The First Six Days  

Foreword

 The theories of uniformitarianism and evolution proposed in the early 1800s, with their need of vast ages of time, challenged the commonly accepted literal, six-day creation of Genesis.  Many pastors and theologians, overwhelmed by the apparently indisputable evidence, therefore sought ways to reconcile the two whereby the needed time could fit into the biblical creation.

Over the last several decades the creationist movement has made great strides forward toward the goal of demonstrating that the pro-evolution evidence is full of many holes.  In fact, thanks to the diligence of many researchers, the scientific evidence in favor of a biblical creation is gaining constantly.  However, the accepted belief of evolution is not easily shaken.  Consequently many yet hold to a compromised position asserting that the Bible teaches that God created via evolution and that the days of creation are long day-ages.

Douglas Hamp’s work The First Six Days is a much needed contribution to settle the question of days or ages.  As a Hebrew language specialist trained at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, he demonstrates convincingly from the pages of Scripture that the days of the Genesis creation account are literal days.  He also carefully clarifies some misrepresentations of what day means in Hebrew.  This is followed up by a stimulating review of the literal, six-day position held by ancient Jewish and Christian interpreters as well as archaeological corroboration of the biblical record. 

 I recommend this work without reservation, and pray it has a long and fruitful ministry. It makes a real contribution to a pastor’s library, and adds power to any Bible teacher’s or student’s message.  The evangelical church badly needs it. 

- Dr. John Morris, President Institute of Creation Research

Further Endorsements

Bookstores are flooded with treatises on creation/evolution apologetics, most being compendia from a common knowledge base, written stylistically by authors of various persuasions.  Inductive Darwinian support suffers from lack of substantive fossil records.  Familiar lines in the sand are drawn although with scant new evidence since this history unfolded from the beginning of time. 

Douglas Hamp's knowledge of the Bible, Theology and Languages fuels this refreshing and unique deductive approach toward examining results derived through literal interpretation.  The ideas of theistic evolution cropping up in many circles are convincingly debunked, with new insights into the biblical support and meaning of a six ordinary day creation.  Issues derived from such a "young earth" result, such as the creation of dinosaurs, are explained using some of the more recent findings throughout the world. 

- Dr. Stan Sholar, Retired Aerospace Scientist

Within the past 100 years we can look back on “scientific absolutes” that no longer are regarded as functional truths.  Therefore, we should not be in a hurry to change a simple reading of Scripture based on annual changes within the scientific community!  God’s word should be held to be more definite and unchanging simply because it reflects Him as the one who never changes. 

Doug has approached the question of whether the first six days of creation were literal or figurative through meticulous research yet with a fluid and easily understood style.  Read this book; make your decisions.  “It is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.” (1^st Corinthians 4:2)

- Dr. Bill Spear Director Mountain Ministries, Dillon, Colorado