This is a fascinating question! Pinpointing the absolute first and last promises of God depends somewhat on interpretation and which texts you consider canonical. However, here's a breakdown, leaning towards the most commonly accepted views:
First Promise:
* Genesis 3:15 (The Protoevangelium): This is widely considered the first promise of redemption in the Bible, often called the "protoevangelium" (first gospel). It comes immediately after the Fall of Man, when God curses the serpent (representing Satan). It reads:
> "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."
* Interpretation: This is interpreted as God promising that a descendant of Eve (ultimately Jesus Christ) will defeat Satan. The "crushing of the head" signifies a decisive victory over evil, while the "striking of the heel" signifies suffering and temporary injury that the Messiah will endure.
* Why it's considered the first promise: It is made immediately after sin enters the world and offers hope for a future deliverance.
* Alternative View (Genesis 9:11): God's covenant with Noah after the flood.
> "I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.”
* Interpretation: This is a promise that God will never destroy all life on earth again through a flood. The rainbow is given as a sign of this covenant.
* Why it's considered the first promise: This is the first explicit "promise" or covenant made by God that we can see within the bible.
Last Promise:
* Revelation 22:20:
> "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"
* Interpretation: This is Jesus' promise of His imminent return. It's a promise of final judgment, the establishment of God's kingdom, and the ultimate fulfillment of all things. It signifies the culmination of redemption and the end of suffering.
* Why it's considered the last promise: It's the last explicit promise made by Jesus in the final book of the Bible.
Important Considerations:
* Definition of "Promise": The word "promise" can be interpreted in different ways. Some might argue that any declaration of God's character or plan is a promise.
* Continuous Revelation: The relationship between God and humanity is a continuous narrative. While these are clear starting and ending points of promise within the Bible, the narrative itself should be observed to fully capture Gods purpose.
In conclusion, while pinpointing the *absolute* first and last is open to some discussion, Genesis 3:15 and Revelation 22:20 are very strong candidates for the first and last promises of God, representing the beginning and end of God's redemptive plan for humanity.