Genesis 1:9,10

Passage

9 And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered into one place, so that the dry land may appear.” And it was so. 10 God called the dry land “earth,” and the gathering of waters He called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.

The passage from Genesis 1:9-10 captures a moment of divine ordering within the creation narrative. “And God said, ‘Let the waters under the sky be gathered into one place, so that the dry land may appear.’“ Here, God exerts His sovereign authority, commanding the chaotic waters to reveal dry land. This act underscores His control over the natural elements, as His spoken word alone accomplishes His will. The subsequent declaration, “And it was so,” highlights the immediacy and power of His command.

In naming the dry land “earth” and the gathered waters “seas,” God establishes His ownership and authority over creation. Naming in the biblical sense implies dominion; thus, this act signifies the orderliness and intentionality of God’s creation.

The phrase “And God saw that it was good” indicates divine satisfaction. It underscores the goodness inherent in God’s creative acts, a theme repeated throughout the Genesis narrative. The creation of dry land and seas not only fulfills a physical function but also reflects God’s desire for beauty and purpose in His work.

These verses draw connections to other parts of Scripture. Psalm 33:7 echoes the gathering of seas, speaking to God’s control over the natural world. 2 Corinthians 4:6 uses creation imagery to describe spiritual illumination, reinforcing the idea of God bringing order and light.

Reflecting on these verses encourages trust in God’s ability to bring order from chaos in our lives, just as He did in creation. It invites appreciation for the natural goodness and beauty around us, as the earth and seas declare His glory.

In a broader theological sense, Christ’s redemptive work echoes this ordering as He reconciles creation to God, highlighting themes of restoration and renewal found throughout the New Testament. These insights create bridges between the act of creation and the ongoing work of salvation in Jesus.

Study

Context

Genesis is the first book of the Bible and part of the Pentateuch. Its creation narrative finds parallels in ancient Near Eastern literature but stands out for its monotheistic perspective. At the time of writing, surrounding cultures often had polytheistic creation myths. Here in Genesis, the emphasis is on God's orderly creation by divine command.

Verse-by-Verse

“

And God said, "Let the waters under the sky be gathered into one place, so that the dry land may appear."

This command illustrates God's role as creator, speaking creation into existence, separating water, and bringing forth land.
“

And it was so.

This phrase confirms the immediate fulfilment of God's command, showcasing divine power.
“

God called the dry land "earth," and the gathering of waters He called "seas."

Naming signifies ownership and authority; God defines the earth's form and its seas.
“

And God saw that it was good.

This reflects God's satisfaction with creation, indicating it aligns with His purpose and plan.

Cross References

  • 2 Corinthians 4:6: Paul draws on creation imagery to describe God's illumination in our hearts.
  • Psalm 33:7: This verse describes God's gathering of the seas, echoing Genesis 1's creative act.

Highlights

  • The act of God gathering the waters and revealing dry land underscores divine control over natural elements.
  • Naming of earth and seas illustrates God's authority to define and order creation.
  • The affirmation that God saw it was good shows approval and completion of each creative act.

Insights (Christ-Centred)

  • The order and goodness in creation echo in Christ who reconciles and restores creation (Colossians 1:16-20).

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: God's authority is underscored by His ability to command creation into being.
  • Order and Separation: The text highlights God's power in organising the natural world.
  • Goodness of Creation: The repeated declaration that God saw it was good shows divine satisfaction with creation.

Takeaways

Personal Applications

  • Trust in Divine Order: Reflect on God's ability to bring order out of chaos in our personal lives as He did in creation.
  • Embrace the Goodness of Creation: Cultivate gratitude for the natural environment, recognising God's declaration of its goodness.

Reflections

  • How does witnessing God's order in creation inspire trust in His plans for your life?
  • What aspects of creation do you find goodness in, as reflected in Genesis?
  • How can understanding God's authority in creation deepen your worship?