Beginning
with Moses and the Prophets
with Moses and the Prophets
Part IV
- Creation of the World - Foundation of Foundations
- Creation of the World - Foundation of Foundations
Genesis
1: 1 - 2
1: 1 - 2
Introduction
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth
- (v.1)-
- (v.1)-
We left
off last with the first three words of the book of Beginnings - “Bereesheth
bara Elohim”; In the beginning God created - or literally, In the
beginning, created God” -
off last with the first three words of the book of Beginnings - “Bereesheth
bara Elohim”; In the beginning God created - or literally, In the
beginning, created God” -
Elohim, the Divine name of God,
stresses His majesty, His all powerfulness - Elohim, the ending, ‘im’ in the
Hebrew is a plural ending and used when referring to the many gods of the
heathen, (Psalm 96:5).
stresses His majesty, His all powerfulness - Elohim, the ending, ‘im’ in the
Hebrew is a plural ending and used when referring to the many gods of the
heathen, (Psalm 96:5).
It is used in the singular in verse
1 as the mighty name of God. It is used over two thousand times in the singular
in Scripture as it is here in verse one.
1 as the mighty name of God. It is used over two thousand times in the singular
in Scripture as it is here in verse one.
It is a plural name with a singular
meaning - defined as a ‘uni-plural’ noun. It suggests a uni-plurality of God.
meaning - defined as a ‘uni-plural’ noun. It suggests a uni-plurality of God.
God is one, yet more than one-
Also, the grand mystery of the
Trinity is well encased in the first three Hebrew words of Genesis - Beresheeth
bara Elohim - because the name God -Elohim - is in the plural and the
verb ‘created - bara - is in the singular, so that God (plural) created
(singular).
Trinity is well encased in the first three Hebrew words of Genesis - Beresheeth
bara Elohim - because the name God -Elohim - is in the plural and the
verb ‘created - bara - is in the singular, so that God (plural) created
(singular).
For one we have, that God is a unity
- Deuteronomy 6:4, Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!
1 Corinthians 8:5-6, even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven
or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is
but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one
Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.
- Deuteronomy 6:4, Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!
1 Corinthians 8:5-6, even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven
or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is
but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one
Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.
Yet we are told explicitly and
equally clear that God is three persons. Matthew 28:19, make disciples of
all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the
Holy Spirit, 2 Corinthians 13:14, grace of the Lord Jesus
Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you
all. And all three were active in creation -Gen. 1:1,2- God & the
Spirit; John 1:1-3,10- God & the Son; the Son in Colossians 1:15-17- He
is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him
all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and
invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things
have been created through Him and for Him; & Hebrews 1: 1-3-
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions
and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He
appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is
the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and
upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of
sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
equally clear that God is three persons. Matthew 28:19, make disciples of
all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the
Holy Spirit, 2 Corinthians 13:14, grace of the Lord Jesus
Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you
all. And all three were active in creation -Gen. 1:1,2- God & the
Spirit; John 1:1-3,10- God & the Son; the Son in Colossians 1:15-17- He
is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him
all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and
invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things
have been created through Him and for Him; & Hebrews 1: 1-3-
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions
and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He
appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is
the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and
upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of
sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
We meet then, the breathtaking, the
awe-inspiring, overwhelming Triune God in the first three words of Biblical
revelation. Elohim - God!
awe-inspiring, overwhelming Triune God in the first three words of Biblical
revelation. Elohim - God!
(2)-
Created, bara! Used
always only of the work of God. Only God can create - to create, call into
existence that which had no existence.
Created, bara! Used
always only of the work of God. Only God can create - to create, call into
existence that which had no existence.
The
verb ‘bara’ contains the idea both of complete effortlessness, dong something
with no effort whatsoever - and to create something out of nothing, just saying
it into existence.
verb ‘bara’ contains the idea both of complete effortlessness, dong something
with no effort whatsoever - and to create something out of nothing, just saying
it into existence.
Romans
4:17, in part -even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being
that which does not exist.
4:17, in part -even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being
that which does not exist.
The word create here in this first
verse informs us that at this point, the physical universe was spoken into
existence. I underscore the word ‘physical’. Prior to this creative act of God,
the universe had no existence.
verse informs us that at this point, the physical universe was spoken into
existence. I underscore the word ‘physical’. Prior to this creative act of God,
the universe had no existence.
It’s hard to understand that there
is an eternal God who had no beginning, that is wholly independent of the
material universe, beyond all known physical laws. ... beyond both the universe
and knowledge (is beyond the grasp of our human mind).
is an eternal God who had no beginning, that is wholly independent of the
material universe, beyond all known physical laws. ... beyond both the universe
and knowledge (is beyond the grasp of our human mind).
But we’re not alone, Scripture tells
us in Ecclesiastes 8:17- and I saw every work of God, I concluded that
man cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun. Even though man
should seek laboriously, he will not discover; and though the wise man should
say, “I know,” he cannot discover.
us in Ecclesiastes 8:17- and I saw every work of God, I concluded that
man cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun. Even though man
should seek laboriously, he will not discover; and though the wise man should
say, “I know,” he cannot discover.
The only other choice is the concept of an
eternal, self-existing universe; and that also is beyond anyone’s
understanding! In fact, it takes more faith to believe in a self existing non
living matter, than a living eternal God.
eternal, self-existing universe; and that also is beyond anyone’s
understanding! In fact, it takes more faith to believe in a self existing non
living matter, than a living eternal God.
So we
have either Eternal God or eternal non-living matter as the only choices.
have either Eternal God or eternal non-living matter as the only choices.
Take
into consideration the discovered laws of ‘cause & effect - that is, there
can’t be an effect (something happening) without having a cause, (something
that makes the effect happen).
into consideration the discovered laws of ‘cause & effect - that is, there
can’t be an effect (something happening) without having a cause, (something
that makes the effect happen).
The law
of cause & effect shows us that it is impossible for random particles,
taken by themselves, generate a complex, orderly, intelligible universe, let
alone living beings capable of applying intelligence to understanding the
complex order of the universe.
of cause & effect shows us that it is impossible for random particles,
taken by themselves, generate a complex, orderly, intelligible universe, let
alone living beings capable of applying intelligence to understanding the
complex order of the universe.
That
leaves us with the fact that only a personal God is the acceptable, adequate
cause to produce such effects --- In the beginning, God, created -
leaves us with the fact that only a personal God is the acceptable, adequate
cause to produce such effects --- In the beginning, God, created -
3)
Heaven(s) -
Heaven(s) -
The
word in Hebrew is Shamayim, and like the word Elohim, the ending ‘im’, is a
plural noun that is translated either heaven or heavens depending on the
context, if it is associated with a singular or plural verb.
word in Hebrew is Shamayim, and like the word Elohim, the ending ‘im’, is a
plural noun that is translated either heaven or heavens depending on the
context, if it is associated with a singular or plural verb.
It
doesn’t mean the stars of heaven, they were created later on what is the fourth
day of the week of creation.
doesn’t mean the stars of heaven, they were created later on what is the fourth
day of the week of creation.
In The
Beginning
Beginning
I know this is the first words of
the verse - that aside, the verse speaks of the creation of space, time,
matter, and also the beginning of time.
the verse - that aside, the verse speaks of the creation of space, time,
matter, and also the beginning of time.
The
universe is actually a ‘continuum’ of space, matter & time - As simply as I
could understand it, one of them can’t have a meaningful existence without the
other two. Matter, which includes energy, has to, must function, operate, in
both space & time. Space can be measured and be accessed to sense
observation, that is to see, only in terms of the things, entities, that exist
and the things that happen in space, & these require both matter &
time. And time is only meaningful in the terms of things & events that
exist & transpire during time, these likewise require space & time.
universe is actually a ‘continuum’ of space, matter & time - As simply as I
could understand it, one of them can’t have a meaningful existence without the
other two. Matter, which includes energy, has to, must function, operate, in
both space & time. Space can be measured and be accessed to sense
observation, that is to see, only in terms of the things, entities, that exist
and the things that happen in space, & these require both matter &
time. And time is only meaningful in the terms of things & events that
exist & transpire during time, these likewise require space & time.
Are you
following me? If not, don’t worry, I had a hard time following this also.
following me? If not, don’t worry, I had a hard time following this also.
Dr.
Henry Morrison paraphrases Gen. 1:1 as follows: The transcendent,
omnipotent Godhead called into existence the space-mass-time- universe. We
have a tri-unity, in which each component is coexistent & (here’s a big
word) coterminous, all having the same boundary existing in space-time. We can
say that the universe is not part of space, part of time, & part matter,
but rather, all space, all time, all matter. A true tri-unity.
Henry Morrison paraphrases Gen. 1:1 as follows: The transcendent,
omnipotent Godhead called into existence the space-mass-time- universe. We
have a tri-unity, in which each component is coexistent & (here’s a big
word) coterminous, all having the same boundary existing in space-time. We can
say that the universe is not part of space, part of time, & part matter,
but rather, all space, all time, all matter. A true tri-unity.
God;
the Father is all God, the Son is all God, the Spirit is all God, a true
trinity though the term is not used in Scripture.
the Father is all God, the Son is all God, the Spirit is all God, a true
trinity though the term is not used in Scripture.
I don’t
want to be misunderstood here, I am not by any means equating God and the
universe as being the same thing.
want to be misunderstood here, I am not by any means equating God and the
universe as being the same thing.
Date of
Creation
Creation
The big question that is always
asked. Can a date be placed when the event of Genesis 1:1 took place? There
have been a great number of men that have labored diligently in the attempt to
formulate a chronology of the Bible, but the fact that all disagree with each
other demonstrates that the problems are serious and the issue still unsettled.
In your inserts you will find some of the difficulties that hinder the work,
along with some of the calculations, dates for the creation. Additionally I
have inserted brief excerpts from Dr. Gerald Schroeder on the Age of the
Universe which may interest you. He is is an Orthodox Jewish physicist.
asked. Can a date be placed when the event of Genesis 1:1 took place? There
have been a great number of men that have labored diligently in the attempt to
formulate a chronology of the Bible, but the fact that all disagree with each
other demonstrates that the problems are serious and the issue still unsettled.
In your inserts you will find some of the difficulties that hinder the work,
along with some of the calculations, dates for the creation. Additionally I
have inserted brief excerpts from Dr. Gerald Schroeder on the Age of the
Universe which may interest you. He is is an Orthodox Jewish physicist.
TRANSITION
God & the Earth
--- Verse 2 -- The earth was formless and void, [waste & emptiness],
and darkness was over the surface, [face], of the deep, and the Spirit of God
was moving, [hovering], over the surface, [face], of the waters.
--- Verse 2 -- The earth was formless and void, [waste & emptiness],
and darkness was over the surface, [face], of the deep, and the Spirit of God
was moving, [hovering], over the surface, [face], of the waters.
Moses here brings us down to earth
level and we see the earth as uninhabitable. In the Hebrew the term translated
as “without form & void” serves as an expression for a place that is
disordered & empty. A place where nothing can live & therefore
uninhabited. The exact opposite of what it will be like after the six days of
creation.
level and we see the earth as uninhabitable. In the Hebrew the term translated
as “without form & void” serves as an expression for a place that is
disordered & empty. A place where nothing can live & therefore
uninhabited. The exact opposite of what it will be like after the six days of
creation.
Spread out over the uninhabitable earth
was “darkness”, serves to emphasize emptiness. We can’t penetrate darkness, but
to God, darkness is transparent. Even the darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.
(Psalm 139:12) - God was there.
was “darkness”, serves to emphasize emptiness. We can’t penetrate darkness, but
to God, darkness is transparent. Even the darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.
(Psalm 139:12) - God was there.
Under the darkness & covering
the earth was the deep, the primeval ocean. Genesis commentator Umberto Cassuto
gives us this picture:
the earth was the deep, the primeval ocean. Genesis commentator Umberto Cassuto
gives us this picture:
Just as the potter, when he
wishes to fashion a beautiful vessel, takes first of all the lump of clay, and
places it upon the wheel in order to mould it according to his wish, so the
Creator first prepared for Himself the raw material . . . with a view to giving
it afterwards order of life . . . It is this terrestrial state that is called tohu
& bohu. (Formless & void).
wishes to fashion a beautiful vessel, takes first of all the lump of clay, and
places it upon the wheel in order to mould it according to his wish, so the
Creator first prepared for Himself the raw material . . . with a view to giving
it afterwards order of life . . . It is this terrestrial state that is called tohu
& bohu. (Formless & void).
Above the primeval chaos floated
unutterable beauty, “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of
the waters. This picture in words comes clear in Deuteronomy 32:11
where Moses uses the same word to describe, an eagle that stirs up its
nest, That hovers over its young; The
Spirit of God like a nurturing bird over the dark in preparation for day one.
unutterable beauty, “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of
the waters. This picture in words comes clear in Deuteronomy 32:11
where Moses uses the same word to describe, an eagle that stirs up its
nest, That hovers over its young; The
Spirit of God like a nurturing bird over the dark in preparation for day one.
The beauty of these opening words
become clear as we see that the word SPirit in Hebrew also means “breath”.
Therefore, God’s creative “breath hovered over the water, and on day one His
breath would come forth as speech - Psalm 33: 6 makes this connection - By
the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
become clear as we see that the word SPirit in Hebrew also means “breath”.
Therefore, God’s creative “breath hovered over the water, and on day one His
breath would come forth as speech - Psalm 33: 6 makes this connection - By
the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
And by
the breath of His mouth all their host.
the breath of His mouth all their host.
The Spirit is to God’s word as
breath is to speech. On day one God would speak light into existence & that
light shining in the darkness. Paul make the application to this truth to our
dark hearts in 2 Corinthians 4:6 - God, who said, “Light shall shine out
of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the
knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
breath is to speech. On day one God would speak light into existence & that
light shining in the darkness. Paul make the application to this truth to our
dark hearts in 2 Corinthians 4:6 - God, who said, “Light shall shine out
of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the
knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
In the same manner the Spirit of God
fluttered over the dark waters, so He over the dark hearts of humanity,
preparing them for the Word of God that will make them into new creations in
Christ Jesus.
fluttered over the dark waters, so He over the dark hearts of humanity,
preparing them for the Word of God that will make them into new creations in
Christ Jesus.
God created the heavens &
the earth, He can make you new as well. if anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.-- anyone
who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; (2
Corinthians 5:17)
the earth, He can make you new as well. if anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.-- anyone
who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; (2
Corinthians 5:17)
In the beginning was God. In the end
God will still be. Genesis is about God, the universe & you, us. Genesis is
about grace.
God will still be. Genesis is about God, the universe & you, us. Genesis is
about grace.
May the grace of God abound in you
& me as we study the Book of Beginnings, the Foundation of Foundations.
Amen!
& me as we study the Book of Beginnings, the Foundation of Foundations.
Amen!
