Journey Through Genesis

The Creation of Animals and Humanity Issue #2 • This Week: Genesis 1:16-31

May 13, 2025

Introduction

Welcome to our second issue of "Journey Through Genesis"! Last week, we explored the first acts of creation where God brought forth light, separated the waters, and created plant life. This week, we delve deeper into Genesis 1:16-31, where God completes His magnificent work of creation with celestial bodies, animals, and the pinnacle of His creative work—humanity.

These verses reveal profound truths about our place in God's creation, our purpose, and our responsibility toward the world He has entrusted to us. As we study them together, we'll discover the special significance of being made in God's image (Imago Dei) and explore what it means to exercise dominion as God's stewards.

Scripture: Genesis 1:16-31

16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.

17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,

18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.

19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.

21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.

23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

24 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.

25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Biblical Geography: The Original Earth

While Genesis 1:16-31 doesn't specify a particular geographical location, we know that the creation of animals and humans took place within the perfect, pristine world God had created. The Garden of Eden, described more fully in Genesis 2, would become the specific home for the first humans.

According to traditional interpretations, Eden was located somewhere in the ancient Near East, in the region of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (mentioned in Genesis 2:14). This area, known today as parts of Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, represents where many scholars believe human civilization began.

Traditional map showing the possible location of the Garden of Eden

When God created the animals and humans, the earth was perfectly balanced ecologically. The text suggests that both humans and animals were originally vegetarian (Genesis 1:29-30), indicating a peaceful coexistence in this initial creation before the Fall.

Verse Breakdown

The Fourth Day: Celestial Bodies (verses 16-19)

Though light was created on the first day, it's on the fourth day that God creates specific light-bearing bodies: the sun ("greater light"), moon ("lesser light"), and stars. These celestial bodies serve multiple purposes:

  • To give light upon the earth - providing illumination for the planet

  • To rule over day and night - establishing governance over the times of day

  • To divide light from darkness - creating clear separation between day and night

  • To serve as signs for seasons, days, and years (implied but explicit in Genesis 1:14)

These celestial bodies were often worshipped as gods in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Genesis deliberately presents them as mere creations of the one true God, serving His purposes rather than being divine entities themselves.

The Fifth Day: Sea Creatures and Birds (verses 20-23)

On the fifth day, God fills the domains created on the second day (waters and sky) with living creatures:

  • Sea creatures - including "great whales" (or sea monsters) and all aquatic life

  • Birds - every type of winged creature to fill the skies

Notice that God "blessed" these creatures (verse 22)—the first mention of blessing in the Bible. This blessing involved the command to "be fruitful and multiply," empowering them to reproduce and fill their habitats.

The phrase "after their kind" appears repeatedly, emphasizing that God created distinct categories of creatures with genetic boundaries. Each would reproduce according to its own kind, maintaining the divine order of creation.

The Sixth Day, Part 1: Land Animals (verses 24-25)

The sixth day begins with the creation of land animals, which are divided into three categories:

  • Cattle - domesticated animals

  • Creeping things - smaller ground-dwelling creatures like reptiles and insects

  • Beasts of the earth - wild animals

Illustration of the sixth day of creation, showing the creation of animals

The Sixth Day, Part 2: Humanity (verses 26-30)

The culmination of creation is humanity, which differs from all other creation in several significant ways:

  • Divine consultation - "Let us make man" suggests a divine council or, as Christians traditionally interpret it, a Trinitarian conversation

  • Made in God's image - humans uniquely bear the divine image

  • Given dominion - humans are appointed as rulers over the rest of creation

  • Created as male and female - human sexual dimorphism is part of God's design

  • Specially blessed - like the animals, but with additional responsibilities

  • Given vegetation for food - originally a vegetarian diet was prescribed

The Pronouncement: Very Good (verse 31)

While God pronounced each previous day's work as "good," the completed creation is declared "very good." This superlative assessment indicates the perfection of God's creative work, with all elements functioning in harmony as intended.

Theological Insights: The Imago Dei

"Being made in the image of God (Imago Dei) means that humans are created to resemble God, not physically, since God is spirit (John 4:24), but in immaterial aspects that distinguish humans from animals and fit them for dominion over the earth as well as communion with God."

The concept of the Imago Dei (Image of God) is foundational to Christian anthropology—our understanding of what it means to be human. But what exactly does it mean to be created in God's image?

Three Dimensions of the Imago Dei

Mental/Rational

Humans possess rational thought, creativity, self-awareness, and the capacity for complex language. We can reason, plan for the future, and make moral judgments—all reflecting God's intellect and wisdom.

Moral/Ethical

Humans have an innate moral conscience—a sense of right and wrong. Though marred by sin, this moral dimension reflects God's holiness and righteousness. We were created for moral goodness.

Relational/Social

Humans are created for relationship—with God and with each other. Our capacity for love, empathy, and community reflects God's relational nature within the Trinity and His desire for fellowship.

The Imago Dei and Human Dignity

Being created in God's image gives every human being inherent dignity, value, and worth—regardless of ability, age, ethnicity, or social status. This theological truth has profound implications:

  • Every human life is sacred from conception to natural death

  • All people deserve respect and compassion as image-bearers of God

  • Racism, sexism, and other forms of dehumanization contradict God's design

  • Our treatment of others is directly connected to our reverence for God

The Fallen and Restored Image

While all humans still bear God's image, that image has been damaged by sin. As the apostle Paul teaches, through Christ, that image is being restored in believers:

"...and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." (Colossians 3:10)

Through sanctification, God is progressively restoring His image in us, and one day, in glorification, that image will be fully restored.

Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden as the first humans created in God's image

The Creation Mandate: Dominion and Stewardship

In Genesis 1:28, God gives humanity a mandate:

"Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth."

This "dominion mandate" or "cultural mandate" has sometimes been misunderstood as permission for environmental exploitation. However, a careful reading reveals God's intention for humans to be wise stewards, not reckless exploiters.

Understanding Biblical Dominion

The Hebrew word for "dominion" (radah) implies governance and responsible management. It's about exercising authority as God's representatives—reflecting His character in how we manage creation.

  • Caretaking, not exploitation - We are to tend and care for creation as God would

  • Development, not destruction - We are to cultivate and develop creation's potential

  • Stewardship, not ownership - We manage what ultimately belongs to God

Modern Applications

The dominion mandate has implications for how we approach:

  • Environmental ethics - Caring for creation while using its resources wisely

  • Animal welfare - Treating animals humanely while recognizing their purpose in serving human needs

  • Scientific advancement - Using technology to develop creation's potential while respecting ethical boundaries

  • Cultural engagement - Creating art, developing communities, and building societies that reflect God's values

"The dominion given to humanity is never autonomous. It is always exercised as stewardship on behalf of God, the true King."

Family Teaching Point

Discussion Starters

  1. For younger children: What makes people different from animals? How are we special to God?

  2. For older children: What does it mean to be made in God's image? How should this affect how we treat ourselves and others?

  3. For teens: How does being created in God's image give purpose and meaning to your life? How might this truth help when you feel worthless or insignificant?

  4. For everyone: What responsibilities do we have as God's stewards of creation? How can our family better care for God's world?

Family Activities

Creation Care Project

Choose a family project that demonstrates responsible stewardship of creation:

  • Plant a garden or tree together

  • Clean up litter at a local park

  • Start a composting system

  • Create bird feeders for your yard

Discuss how these activities reflect God's instructions to care for His world.

"Image Reflectors" Game

Use a mirror to play this teaching game:

  1. Have family members look in a mirror

  2. Ask what characteristics they share with God (not physical traits)

  3. Examples: creativity, love, intelligence, communication skills

  4. For each characteristic, discuss how they can use it to reflect God's character more clearly

Memory Verse Challenge

"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
Genesis 1:27

Learning tip: Create hand motions for key words (created, image, male and female) to help remember the verse.

Weekly Prayer Based on Genesis 1:16-31

Creator God,

We stand in awe of Your magnificent creation. From the glorious sun and moon that govern the day and night, to the vast array of creatures that fill the land, sea, and sky, Your wisdom and power are displayed for all to see.

Thank You for the profound honor of being made in Your image. Help us to truly understand what this means—that we are created to reflect Your character, Your wisdom, Your love, and Your creativity in this world. May we never take lightly the dignity and worth You have bestowed on every human being.

Lord, forgive us for the times we have abused the dominion You entrusted to us. Teach us to be faithful stewards of Your creation, caring for this world and its creatures with the same love and wisdom with which You created them. Give us wisdom to develop earth's resources responsibly, protecting rather than exploiting what You have made.

We pray for the restoration of Your image in us. Where sin has marred and distorted that image, work through Your Spirit to renew and transform us. Make us more like Jesus, the perfect image of the invisible God.

Finally, we thank You that You declared Your creation "very good." In a world now broken by sin, help us to catch glimpses of that original goodness, and to work toward the day when all things will be made new in Christ.

In the name of Jesus, the one through whom and for whom all things were created,

Amen.

Application: Living as Image-Bearers

The truths in Genesis 1:16-31 aren't merely theological concepts—they have practical implications for our daily lives. Here are five ways to apply what we've learned:

1. See the divine image in others

Practice treating every person—regardless of their beliefs, background, or behavior—with dignity and respect as a bearer of God's image. This week, intentionally look for the image of God in people you might struggle to value.

Challenge: When interacting with difficult people, silently remind yourself, "This person bears God's image."

2. Exercise responsible stewardship

Evaluate your relationship with creation. Are you exercising thoughtful dominion or wasteful exploitation? Look for one way to better care for God's world this week.

Challenge: Identify one environmental habit to change that better reflects careful stewardship.

3. Cultivate your God-given creativity

As image-bearers, we reflect God's creativity. Take time this week to create something—whether art, music, writing, cooking, gardening, or another form of creative expression.

Challenge: Set aside 30 minutes for creative activity that brings you joy.

4. Practice Sabbath rest

God established a pattern of work and rest. In our busy world, intentional rest honors this divine pattern. Plan a time of rest this week where you can delight in God and His creation.

Challenge: Spend time outdoors appreciating God's creation without digital distractions.

5. Pursue restoration of God's image

Though sin has damaged God's image in us, Christ is restoring it. Identify one area where your character doesn't yet reflect God's character, and invite the Holy Spirit to transform you.

Challenge: Meditate on Colossians 3:10 and pray specifically about an area where God's image needs renewal in your life.

"The more we reflect God's image, the more we fulfill our purpose for existence."

Kids Corner: The Creation of Animals and People

The Story in Simple Words

On day four, God made the sun to shine during the day and the moon and stars to give light at night.

On day five, God made all the fish and sea creatures to swim in the waters. He also made all the birds to fly in the sky. God told them to have babies and fill the oceans and skies. God saw that this was good.

On day six, God made all the animals that live on land. He made wild animals like lions, farm animals like cows, and small animals like rabbits and lizards.

Then God did something very special. He made people! God made people different from animals. He made us to be like Him in a special way. God made the first man and woman and told them to take care of the world and all the animals.

God looked at everything He had made and said it was VERY good!

Fun Activity: Animal Charades

Take turns acting like different animals God created. See if others can guess which animal you're pretending to be! Think about how God made each animal special and different.

You'll need:

  • Paper slips with animal names (or pictures for non-readers)

  • A container to hold the slips

  • Space to move around

Memory Verse for Kids

"God created people in his own image." Genesis 1:27 (simplified)

Prayer for Little Ones

Dear God, thank You for making all the animals and for making me special in Your image. Help me to take care of Your world and to love others because they are special to You too. Amen.

Resources for Further Study

  • The Liberating Image: The Imago Dei in Genesis 1 by J. Richard Middleton

  • Created in God's Image by Anthony A. Hoekema

  • Caring for Creation: The Evangelical's Guide to Climate Change and a Healthy Environment by Paul Douglas and Mitch Hescox

  • The Bible Project: Genesis 1-11 Series (videos and study guides available online)

Online Resources

Questions for Personal Reflection

  1. How does knowing you're created in God's image change how you see yourself?

  2. In what specific ways do you reflect God's image? Where do you fall short?

  3. How well are you fulfilling the dominion mandate in your daily life?

  4. What changes might you make to better steward the resources God has entrusted to you?

  5. How does the creation account challenge or confirm your understanding of humanity's purpose?

Coming Next Week

Join us next Tuesday as we continue our journey through Genesis with Genesis 2:1-17, where we'll explore God's seventh day of rest and the specific details of the Garden of Eden. We'll discover what it means to live in God's perfect garden and the first commandment given to humanity.

Key themes we'll explore:

  • The theology of Sabbath rest

  • The geographical details of Eden

  • The purpose of work before the Fall

  • The significance of the two special trees

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