[Remole]

But it is highly debateable that Genesis 1 is written in narrative form. Certainly the rhythms and repetitions in the text suggest that it is closer to poetry than narrative.

And anyway, the neat distinction between poetry and narrative, as is the case in English, is not at all secure in Hebrew. There are very very few passages in the narrative sections of the Genesis that one can determine are prosaic forms of expression; one such passage is the words of Esau to Jacob in regards to the red stew. See the work of Robert Alter in his translation of Genesis.

And anyway, how is one to determine the literalist vs the metaphorical meaning of a passage? To do that requires life within the culture.

And finally, even if the creationist view is correct, why did the sacred author of Genesis adopt THIS way of describing the phases of creation? Why 7 days? why not 10? or 50? or 365? [hint: this is a loaded question]

[JamesP81]

And anyway, how is one to determine the literalist vs the metaphorical meaning of a passage?

I got much of my information from a Hebrew scholar when I attended a lecture about him. Unfortunately for me, I can't remember his name, but I know that he did one of the most exhaustive studies of the hebrew word 'yom' and Genesis 1 that has ever been done. Pretty much all Jewish scholars will tell you, whether they agree with the OT or not, that Genesis was intended to be taken as a 7-day creation. I can't verify this myself, since I don't speak hebrew.

I'll try this evening to find out this scholar's name, if you're interested in it.

And finally, even if the creationist view is correct, why did the sacred author of Genesis adopt THIS way of describing the phases of creation? Why 7 days? why not 10? or 50? or 365?

At the risk of sounding like a mystic, for some reason God seems like things in groups of 3, 7, and 12. (The 12 Apostles, 7-day week, and the Trinity are good examples). But to answer your question, I really don't know why He would choose seven days.