Bible Conversations in the Book of Genesis

Genesis 1:1-2:3 Back to the Basics
Genesis 1 and 2 are the historical and theological introduction to Genesis and the whole Bible. They are important in revealing who God is, how the universe got here and who we are. 1:1-2:3 is the general account of creation; 2:4-25 a detailed account of the creation human beings.
Though many interpretations of 1:2-2:3 have been suggested, I believe the explanation which fits the text best is that verse 1-2 are a summary of creation and 1:3-2:3 the details. So Genesis 1 does not necessarily tell us when God created the atoms, chemical elements and even angels. Though some deny any historical validity to the account seeing it merely as a metaphorical and theological poem, I find no reason in the Bible to doubt that it is real history. That being said, there are certainly many interpretive questions in this text. Questions like: (1) Are the days of Genesis literal 24 hours days or long periods of time? [There are good textual reasons for accepting the days as literal 24 hour days] (2) How could there be light before the sun and stars were created? [God is light and he was certainly present before the universe was created.]
(3) Why did God call the moon a lesser light when we know that its light is merely light reflected from the sun [The text is speaking as we observe the sky.]? (4) What waters were above the expanse (sky)? [I don’t know but it may explain the Flood of Genesis 7] (5) Did God create an imperfect universe? Verse 2 says it was without form, empty and dark. Verses I-2 tell the first step in creation. V 3-31 tell how he formed the systems to support life [3-14] and filled it with life. [15-31].
This passage teaches us that God exists eternally. He is unique. He is not a part of creation. [Certainly this was a polemic against the nature gods worshipped in the ancient world.] He is personal-he speaks, decides and acts. He is sovereign and powerful. We also learn much about creation. God created an orderly yet diverse universe. The universe God created is good, and created for our benefit. Everything in the universe was created by God. “Heaven and earth” are a merism standing for everything between heaven and earth.
What should we take away from this passage? Genesis 1:1-2:3 is a call to faith. There is either a God or there isn’t. God either created the universe or he didn’t There is no middle ground.
God is worthy of our worship. He is the Creator who displayed his goodness, power and sovereignty from the very beginning. Psalm 19:1-6, Isaiah 40: 12, 18-22, 26, 28,
Romans 1:18-23.