So if your argument is that you can make any assumption you want in order to salvage the reputation of the book, we are agreeable: Yes, you can do that.
But that's not what the book says. It's interesting that this magical book is literally true. Except sometimes, when it isn't. It's complete. Except on occasions like this, where prestidigitation has be be invoked to fill in the blanks. It's never wrong. Except when it talks about science, when it always is wrong.
Hey, the only ones who demand a literal reading of the entire Bible are the very unbelievers who don't believe it anyway. They only do it because it's the only way they can justify rejecting it.
Any believers who read it recognize that while it is truth, it is not all literal. There is simile, metaphor, parables, poetry, songs, prophecy, and history.
Anyone who demands that the entire thing be read one way simply cannot think outside the box they've put themselves and their world in.
It's not a very objective worldview, especially for those who pride themselves on being objective.