon us. The narratives of Abraham's covenant and the plagues
contribute to our understanding of the fulfillment of divine promises and the journey towards
liberation and redemption etc.
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