Fokkelman states, "The Bible does not contain one single instance of
small talk." This thesis examines relational dialogue between the Deity
and human individuals in Genesis by separating the conversations from
narrative through lines that most often inform biblical analysis. I am
interested in snapshots of character developed in intimate
conversations, when 'face to face' dialogue is allowed to take center
stage. These conversations then become surprising and unexpected. In
them the Deity talks with the first human to commit murder, not his
regarded brother; recognizes a foreign slave as a unique and valued
individual yet rebukes the chosen matriarch; potential heirs are
dismissed and a legitimate successor only promised. All the while
humans argue, cry, wrestle, laugh, express a limited worldview, while
demanding a response from their Deity. These conversations challenge
our opinion of a distant Deity and push the reader to redefine their
understanding of the Divine/Human relationship.
