Journey Through Genesis: The Beginning of All Things

Exploring Genesis 1:1-15: Creation and the Divine Order

May 06, 2025

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." — Genesis 1:1

Introduction: The Foundation of All Things

Welcome to our new Bible study series as we embark on a journey through the book of Genesis. We begin where the Bible begins—with creation itself. Genesis 1:1-15 covers the first three days of creation, where God brings order out of chaos and establishes the foundation for all life.

These opening verses of Scripture are not merely an ancient account of origins but a profound theological statement about who God is and how He relates to His creation. As we study these verses together, we'll discover timeless truths about God's power, creativity, and purpose that continue to shape our understanding of the world and our place in it.

Throughout this newsletter, we'll explore the rich theological meaning of the text, delve into its geographical context, consider practical applications for our lives today, and provide resources for the whole family to engage with these foundational truths.

The Scripture: Genesis 1:1-15

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.

5 God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

6 And God said, "Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water."

7 So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so.

8 God called the vault "sky." And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.

9 And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear." And it was so.

10 God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas." And God saw that it was good.

11 Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so.

12 The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

13 And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.

14 And God said, "Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years,

15 and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so.

Biblical Geography: The Setting of Creation

Biblical map showing the traditional location of the Garden of Eden and the four rivers

While Genesis 1:1-15 describes the creation of the heavens and the earth before the specific formation of Eden, understanding the geographical context helps us visualize God's creative work.

The account in Genesis 2 places Eden at the convergence of four rivers: the Pishon, Gihon, Tigris (Hiddekel), and Euphrates. Scholars have long debated the exact location, with most placing it somewhere in the region of Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq).

Before the formation of specific landmarks, the text describes a primordial earth that was "formless and empty" (Genesis 1:2). The progressive ordering of creation—separating light from darkness, waters above from waters below, and land from sea—established the geographical features we recognize today.

Geographical Significance

The creation account demonstrates that the physical world exists as a result of God's intentional design rather than by chance. Each element—light, atmosphere, land, vegetation—was purposefully arranged to create a habitable environment that would eventually house humanity, the pinnacle of God's creation. This ordered arrangement reflects God's character as a God of order, not chaos.

Verse Breakdown: Understanding Creation

Genesis 1:1-2 — The Initial Creation

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."

Artistic representation of Genesis 1:1

The opening verse of Scripture sets the foundation for all that follows. The Hebrew word for "God" used here is Elohim, a plural form that suggests the fullness and majesty of God's nature (and which many Christian scholars see as an early hint of the Trinity).

The verb "created" (bara) is significant. In Hebrew Scripture, this word is used exclusively with God as its subject—only God can create in this manner, bringing something into existence out of nothing (ex nihilo).

In verse 2, we see the Spirit of God "hovering" or "moving" (merahefet) over the waters. This same Hebrew word appears in Deuteronomy 32:11, describing an eagle hovering over its nest, suggesting God's protective, nurturing presence even before ordered creation began.

Genesis 1:3-5 — The First Day: Light

"And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light 'day,' and the darkness he called 'night.' And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day."

God creates through His spoken word—a theme that will recur throughout the creation account with the phrase "And God said." The power of God's word to bring reality into existence is a foundational concept in Scripture (see also Psalm 33:6,9; John 1:1-3; Hebrews 11:3).

Notice that light appears before the sun, moon, and stars (which aren't created until day four). This challenges our modern assumptions about the source of light and reminds us that God is ultimately the source of all light, physical and spiritual (see 1 John 1:5).

The pattern of "evening and morning" establishing a "day" sets the rhythm for creation and for human life. This framework for time is God's first gift of order to creation.

Genesis 1:6-8 — The Second Day: Sky and Water

"And God said, 'Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.' So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault 'sky.' And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day."

The word translated as "vault" or "firmament" (raqia) literally means "an expanse" or something "stretched out." God creates space between waters above and below—establishing the atmosphere that makes life possible.

This separation continues the theme of God bringing order out of chaos. Throughout the creation account, God not only creates but organizes and assigns purpose to what He has made.

The absence of the phrase "God saw that it was good" on this day has intrigued commentators for centuries. Some suggest it's because the work of separating the waters wasn't completed until day three, when dry land appears.

Genesis 1:9-13 — The Third Day: Land and Vegetation

"And God said, 'Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.' And it was so. God called the dry ground 'land,' and the gathered waters he called 'seas.' And God saw that it was good. Then God said, 'Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.' And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day."

The third day features two distinct creative acts: the separation of land from seas, and the creation of plant life. Both times, God declares the result "good," emphasizing the value and purpose of the physical world.

The phrase "according to their kinds" (leminehu) appears repeatedly, establishing boundaries and order within creation. Each created thing produces after its own kind, reflecting God's intentional design for stability and continuity.

Note that vegetation appears before the sun is created. This ordering challenges evolutionary accounts and emphasizes God as the source of life, not natural processes alone.

Artistic representation of the six days of creation

The provision of seed within plants and fruits demonstrates God's forward-looking design—creation contains within itself the means for ongoing life and sustenance. This reveals God's providence and care for the creatures that will later inhabit the earth.

Genesis 1:14-15 — The Beginning of Day Four: Heavenly Lights

"And God said, 'Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.' And it was so."

Our passage concludes with the beginning of the fourth day's work—the creation of the sun, moon, and stars. These celestial bodies are assigned specific purposes: to separate day from night, to mark seasons and time, and to provide light.

The deliberate placement of the sun and moon after the creation of light emphasizes that these bodies are not to be worshiped (as was common in ancient near eastern cultures) but are merely instruments of God's purposes.

The heavenly bodies serve as "signs" (otot), marking sacred times and seasons. This establishes the foundation for the later Hebrew calendar, with its rhythm of sabbaths and festivals that would structure the worship and agricultural life of God's people.

Key Teachings & Reflections

1. God's Sovereign Power

Genesis 1:1-15 reveals God's absolute power and authority over all creation. Unlike other ancient creation accounts where gods struggle against chaos or each other, the biblical God speaks and it happens. His word alone is sufficient to bring order from chaos and life from emptiness.

This portrayal of God stands in stark contrast to the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding ancient cultures. While neighboring peoples worshipped the sun, moon, and natural forces as gods, Genesis portrays these elements as mere creations—servants of the one true God's purposes.

"If you believe Genesis 1:1, you really have no problem believing the rest of the Bible. The God big enough to have created the heavens and the earth is big enough to do all the rest of what the Bible says He did and does."

Questions for Reflection:

  • How does the account of creation shape your understanding of God's power and authority?

  • What areas of your life might you need to surrender to the God who speaks and creates?

  • How does God's creative power give you confidence in His ability to work in your circumstances?

2. Creation's Purpose and Goodness

Throughout the creation account, God repeatedly declares His work "good." This affirmation of creation's goodness challenges both ancient and modern views that see the physical world as inferior, evil, or meaningless.

Each element of creation has purpose and value. The lights in the sky mark time and seasons. Plants provide food and sustenance. Nothing is random or accidental—all is designed according to God's wise intent.

This understanding forms the foundation for a Christian environmental ethic. As stewards of God's good creation, we are called to value, protect, and tend the natural world, recognizing it as God's handiwork.

Questions for Reflection:

  • How does seeing creation as "good" by divine declaration change how you view the natural world?

  • In what ways might God be calling you to better steward the parts of creation entrusted to your care?

  • What aspects of creation particularly help you recognize God's goodness and wisdom?

3. The Word That Creates

Genesis repeatedly emphasizes that God creates through His spoken word: "And God said..." This theme connects to the New Testament's revelation of Jesus as the eternal Word (John 1:1-3) through whom all things were made.

The power of God's word extends beyond creation to recreation and redemption. The same God who said "Let there be light" is the One who can speak new life into our spiritual darkness (2 Corinthians 4:6).

This understanding gives us confidence in the transformative power of God's word in Scripture. The same voice that created the universe speaks to us through the Bible, with equal power to reshape our lives.

Questions for Reflection:

  • How have you experienced the creative or transformative power of God's word in your own life?

  • What areas of chaos or formlessness in your life need God's ordering word?

  • How might you better position yourself to hear and respond to God's speaking?

Weekly Prayer Based on Genesis 1:1-15

Creator God,

In the beginning, You spoke, and the universe came into existence. Your voice brought order from chaos, light from darkness, and life from emptiness. We stand in awe of Your creative power and wisdom.

We thank You for the good world You have made—for the rhythm of day and night, for the sky above and land beneath our feet, for the plants that provide food and beauty. Each element of creation bears witness to Your glory and care.

Forgive us, Lord, when we fail to treasure Your creation, when we exploit rather than steward, when we worship the created rather than the Creator. Forgive our disordered priorities and restore in us a proper wonder at Your works.

Speak Your creative word again in our lives. Where there is darkness, bring light. Where there is chaos, bring order. Where there is emptiness, bring fullness and purpose. Make us instruments of Your creative and restorative work in this world.

As Your Spirit hovered over the waters at creation, hover over our hearts and minds now. Shape us according to Your purposes, that we might reflect Your image and declare Your glory.

In the name of Jesus Christ, the eternal Word through whom all things were made, Amen.

Family Teaching Point

Creation: God's Grand Design

Discussion Starters:

  • If you could create your own world, what would you include? What would you leave out?

  • How do you think God felt as He was creating the world? What does the phrase "God saw that it was good" tell us about His feelings?

  • What's your favorite part of God's creation? Why do you think God made that particular thing?

Family Activity: Creation Scavenger Hunt

Take your family outside for a "creation scavenger hunt." Give each person a paper bag and have them collect or document (with a camera) items that represent each day of creation:

  1. Day 1: Something that represents light and darkness

  2. Day 2: Something that represents the sky

  3. Day 3: Something from the land (a rock) and something from plant life

After collecting items, gather together and have each person share what they found and thank God for that aspect of creation. Discuss how each item shows God's wisdom and creativity.

Dinner Table Topic:

"If you could ask God one question about how He created the world, what would you ask? Why are you curious about that?"

Addressing Difficult Questions:

Children often ask challenging questions about creation, especially as they encounter different ideas at school. Here are some tips for addressing common questions:

  • How long did it take God to create the world? Acknowledge that Christians have different understandings about whether the "days" in Genesis refer to 24-hour periods or longer ages. The most important message isn't the timing but that God is the Creator who carefully designed everything.

  • What about dinosaurs and fossils? Affirm that these are real and fascinating discoveries that show us more about God's amazing creation. Different Christians understand how these fit with Genesis in different ways, but all agree God is responsible for creating all creatures.

  • Did God really make everything out of nothing? Yes! This is one thing that makes God so amazing—He didn't need any materials to start with. We always need something to create with, but God can make things just by speaking!

Application: Living as People of the Creator

1. Embrace Your Role as Steward

God's first commission to humanity was to care for and tend His creation (Genesis 1:28, 2:15). As people made in the image of the Creator, we're called to steward the earth with the same care and purpose with which He created it.

Practical Step: Choose one specific way to better care for creation this week—reduce waste, conserve energy, plant something, or clean up a natural area in your community.

2. Practice Purposeful Rest

The rhythm of creation—evening and morning, work and rest—reflects God's design for human flourishing. Our modern, always-connected world often violates this rhythm, leading to burnout and disconnection.

Practical Step: Set aside intentional time this week for sabbath rest. Disconnect from technology, enjoy creation, and reflect on God's goodness. Consider establishing a regular sabbath practice in your weekly routine.

3. Speak Creative Words

God created through His spoken word. As His image-bearers, our words also have creative power—to build up or tear down, to bring order or chaos, to illuminate or darken.

Practical Step: Pay attention to your words this week. Are they bringing light and order, or darkness and chaos? Commit to speaking words of life, truth, and encouragement to those around you.

4. Appreciate the Goodness of Creation

In a world often focused on digital experiences, we can lose touch with the wonder of the physical creation God has made. The repeated refrain "it was good" reminds us to value and enjoy the material world.

Practical Step: Set aside time this week for intentional appreciation of creation. Go stargazing, watch a sunrise or sunset, plant seeds and watch them grow, or simply take a walk with the specific intention of noticing and thanking God for what He has made.

Kids Corner: God Makes Everything!

The Story of Creation

A long, long time ago, there was nothing at all. No trees, no animals, no people, not even the sun or moon! But God was there, and He had a wonderful plan.

First, God said, "Let there be light!" And just like that—light appeared! God called the light "day" and the darkness "night." That was the first day.

Next, God made the sky, separating the waters above from the waters below. That was the second day.

On the third day, God created dry land and all the plants—flowers, trees, and grass. Everything was growing and beautiful!

God made everything with just His words. That's how powerful God is! And every time God finished making something, He looked at it and said it was good!

Memory Verse:

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." — Genesis 1:1

Illustration of the days of creation

Fun Facts:

  • God created light before He made the sun!

  • Plants were created on day 3, before the sun was created on day 4.

  • The Hebrew word for "created" (bara) is used only when God is doing the creating!

Activity Idea: Creation Paper Chain

Make a paper chain with six links in different colors to represent each day of creation. On each link, draw or write what God created that day. Hang your creation chain somewhere in your room to remind you that God made everything!

Reader Engagement

Question of the Week

What aspect of creation most helps you connect with God as Creator, and why? Share your thoughts with us on X @TheMorningMercy

Looking Ahead

Next week, we'll continue our journey through Genesis as we explore Genesis 1:16-31, including the creation of animals and humanity. Read ahead and consider: What does it mean to be made "in the image of God"?

Closing Resources

Maps & Resources