Genesis 1:20,21

Passage

20 And God said, “Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.” 21 So God created the great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters teemed according to their kinds, and every bird of flight after its kind. And God saw that it was good.

In Genesis 1:20-21, we witness the magnificent act of creation, as God said, “Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.” This command not only establishes the existence of aquatic and avian life but underscores the creation by divine command, highlighting God’s immense sovereignty. When God created the great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters teemed according to their kinds, and every bird of flight after its kind, we see clearly order and purpose infused throughout creation. Each creature is fashioned with intention, pointing to a design that reflects God’s wisdom and creativity. As God saw that it was good, there’s a profound divine satisfaction in His work, indicating His holy approval. This thematic richness not only reveals aspects of God’s character but also invites us to reflect on our role as stewards of His good creation. Cross-references to passages such as Psalm 104:24-25 celebrate this diversity and abundance, enhancing our appreciation of God’s handiwork. With Christ at the center, the creative power and authority displayed here resonate with Jesus, the Word made flesh, whose presence reinforces God’s ongoing redemptive work. Let us embrace our calling to recognise God’s sovereignty, steward His creation, and live intentionally within His incredible design.

Study

Context

Genesis was written in the context of Ancient Near Eastern culture, where various creation myths were prevalent. The Genesis account distinctively portrays a single sovereign God creating an ordered universe. The focus on God’s spoken word as the means of creation highlights God’s authority and power. In this passage, God commands aquatic creatures and birds into existence, setting them in their specific domains.

Verse-by-Verse

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And God said

This introduces God's creative act through His word, emphasizing His ultimate authority and power.
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Let the waters teem with living creatures

The command to 'teem' suggests abundance and variety, reflecting God's generosity and provision.
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and let birds fly above the earth

Birds are given the sky as their domain, showing the ordered structure of creation.
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So God created the great sea creatures

Great sea creatures are specifically highlighted, showing God's intimate involvement and creativity.
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and every living thing that moves

The comprehensive nature of creation is captured here, with no detail overlooked.
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with which the waters teemed according to their kinds

The use of 'according to their kinds' points to the intentional diversity and orderliness of creation.
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and every bird of flight after its kind

Each bird is created according to its design, emphasizing the orderliness of creation.
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And God saw that it was good

God’s evaluation of His creation as good reflects His satisfaction and the inherent value of what He has made.

Cross References

  • Job 12:7-10: Highlights God's control and authority over all creatures.
  • Psalm 104:24-25: Celebrates the diversity and abundance of life God created.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:39: Affirms the diversity of flesh among creations, echoing the distinctness observed in Genesis.

Highlights

  • This passage shows God’s command over creation through His spoken word, implying divine authority.
  • The variety of life is initiated without ambiguity, highlighting God's purposeful creation.
  • God observes His work as good, underlining a reflection of His perfect nature.

Insights (Christ-Centred)

  • Christ, who is the Word, reflects the creative power and authority demonstrated in God’s spoken creation.
  • Jesus’ miracles over nature, like calming the sea, affirm His divine authority over creation.
  • The theme of new creation in Christ relates back to the original creation, showing God’s ongoing creative work.

Key Themes

  • Creation by Divine Command: God’s word initiates creation, demonstrating His sovereign power.
  • Order and Purpose: Each creature is made according to its kind, suggesting purposeful design.
  • Divine Satisfaction: God sees that His creation is good, indicating His approval and delight.

Takeaways

Personal Applications

  • Recognising God’s Sovereignty: Acknowledge God's authority in all aspects of life, trusting His creative wisdom.
  • Embracing God’s Design: See ourselves and others as intentionally designed and valued by God.
  • Caring for Creation: Accept responsibility to steward the environment and creatures God has deemed good.

Reflections

  • How does recognising God as the Creator affect your view of the natural world?
  • In what ways can you reflect God's creativity in your daily life?
  • What does it mean for you personally that God saw His creation as good?