the narrative so that these themes are merged into a single theme given full development. The twin theme of the creation and preparation of the world as the place of divine “blessing” is important to the author of Genesis (and the Pentateuch) because both themes form the basis for the treatment of the patriarchal narratives and the Sinaitic covenant. “Nothing is here by chance; everything must be considered carefully, deliberately, and precisely” (von Rad, 45).