GENESIS: Reboot Study
God Approves
Part 3
By Dr. Robert Fieldhouse, Disciples Path Ministry – St. Augustine, Fla.
We ended Part 2 with Chapter 1:7, in which God made the firmament and divided the waters under the firmament from the waters above the firmament. This gets better and more exciting, right? Ready? Let's go!
Genesis 1:8 explains that as the narrative unfolds, God, our Creator, continues to shape the world with purpose and intention, once again proving that it is intelligent design, not luck or chance. We read, "And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day" (Gen. 1:8, NKJV). And so, on the second day of Creation, the firmament (or sky, as we learned in a previous study) was established, marking a pivotal moment in the unfolding story of Genesis.
I believe it is wise to explain the use of the word Heaven in Verse 8 for a couple of reasons. First, it confused me in the beginning (no pun intended). Second, the word Heaven is used elsewhere in Scripture, which should not be confused with using the word in this case. Here is a quick internet-researched explanation:
Why the ancients referred to this firmament as "sky" or "Heaven" in the Bible:
1. Cosmological Understanding: Ancient peoples, including the Israelites, viewed the world as a flat disc covered by a solid dome-shaped firmament
above, which was perceived as the sky or Heaven. This dome was thought to hold back
the waters above (often considered heavenly waters or the waters of chaos).
2. Linguistic and Cultural Context: The Hebrew word used in the Old Testament for "firmament" is "raqia," which literally means an expanse
or a beaten-out surface. This term reflects the ancient understanding of the sky as a solid structure.
3. Religious and Symbolic Significance: Calling the firmament "Heaven" also carried religious and symbolic meanings. It emphasized the
transcendence of God, who dwells above this firmament and rules over the entire cosmos. Heaven was seen as the dwelling place of God and the
realm of Divine authority.
4. Narrative and Descriptive Function: In the narrative of Creation in Genesis, referring to the firmament as "Heaven" helped to describe the order
and structure imposed by God upon the formless chaos at the beginning of Creation. It provided a framework for understanding the separation of elements and the establishment
of the natural order.
Overall, using "sky" or "Heaven" to describe the firmament in the Bible reflects the ancient understanding of the cosmos and its theological implications within the cultural and religious context of the time. It articulated the physical structure of the universe as perceived by ancient peoples and the spiritual significance of God's Creative Power and sovereignty.
Genesis 1:9 tells us, On the third day, the earth, once submerged beneath the watery depths, responded to God's command: "Then God said, 'Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear"; and it was so.' (Gen. 1:9, NKJV) With these words, the seas withdrew, unveiling the marvel of dry land - continents, islands, and shores covered in fertile soil for the first time ever.
Genesis 1:10 describes the moment when God, after separating the waters to form the sky and the seas on the second day of Creation, commands the dry land to appear. The Verse states: "And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good." (Gen. 1:10, NKJV) Genesis 1:10 highlights God's Creative Power and His pleasure in the orderly progression of His designed Creation.
Key Points:
1. Naming and Separation: God names the dry land "Earth" and the gathered waters "Seas," stressing the distinction and order He brings to
His elements of Creation.
2. Divine Approval: God observes His Creation and states it "good," declaring His work is good and harmonious according to His Divine plan
and design.
Genesis 1:11 reveals God's Creative Power in bringing forth vegetation, establishing order and diversity in the natural world, and laying the foundation for the ongoing development of life on earth. We read, Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. (Gen. 1:11,NKJV) We will move from this Verse to Verse 12 for an essential reason, which I will elaborate on.
Genesis 1:12 describes the third day of Creation in our Bible. We read:
"And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good." (Gen,1:12, NKJV) This Verse calls attention to the Divine command for the earth to produce vegetation - plants, herbs, and trees, each bearing seed according to its kind. The importance of reproduction through seeds underscores the principle of natural order and the continuation of life cycles. Additionally, the declaration that "God saw that it was good" reinforces the Biblical narrative of Creation as a purposeful (designed) and ordered process guided by Divine Will.
Genesis 1:13 is short. We read, "So the evening and the morning were the third day." (Gen, 1:13, NKJV) This Verse appears to continue the narrative of the third day of Creation. However, let's look a little deeper. The shortness of this Verse contrasts with the more detailed descriptions found earlier in Genesis 1:11-12, where specific vegetation types are mentioned.
In the broader context of Genesis 1, each day of Creation is concluded similarly with the phrase, "So the evening and the morning were the (whatever the next number day was in order) (e.g., Genesis 1:5, 1:8, 1:13). This repetitive structure emphasizes the rhythmic progression of Creation as a designed, structured and orderly process, overseen and completed by God.
Genesis 1:14 Genesis 1:14 introduces the events of the fourth day of Creation. We read, "Then God said, 'Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years.'" (Gen. 1:14, NKJV)
This Verse marks a pivotal moment in our Creation narrative, where God Creates the sun, moon, and stars to illuminate the earth and establish timekeeping markers. The lights are designed to distinguish between day and night and serve as indicators for seasons, days, and years - a designed structure essential for life and human existence. This passage underscores God's sovereignty, or authority, over the celestial bodies and their purpose in sustaining life on earth according to His Divine plan.
Are you still with me? Isn't it fascinating to see how everything is coming together? One would think Creation was by design and not chance! We have a few more days to discuss. However, I want to note my use, and probably overuse, of the word design. As Creationists, we must, in my opinion, always include the word design whenever speaking (ministering or writing) to anyone about Creation from our Bible. Everything in our existence fits together too well for everything to be just a random chance. In a future lesson, we will discuss design vs random chance. I digress.
Genesis 1:15 emphasizes the purpose of the celestial bodies - sun, moon, and stars - as sources of light specifically designed to illuminate the earth. It reinforces the idea that these lights were Created by God with a deliberate function: to provide light and establish the distinction between day and night. Genesis is brief but significant. We read, 'and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth'; and it was so. (Gen. 1:15, NKJV) Genesis 1:15 highlights God's intentional design in Creating the heavenly bodies and their role in sustaining life on earth through light and illumination. Wait! Light was already Created, so what is meant by "…. lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth?" Let's unpack that some. Sustaining life on earth through light and illumination, as found in Genesis 1:15 and the broader context of the Creation narrative, encompasses several key aspects:
1. Photosynthesis: Light is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert
light energy into chemical energy, producing oxygen and carbohydrates (sugars) that are crucial
for the survival of all living organisms. Plants, algae, and certain bacteria use photosynthesis
to make food and release oxygen into the atmosphere, forming the basis of the food chain
and supporting oxygen needs.
2. Regulation of Biological Rhythms: Light cycles, such as day and night, influence
biological rhythms in organisms. Circadian rhythms, for example, are internal biological
clocks synchronized with the light-dark cycle, governing processes like sleep-wake
patterns, hormone production, and metabolism in animals and humans. These rhythms
are crucial for maintaining health and optimal functioning.
3. Climate and Weather Patterns: The distribution of light across the Earth's surface affects
climate and weather patterns. Solar energy drives atmospheric circulation, influencing
temperature gradients, wind patterns, and precipitation. These factors collectively
shape ecosystems, from deserts to rainforests, affecting the distribution of plants and
creatures and their adjustments to specific environmental conditions.
4. Navigation and Orientation: Many organisms, from birds to insects to marine life, rely on
light for navigation and orientation. Celestial bodies such as the sun and stars provide cues
for migration, feeding patterns, and reproductive behaviors, enabling species to navigate
vast distances and locate resources essential for survival.
5. Psychological and Behavioral Effects: Light exposure affects mood, cognition, and
behavior in humans and animals. Adequate exposure to natural light is crucial for mental
health, regulating serotonin levels and influencing emotional well-being. Light also plays
a role in seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a condition linked to reduced exposure to natural
sunlight during certain times of the year.
In summary, the provision of light and illumination by the celestial bodies - sun, moon, and stars, as described in Genesis 1:15, is foundational to the balance and sustainability of life on earth. It supports biological processes, regulates ecosystems, shapes climate patterns, aids navigation, and influences psychological well-being, highlighting the intricate interdependence of life and light on our planet (source: Internet-based research).
Genesis 1:16 reads, "Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser to rule the night. He made the stars also." (Gen. 1:16, NKJV) Wait, what? I thought God had already Created light. True, so let's unpack Genesis 1:16 and seek out context and possible meanings. Genesis 1:16 does not necessarily indicate a contradiction or a second Creation of the sun, moon, and stars after their initial mention. Instead, it provides a structured narrative of God's Creative acts, emphasizing the roles and purposes of these celestial bodies in the ordered universe. This verse can be understood in the following ways:
1. Symbolic and Literary Structure: The Creation narrative in Genesis uses symbolic and
literary devices to convey theological truths rather than scientific details. God made the two
great lights (sun and moon), and the stars do not necessarily mean a sequential Creation
after the initial Creation of "light" in Genesis 1:3-5.
2. Different Perspectives: Genesis 1:1-2:3 presents a structured account of Creation, where
each day represents a segment of God's Creative work. The first mention of "light" in
Genesis 1:3-5 could be interpreted as the initial Creation of light itself, followed by the
organization and assignment of specific roles to the sun, moon, and stars on the fourth day.
3. Assignment of Roles: On the fourth day, God assigns specific roles to the celestial bodies:
a) The greater light (sun) rules the day, providing light and warmth.
b) The lesser light (moon) rules the night, reflecting the sun's light and marking lunar cycles.
c) The stars, which include all other celestial bodies, serve various purposes, such as
navigation and marking seasons.
4. Literary Restatement: It's important to note that ancient Hebrew narratives often
employed recapitulation (restatement), where earlier events are summarized or restated
later for emphasis or clarification. Genesis 1:16 could serve as a summary or clarification
of the roles assigned to the celestial bodies after their initial creation.
As we continue looking at the Book of Genesis, Verse by Verse, we must slow down and spend time on what we read. Look at what you read and ask yourself questions about what you read. I am sure I am not the only one who has had (and in many instances, still has) questions about the narrative of Creation as found in the Book of Genesis. As I stated, if you don't understand the Book of Genesis, you will be lost in the rest of the Bible. Everything is tied to The Book of Genesis. Don’t focus on memorization of words. Focus on meaning. Genesis Reboot is about learning through meaning, not memorizing words and minutia.
We will bring Part 3 to a close at this point. There is much information to reflect on here, and you may even want to, hopefully, conduct your own research. Never be hesitant in asking questions. We are all on this journey together!
Before continuing to our next part, I ask that you write a narrative about Genesis 1:1 through 1:16 on your own. There is no word count, spelling, or grammar checking. The exercise aims to show yourself that you understand what has been covered up to this point before we continue. Hopefully, you will ask yourself questions as you write. Those questions serve as an excellent springboard for further research, which leads to greater understanding. Have fun with this, and you can share it if you like.
Disciples Path Ministry – St. Augustine, Florida