Comparison of Enuma Elish and Genesis Since the beginning of time, societies have created stories to explain the mystery of the origin of man and the universe. In the Babylonian text Enuma Elish and the book of Genesis, which originated in the same part of the world, two very different stories about the creation of man are found. These two creation stories contrast the two societies that created them: the chaotic life of servitude of the Babylonians and the life of the recently liberated Jewish people. The gods of Enuma Elish do not seem very "divine" to a Western reader. These gods argue and feud constantly and do not appear to be omniscient. Furthermore, in Tablet 1 we see that the gods are not immortal: "Ea untied his belt, took off his crown, took off his bright cloak, and put it on himself. He held Apsu down and killed him" (Enuma Elish 12). These gods seem as willing to accept the guidance of another god as when they "rejoiced, proclaimed 'Marduk is King'" (Enuma Elish 13)! Although Babylon is where written law was first introduced, the government was still despotic. A strong leader and a very disorganized remainder of the government characterize the despotism form of government; the disorder that must have existed in the Babylonian government is reflected in this story. The God of Genesis is portrayed very differently. God is a God who forgives. This is seen when God states, “You shall not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die” (Genesis 2:17). However, when Adam and Eve eat the apple, although it makes them mortal, God allows them to live. Even God does not strike down Cain. The God of Genesis is also a customizable God. God speaks directly to h......middle of paper......n. For years they had been subject to the wrath of the Egyptians. Now that the Jewish people were no longer secondary in society, they produced writings in which they were the center of attention instead of some other being or beings. The Enuma Elish reflects the subordinate and disordered lives of the Babylonians who created it. Genesis reflects the newfound freedom and idealism of the Jewish people who created it after years of oppression. These two writings contrast the differences between the ancient Babylonians and the ancient Jews. Creation stories provide great insight into the lives of the people who created them. Work cited Dalley, Stephanie, ed. and trans. Myths of Mesopotamia. New York: Oxford UP, 1991.Heidel, Alexander, ed. and trans. The Babylonian Genesis. Chicago: U of Chicago Press, 1951. The Holy Bible, Authorized Version (King James)..