Creation, Sin, and Israel: An Old Testament Biblical Theological Perspective on Creation Care

Abstract

Creation groans from humankind’s fall into sin and the curse placed on it, and from humankind’s mistreatment of it, contrary to what God envisioned when he brought the universe into existence. This article seeks to show that God intended a harmony in his creation between humans and nonhumans right from the beginning. Even when sin brough chaos into God’s good creation, God continued to work towards bringing creation to its intended purposes. Thus, God chose Israel and the Promised Land to do with them what he desired for the whole creation. When history repeated itself and Israel went into exile, God announced the renewal of creation. This plan that God has had all along for his creation betrays a particular value he attributes to it. It is only natural that we, as stewards of creation, be equally interested in the protection of God’s creation.