Genesis 1 Overview

Tim Baker Bible Handbook, God, Theology Proper

Genesis 1 serves as the opening chapter of the Bible, laying the foundation for the entire biblical narrative. It introduces the Creator God, establishes the nature of creation, and defines humanity’s purpose within the cosmos. Far from being a mere account of origins, Genesis 1 offers profound theological truths about God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and goodness.

This chapter shapes our understanding of reality, humanity’s role, and the purpose of creation. By meditating on this chapter, we are drawn to worship the Creator and recognize His eternal power and divine nature (Romans 1:20).

Structure

Genesis 1 is structured around the six days of creation, culminating in the seventh day of rest (Genesis 2:1-3). Each day demonstrates God’s orderly and purposeful work.

Days 1-3: Forming

  • Day 1: Light and Darkness (1:1-5)
    • God creates light, separating it from darkness. This establishes the cycles of day and night.
    • Key phrase: “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”
  • Day 2: Sky and Waters (1:6-8)
    • God separates the waters, creating the expanse (sky) above and waters below.
    • Key phrase: “And it was so.”
  • Day 3: Land, Seas, and Vegetation (1:9-13)
    • Dry land emerges, seas are gathered, and plants bearing seed appear.
    • Key phrase: “And God saw that it was good.”

Days 4-6: Filling

  • Day 4: Sun, Moon, and Stars (1:14-19)
    • Heavenly bodies are set in place to govern day and night, marking seasons, days, and years.
    • Key phrase: “To give light upon the earth.”
  • Day 5: Fish and Birds (1:20-23)
    • The waters and skies are filled with living creatures, blessed to multiply.
    • Key phrase: “Be fruitful and multiply.”
  • Day 6: Land Animals and Humanity (1:24-31)
    • God creates land animals and, uniquely, humanity in His image, granting them dominion over creation.
    • Key phrase: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”

Day 7: Rest

  • Day 7: Sabbath Rest (2:1-3)
    • God ceases from His work, blessing the seventh day and setting it apart as holy.
    • Key phrase: “And God rested from all His work that He had done.”

Themes

God’s Sovereignty and Creative Power

  • God speaks creation into existence, demonstrating His unmatched authority (1:3).
  • The repeated phrase “And God said” highlights His sovereign command.
  • Creation ex nihilo (out of nothing) underscores God’s infinite power (Hebrews 11:3).

The Goodness of Creation

  • Each stage of creation is declared “good,” culminating in “very good” after humanity’s creation (1:31).
  • This repeated declaration affirms creation’s inherent goodness and purpose.

Humanity’s Unique Role as Image-Bearers

  • Humanity is made in God’s image (imago Dei), reflecting His attributes such as rationality, morality, and relationality (1:26-27).
  • Humanity is tasked with stewardship over creation, exercising dominion as God’s representatives (1:28).

Cultural and Historical Context

Genesis 1 stands apart from ancient Near Eastern creation myths in profound ways:

  • Parallels: Both the Genesis account and ancient Near Eastern myths address the origins of the cosmos and humanity.
  • Contrasts:
    • Genesis portrays creation as an orderly, intentional act of one sovereign God, unlike the chaotic, polytheistic battles of ancient Near Eastern myths (e.g., Enuma Elish, a Babylonian creation myth from the late 2nd millennium BC).
    • In Genesis, humanity is dignified as God’s image-bearer, whereas ancient Near Eastern myths often depict humans as slaves of capricious gods.

Christ in Genesis 1

The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the Creator and Sustainer:

  • John 1:1-3: Jesus is the Word through whom all things were made.
  • Colossians 1:16-17: All things were created by Him and for Him.
  • Hebrews 1:3: Christ upholds the universe by the word of His power. Genesis 1 also anticipates the new creation, where Christ will restore all things (Revelation 21:1-5).

Practical Applications

  1. Worship the Creator: Recognize God’s glory and power through His creation (Psalm 19:1).
  2. Embrace Human Dignity: Treat every person as an image-bearer of God.
  3. Practice Stewardship: Care for creation as a sacred trust (Genesis 2:15).
  4. Find Rest in God: Reflect on the Sabbath principle of rest and reliance on God (Matthew 11:28-30).
  5. Cultivate Awe: Observe creation with a sense of wonder and gratitude.

Genesis 1 magnifies the glory of God, the goodness of His creation, and the dignity of humanity’s role. It invites us to worship God as Creator, steward His world, and live in harmony with His purposes. As we behold the beauty and order of creation, let us respond with awe and commitment to glorify Him in all we do.