Genesis 1:3-16
Let there be light Neither here nor in verses 14-18 is an original creative act implied. A different word is used. The sense is, made to appear; made visible. The sun and moon were created "in the beginning." The "light" of course came from the sun, but the vapour diffused the light. Later the sun appeared in an unclouded sky. day The word "day" is used in Scripture in three ways: - (1) that part of the solar day of twenty-four hours which is light Genesis 1:5,14; John 9:4; 11:9.
- (2) such a day, set apart for some distinctive purpose, as, "day of atonement" (Leviticus 23:27); "day of judgment" Matthew 10:15.
- (3) a period of time, long or short, during which certain revealed purposes of God are to be accomplished, as "day of the Lord."
evening The use of "evening" and "morning" may be held to limit "day" to the solar day; but the frequent parabolic use of natural phenomena may warrant the conclusion that each creative "day" was a period of time marked off by a beginning and ending. firmament Lit. expanse (i.e. of waters beneath, of vapour above). firmament i.e. the expanse above, the "heaven" of the clouds. Genesis 7:11; 8:2. bring forth grass It is by no means necessary to suppose that the life-germ of seeds perished in the catastrophic judgment which overthrew the primitive order. With the restoration of dry land and light the earth would "bring forth" as described. It was "animal" life which perished, the traces of which remain as fossils. Relegate fossils to the primitive creation, and no conflict of science with the Genesis cosmogony remains. Typist's Note: THE GAP THEORY]] Psa 136:5-9 greater light The "greater light" is a type of Christ, the "Sun of righteousness" Malachi 4:2. He will take this character at His second advent. Morally the world is now in the state between ; Genesis 1:3-16; Ephesians 6:12; Acts 26:18; 1 Peter 2:9. The sun is not seen, but there is light. Christ is that light John 1:4,5,9 but "shineth in darkness," comprehended only by faith. As "Son of righteousness" He will dispel all darkness. Dispensationally the Church is in place as the "lesser light," the moon, reflecting the light of the unseen sun. The stars Genesis 1:16 are individual believers who are "lights" ; Philippians 2:15,16; John 1:5. A type is a divinely purposed illustration of some truth. It may be: Types occur most frequently in the Pentateuch, but are found, more sparingly, elsewhere. The antitype, or fulfilment of the type, is found, usually, in the New Testament. made The word does not imply a creative act; vs. Genesis 1:14-18 are declarative of function merely.