Periodically a passage in the Bible provides summaries regarding previous material. Sometimes it is a thesis sentence or a quick reminder to a previous story. Hebrews 3:1 seems to summarize chapters one and two. Psalms have been composed reminding Israel of their past (Psalm 105 and 106). When encountered, should more weight be granted to these sentences to understand the significance of a passage? For example,

Genesis 5:1-2 summarizes the creation account. The Lord draws the reader or listeners attention to one fact about creation. “In the day when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. He created them male and female, and He blessed them and named them Man in the day when they were created.” Man was created by God in His likeness (or image).

There is so much that can be said regarding the creation (or even the first four chapters of Genesis). But it seems the author wants the audience to remember this one fact about creation. Is it possible the author’s summary is a thesis statement regarding the creation (and fall)? A lot happened in the garden affecting all of mankind. Christ would come to redeem man because of Genesis 3. But the author does not dwell on that point. Instead, he turns us to the simple fact regarding man being created in the likeness of God.

Rhetorically, this verse summarizes and reminds the reader of material just read. It seems to serve as an indicator to what is important. This verse does not negate the importance of man’s fall and the death penalty instituted. It is like the author picked one of many jewels out of a pile and said, “Remember this one.”