Gen 1:6-8 | MHM | STEP | Genesis 1:6-8: The Creation of the Firmament These verses describe what God did on the second day of creation. God made the “firmament,” which is the sky or the expanse above the earth. The firmament separates the waters on the earth from the waters above. This sky covers everything we see above us, from where the birds fly to where the stars are. The firmament is not a barrier, but a space that connects the earth and the heavens, allowing light and water to move between them. God’s work in making the sky shows his skill and careful planning. The sky also reminds us of God’s greatness, his power, and his rule over everything. v. 6 : God gave the command, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” The Hebrew word for firmament means an “expansion,” like a curtain or sheet stretched out. This firmament includes the air and everything we see above the earth, from the clouds to the stars ( v. 14, 15, 20 ). The firmament allows light to travel and acts as a way for things from heaven and earth to connect, not to keep them apart. The Bible often talks about how amazing the sky is (Job 26:7; 37:18; Psalm 104:3; Amos 9:6 ).

‏ Genesis 1:6-8

Genesis 1:6-8: The Creation of the Firmament

These verses describe what God did on the second day of creation. God made the “firmament,” which is the sky or the expanse above the earth. The firmament separates the waters on the earth from the waters above. This sky covers everything we see above us, from where the birds fly to where the stars are. The firmament is not a barrier, but a space that connects the earth and the heavens, allowing light and water to move between them. God’s work in making the sky shows his skill and careful planning. The sky also reminds us of God’s greatness, his power, and his rule over everything.

v. 6: God gave the command, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” The Hebrew word for firmament means an “expansion,” like a curtain or sheet stretched out. This firmament includes the air and everything we see above the earth, from the clouds to the stars (v. 14, 15, 20 ^a). The firmament allows light to travel and acts as a way for things from heaven and earth to connect, not to keep them apart. The Bible often talks about how amazing the sky is (Job 26:7; 37:18; Psalm 104:3; Amos 9:6 ^b).

v. 7: God did not just command the sky to exist; he also made it himself. God “made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament.” This means he separated the waters on the earth, like seas and rivers, from the waters in the sky, like clouds. God often not only tells us what to do, but he helps us do it. The sky is called the “work of God’s fingers” because it is both huge and made with great skill (Psalm 8:3 ^c).

The firmament’s main purpose is to separate the waters below from the waters above. In some places, rain and dew come from above the sky, while rivers and seas are below (Deuteronomy 11:10,11; Micah 5:7 ^d). God controls the water in the sky and on the earth, sending rain and snow when needed (Psalm 104:13; 65:9,10; Job 38:22,23 ^e). This shows God’s care for those who trust him and his power over those who do not.

v. 8: God named the firmament “Heaven.” This is the visible sky above us, sometimes called the pavement of God’s holy city. Above this sky, God’s throne is found (Ezekiel 1:26 ^f). The sky’s great height points to God’s rule and holiness (Daniel 4:26; Job 22:12 ^g). When we look at the sky, we should remember our Father who is in heaven, his glory, his greatness, and his constant care for the world.

The evening and the morning were the second day. This shows the order of God’s work, as each day is marked by both evening and morning.