Genesis 1:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth,

NIV: God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth,

NASB: God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth,

CSB: God placed them in the expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth,

NLT: God set these lights in the sky to light the earth,

KJV: And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,

NKJV: God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth,

This verse repeats statements made in prior verses. This is meant to fit the structured, poetic Hebrew language structure used in verses 14 through 18. This structure is sometimes called a chiasm. This is a specific way of arranging the words to emphasize the central idea of what is being described. In this case, for all the details which this passage does not include, the central point becomes all the more clear: heavenly bodies are not gods, they are created by the One True God.

The central purpose of the sun, moon, and stars was to provide light on the earth. These also allow people to track time (Genesis 1:14) and inspire us to glorify God for His creative power (Psalm 19:1). People living in the modern era often have easy access to artificial light. In fact, it can be nearly impossible to escape for those living in large cities. As a result, it's hard to appreciate how powerful and necessary and beautiful natural light truly is. We can easily take for granted this cornerstone of God's creation.

Genesis 1:14–25 describes the second three days of creation: days four, five, and six, just prior to the creation of human kind. As with the first three, there is a common pattern. God's spoken word results in creation, which God then names and declares ''good.'' The day is then numbered. Each of these days fills something created in one of the prior three days. The sun and moon are created on day four, while day and night were created on day one. Sea creatures are created on day five, for the oceans formed on day two. Land animals—and, later, human beings—are made on day six, for the dry land and plants which God created on day three.

Genesis 1 is nothing less than a bare-bones claim that God created the universe. Setting all of the debates on models and interpretations aside, the chapter undeniably insists on one thing: God means to be known as the Creator of all things. Written in the original Hebrew language according to a rigid, poetic structure, the chapter unfolds in a series of patterns and revelations. For those who believe these words, our response should be nothing less than to worship our Maker.

Genesis 1 is the first chapter of what came to be known as the Pentateuch: the first five books of the Bible. Likely written by Moses, Genesis 1 begins the story of God and His relationship with His people Israel. The role of God as Creator is not only important for setting up His work in later chapters, but also in His supremacy and authority for all of the other words of the Scriptures. God intends first to be known to all peoples as the Creator of all things—from sun, moon, and stars, to human life itself. And as the Creator, He is owed worship by all He has made, including and especially human beings

The book of Genesis establishes fundamental truths about God. Among these are His role as the Creator, His holiness, His hatred of sin, His love for mankind, and His willingness to provide for our redemption. We learn not only where mankind has come from, but why the world is in its present form. The book also presents the establishment of Israel, God's chosen people. Many of the principles given in other parts of Scripture depend on the basic ideas presented here in the book of Genesis. Within the framework of the Bible, Genesis explains the bare-bones history of the universe leading up to the captivity of Israel in Egypt, setting the stage for the book of Exodus.

Accessed 5/6/2024 4:24:17 AM