"He The Gospels But since the Lord needs no other counsellor, there can be no doubt that he consulted with himself. "Let there be light." Oh, what high thoughts should there be in our minds, of that great God whom we worship, and of that great Mediator in whose name we pray! of food and of other necessaries of life, now that we are placed in the world. It is to no purpose to dispute whether this be the best and the legitimate order or not. Hence some resort to allegory, and philosophize concerning angels; but quite beside the purpose. God told Abram, “Now Yahweh said to Abram, “Get out of your country, and from your relatives, and from your father’s house, to the land that I will show you. Insects, which are more numerous than the birds and beasts, and as curious, seem to have been part of this day's work. The Gospels Some infer, from this passages that men were content with herbs and fruits until the deluge, and that it was even unlawful for them to eat flesh. And the evening and the morning were the second day. But if God had such care for us before we existed, he will by no means leave us destitute Christians, therefore, properly contend, from this testimony, that there exists a plurality of Persons in the Godhead. 'Let the earth,' he says, 'bring forth living creatures.' 10. The greater part, and nearly all, conceive that the word image is to be distinguished from likeness. alludes when he says that 'the heavens are stretched out by God like a curtain,' (Psalm 104:2.) It seldom works that way, however. The first account is Genesis 1:1—2:4a (or 2:3—scholars disagree whether 2:4a belongs to the first or the second If the astronomer inquires respecting the Whence the inference is drawn, that the three Persons of the Godhead are here noted; but since, as a proof of so great a matter, it appears to me to have little solidity, will not insist upon the word; but rather caution readers to beware of violent glosses of this, kind. The New Testament But here Moses would simply declare that Adam with his wife was formed for the production of offspring, in order that men might replenish the earth. All of the commentary found here can be purchased, consolidated in hardcopy format as individual softcover books, one for each book of the Torah, or… This truly is some portion, though very small, of the image of God. "Let there be a firmament." This is the highest honour with which he has dignified us; to a due regard for which, Moses, by this mode of speaking would excite our minds. For it is not lawful for us to dispute whether that ought to be approved or not which God has already approved; but it rather becomes us to acquiesce without controversy. But the Lord, a little while after, assigns herbs to both as their common food; and it may be observed, that in several parts of Scripture these two words are used indiscriminately. Darkness would have been always upon fallen man, if the Son of God had not come and given us understanding, 1 John 5:20. But the meaning of the passage is, that the work, such as we now see it, was approved by God. David Guzik :: Génesis 14 – Abram Rescata a Lot y Conoce a Melquisedec, G1 - alpha - Strong's Greek Lexicon (KJV), David Guzik :: Hechos 9 – La Conversión de Saulo de Tarso, David Guzik :: 1 Corintios 7 – Principios Sobre el Matrimonio y la Soltería, A Summary of Each Bible Book - Study Resources, Chuck Smith :: Sermon Notes for Matthew 7:6, David Guzik :: Génesis 3 – La tentación y caída del hombre, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus and the Holy Trinity (Walter Martin), Revelation 7-9 (1982-85 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Judges 15-16 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Hebrews 9-10 (1982-85 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Daniel 9: 70th Week [1990s] (Chuck Missler). GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point For God removed the light from view, that night might be the commencement of another day. Passwords should have at least 6 characters. As for myself, before I define the image of God, I would deny that it differs from his likeness. -------------------- What is the force of this benediction he soon declares. When he says that "the waters brought forth," he proceeds to commend the efficacy of the word, which the waters hear so promptly, that, though lifeless in themselves, they suddenly teem with a living offspring, yet the language of Moses expresses more; namely, that fishes innumerable are daily produced from the waters, because that word of God, by which he once commanded it, is continually in force. “Righteous (6:9; Job 1:1). We slightingly pass over the infinite glory of God, which here shines forth; whence arises this but from our excessive dullness in considering his greatness? That it is, as the astronomers assert, an opaque body, I allow to be true, while I deny it to be a dark body. Therefore, let Historical Books Let us then mark whom God here addresses when he commands them to increase, and to whom he limits his benediction. Whence I conclude, that the waters here meant are such as the rude and unlearned may perceive. His affections were all regular, and he had no bad appetites or passions. He moreover teaches by the word "created," that what before did not exist was now made; for he has not used the term "yatsar", which signifies to frame or forms but "bara", which signifies to create. Hitherto the earth was naked and barren, now the Lord fructifies it by his word. The blessing of God is added, that they may of themselves produce offspring. "So God created man." in man which refers to the Fathers and the Son, and the Spirit: and I have no difficulty in admitting the above distinction of the faculties of the soul: although the simpler division into two parts, which is more used in Scripture, is better adapted to the sound doctrine of piety; but a definition of the image of God ought to rest on a firmer basis than such subtleties. It did not, however, happen from inconsideration or by accident, that the light preceded the sun and the moon. Here God is introduced by Moses as surveying his work, that he might take pleasure in it. Moreover, it did not happen fortuitously, that herbs and trees were created before the sun and moon. effect: 'Behold, I have prepared food for thee before thou wast formed; acknowledge me, therefore, as thy Father, who have so diligently provided for thee when thou wast not yet created. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. Pauline Epistles On the fifth day the birds and fishes are created. "Subdue it". Wisdom Literature Poetical Books His thoughts were easily brought and fixed to the best subjects. He therefore asserts that this mass, however confused it might be, was rendered stable, for the time, by the secret efficacy of the Spirit. Those who by sin were darkness, by grace become light in the Lord. God’s purpose was to “resolve” or “sum up” all things in Jesus as if Jesus Himself were the answer to a great and complex problem God wrote out on the “blackboard” of the universe. A name is a powerful thing. A question here arises out of the word created. Pauline Epistles These reasons, however are not sufficiently strong: for it may be adduced on the opposite side, that the first men offered sacrifices from their flocks. Psalm. Moses now, for the first time, introduces God in the act of speaking, as if he had created the mass of heaven and earth without the Word. This is, the earth which we tread (namely, still the land which we manage, the land we desire.) those who so arrogantly assail their Creator, look for the Judge who shall reduce them to nothing. Yet, that he often keeps his hand as if closed is to be imputed to our sins. Pauline Epistles For the natural day (which he mentions above) includes in itself the night. There is, however, no doubt that the order of their succession was alternate, but whether it was everywhere day at the same time, and everywhere night also, I would rather leave undecided; nor is it very necessary to be known. Genesis 1:1-10 - NIV: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Certainly he does not give the reins to human passions, but, beginning at holy and chaste marriage, he proceeds to speak of the production of offspring. But Moses ought rather to be listened to as our teacher, who would transport us with admiration of God through the consideration of his works. For this is also worthy of notice, that Moses here We know, indeed that the rain is naturally produced; but the deluge sufficiently shows Moses, therefore, rather adapts his discourse to common usage. For we are fruitful or barren in respect of offspring, as God imparts his power to some and withholds it from others. The question, however, is proposed, whether fornicators and adulterers become fruitful by the power of God; which, if it be true, then whether the blessing of God is in like manner extended to them? The word "moadim" 14 Yet John testifies that. It is also truly said that Christ is the only image of the Fathers but yet the words of Moses do not bear the interpretation that "in the image" means "in Christ." "God." All these are the works of God. These opening chapters tell us what had been desired by God from the very beginning. For it is of great importance that we touch nothing of God's bounty but what we know he has permitted us to do; since we cannot enjoy anything with a good conscience, except we receive it as from the hand of God. John Calvin :: Commentary on Genesis: Chapter 1 ← Back to John Calvin's Bio & Resources. God creates heaven and earth. Nor did Moses truly wish to withdraw us from this pursuit in omitting such things as are peculiar to the art; but because he was ordained a teacher as well of the unlearned and rude as of the learned, he could not otherwise fulfill his office than by descending to this grosser method of instruction. He appointed man, it is true, lord of the world; but he expressly subjects the animals to him, because they having an inclination or instinct of their own, seem to be less under authority from without. Some of the Hebrews thus distinguish between "cattle" and "beasts of the earth," that the cattle feed on herb age, but that the beasts of the earth are they which eat flesh. I know not why the Greeks have chosen to render the word vtere>wma, which the Latins have imitated in the term, "firmamentum"; for literally it means expanse. Let it suffice for us, that herbs and the fruits of trees were given them as their common food; yet it is not to be doubted that this was abundantly sufficient for their highest gratification. Let the astronomers possess their more exalted knowledge; but, in the meantime, they who perceive by the moon the splendour of night, are convicted by its use of perverse ingratitude unless they acknowledge the beneficence of God. All Rights Reserved. The sun an moon supply us with light: And, according to our notions we so include this power to give light in them, that if they were taken away from the world, it would seem impossible for any light to remain. "Raqiya means "an expanse. he possessed the fulness of the Spirit. The Son of God, one with the Father, was with him when he made the world; nay, we are often told that the world was made by him, and nothing was made without him. Download a Three Year Torah Reading Schedule Three Year Torah Reading Cycle Commentary on Genesis Commentary on Exodus Commentary on Leviticus Commentary on Numbers Commentary on Deuteronomy Purchase a Hardcopy! Nor, in truth, was he ignorant of the fact, that the moon had not sufficient brightness to enlighten the earth, unless it borrowed from the sun; but he For it appears opposed to common sense, and quite incredible, that there should be waters above the heaven. God had before created the light, but he now institutes a new order in nature, that the sun should be the dispenser of diurnal light, and the moon and stars should shine by night. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. Here he commemorates that part of dignity with which he decreed to honour man, namely, that he should have authority over all living creatures. But we can see thatGenesis is a very old book. For Moses relates how beneficent the Lord had been to them, in bestowing on them all things which they could desire, that their ingratitude might have the less excuse. When we sin we often do so with the futile hope that we shall obtain the maximum amount of pleasure at the minimum penalty. When God in the beginning created the heaven and the earth, the earth was empty and waste. I know not whether there is anything solid in the opinion of some who hold that this is said, because the image of God was only shadowed forth in man till he should arrive at his perfection. Yet Moses has not affixed to the work of this day the note that "God saw that it was good:" perhaps because there was no advantage from it The power of God's providence preserves all things, and fruitfulness is the effect of his blessing. For this doubt might occur to the mind, how such a disorderly heap could stand; seeing that we now behold the world preserved by government, or order. Still that pure and lawful method of increase, which God ordained from the beginning, remains firm; this is that law of nature which common sense declares to be inviolable. For Moses here addresses himself to our senses, that the knowledge of the gifts of God which we enjoy may not glide away. Genesis 1:10 10 God called the dry land earth, and the a gathering of the waters He called seas; and God saw that it was good. Prophets But Moses expresses more than before; for he adds "me'od," that is, very. Historical Books Flesh and spirit, heaven and earth, must be put together in him. Man was made last of all the creatures: this was both an honour and a favour to him. range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed I answer, that what Moses before expressed on a similar occasion is here also to be understood, although he does not repeat it word for word. To expound the term "beginning", of Christ, is altogether frivolous. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. For astronomy is not only pleasant, but also very useful to be known: it cannot be denied that this art unfolds the admirable wisdom of God. Does not Moses directly exclude all creatures in express terms, when he declares that Adam was created after the image of God? Malachi also means the same thing when he relates, (Mal 2:15,) that one man was created by God, whilst, nevertheless, Wisdom Literature Therefore nothing remains for us, but to acquiesce in this judgment of God. The arrangement was that his wife would let him out after she was insi… wont boldly to reject whatever is unknown to them. A major theme in the stories of Genesis 12-50 is how God overcomes obstacles in order to keep these promises." Although Moses did not intend here to prescribe a rule which it would be criminal to violate; yet (as we have now said) he accommodated his discourse to the received custom. Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. For me it is sufficient that the plural number expresses those powers which God exercised in creating the world. Thus we are instructed to seek from God alone whatever is necessary for us, and in the very use of his gifts, we are to exercise ourselves in meditating on his goodness and paternal care. Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise), Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Sign up for the Verse of the Day. Let God's people cast their care upon him, and not be troubled about what they shall eat, and what they shall drink. In fact, Genesis is a very carefulaccount, which teaches the main principles i… Since Adam and Eve, believing in the existence of the true God and His Word has been the principal challenge affecting the quality of life mankind thinks it must have for happiness and prosperity. Pentateuch Yet, however this may be, God certainly did not intend that man should be slenderly and sparingly sustained; but rather, by these words, he promises a liberal abundance, which should leave nothing wanting to a sweet and pleasant life. Genesis: Overview. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point I shall not be very solicitous about the exposition of these two epithets, "tohu", and "bohu". 7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. The Gospels -------------------- Gen 1:15. end that our minds might the more easily be retained in the meditation of God's works: so now, for the purpose of commending to our attention the dignity of our nature, he, in taking counsel concerning the creation of man, testifies that he is about to undertake something great and wonderful. No nation but that of the Jews can be sure from which of these seventy it has come. "Last week we read about the wonderful promises God made to Abram (Gen 12:1-3). And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. "And the Spirit of God." This command he himself executed. His understanding saw Divine things clearly and truly; there were no errors or mistakes in his knowledge; his will consented at once, and in all things, to the will of God. But confutation is easy: for they are called signs of certain things, not signs to denote whatever is according to our fancy. -------------------- There is an ancient tradition that Moses wasthe author. I must, however, in a few words, state the reason why Moses calls them signs; because certain -------------------- Truly there are many things in this corrupted nature which may induce contempt; but if you rightly weigh all circumstances, man is, among other creatures a certain preeminent specimen of Divine wisdom, justice, and goodness, so that he is deservedly called by the ancients "mikrokosmos", "a world in miniature." The New Testament EXEGESIS: GENESIS 12-20. -------------------- one day and the beginning of another, followed this mode of reckoning. Prophets Read more Share Copy Show footnotes A service of Faithlife / Logos Bible Software . "Cattle." Get beautiful Bible art delivered to your inbox. But if that chaos required the secret inspiration of God to prevent its speedy dissolution; how could this order, so fair and distinct, subsist by itself, unless it derived strength elsewhere? Wherefore the Apostles rightly prove the Deity of Christ from hence, that since he is the Word of God, all things have been created by him. Even immediately after the fall of man, it had already begun to bring forth degenerate and noxious fruits, but at the deluge, the change became still greater. I will, in the first place, state what (in my judgment) Moses intended. If new-created unto the image of God in holiness, we shall at length enter the "new heavens and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.". So that, with respect to species, form only was then added to them; but creation is nevertheless a term truly used respecting both the whole and the parts. Because Moses declares that the sun and moon were appointed for signs, they think themselves entitled to elicit from them anything they please. Gen 1:9. Gen 1:16. This impure caviler asserts, that the first beginning of the Word was when God commanded the light to be; as if the cause, truly, were not prior to its effect. "And God blessed them." either that the spirit moved and agitated itself over the waters, for the sake of putting forth vigour; or that He brooded over them to cherish them. John Trapp Complete Commentary. But how is this image of God upon man defaced! For God does not, after the manner of men, pray that we may be blessed; but, by the bare intimation of his purpose, effects what men seek by earnest entreaty. "And let them have dominion." We burn our Master's candles, but do not mind our Master's work. other in turn through the whole circuit of the world; or whether the darkness occupied one half of the circle, while light shone in the other. Yet it may be inquired, why He does not here also add his benediction? God said, Let there be light; he willed it, and at once there was light. Lastly men were clothed in skins; therefore it was lawful for them to kill animals. The reiterated mention of the image of God is not a vain repetition. "And God called the light". See God's plan for marriage, His relationship with His people, His judgment of the wicked, and His salvation of the righteous. Gen 1:1. The Jews make themselves altogether ridiculous, in pretending that God held communication with the earth or with angels. (26-28) Food appointed. this title. inquisitive persons abuse this passages to give colour to their frivolous predictions: I call those men Chaldeans and fanatics, who divine everything from the aspects of the stars. What Moses says however, admits a double interpretation; either that this was the evening and morning belonging to the first day, or that the first day consisted of the evening and the morning. ? I have said, that Moses does not here subtilely descant, as a philosopher, on the secrets of nature, as may be seen in these words. Moses has it Elohim, a noun of the plural number. Therefore his meaning is, that the world was made out of nothing. The Old Testament Commentary, Genesis 18:1-15 [21:1-7], Mark Throntveit, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2008. Historical Books 9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was … But although there should appear no other reason but that it so pleased God, would it not be becoming in us to acquiesce in his judgment? The opinion of some that it means the wind, is too frigid to require refutation. May the Lord renew it upon our souls by his grace! Prophets — Thou thinkest to conceal it; but the evidence against thee is clear and incontestable: the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth from the ground — He speaks as if the blood itself were both witness and prosecutor, because God’s own knowledge testified against him, and God’s own justice demanded satisfaction. Let us, therefore, know that we are dwelling on dry ground, because God, by his command, has removed the waters that they should not overflow the whole earth. shine forth. Indeed, I do not doubt that Moses, after he had named Behemoth, (cattle,) added the other, for the sake of fuller explanation. Instead, the woman simply said, “Get up, Gilbert.” The speaker was none other than the woman’s husband.I probably feel the same way about introductions as “Gilbert” does. (20-25) Man created in the image of God. For the experiment itself teaches, that the force of the word which was addressed to the fishes was not transient, but rather, being infused into their nature, has taken root, and constantly bears fruit. The lists of names of fathers and sons were preserved of the Jews alone, for the sake of the Messiah. In the meantime, let us admire this wonderful Artificer, who has so beautifully arranged all things above and beneath, that they may respond to each other in most harmonious concert. They who deny that this is effected by the wonderful providence of God, are vainly inflated with the folly of their own minds. By 'reptiles,' in this place, understand those which are of an earthly nature. Nor does David rashly recount this among His miracles, that God layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters, (Psalm 104:31;) and he elsewhere calls upon the celestial waters to praise God, (Ps. For what David declares concerning the heavens, ought also to be extended to the earth; that it was. www.easyenglish.bible. General Epistles In the mind perfect intelligence flourished and reigned, uprightness attended as its companion, and all the senses were prepared and moulded for due obedience to reason; and in the body there was a suitable correspondence with this internal order. The day and the night are the Lord's; let us use both to his honour, by working for him every day, and resting in him every night, meditating in his law both day and night. The Third Day. Luke-Acts Wisdom Literature -------------------- Pentateuch The author was not merely collecting ancient stories. The faith of humble Christians understands this better than the fancy of the most learned men. The true God is the Author of the Bible, and He used His sovereign authority to determine the revelations it contains and the sequence in which they are given. He descends to the sixth day, on which the animals were created, and then man. Therefore by this word the perfection of our whole nature is designated, as it appeared when Adam was endued with a right judgment, had affections in harmony with reason, had all his senses sound and well-regulated, and truly excelled in everything good. All his works, in all places of his dominion, bless him; and therefore, bless thou the Lord, O my soul. The Whole Bible Poetical Books Gen 1:11. We do not: our light does not shine before God, as his lights shine before us. "In the beginning." -------------------- This also is an illustrious miracle, that the waters by their departure have given a dwelling-place to men. Gen 1:6. Genesis 1:10 Context. But far otherwise must we think concerning the Word of God, namely, that he is the Wisdom dwelling in God, and without which God could never be; the effect of which, however, became "Let them be for signs." From what we see of heaven and earth, we learn the power of the great Creator. But Augustine, beyond all others, speculates with excessive refinement, for the purpose of fabricating a Trinity in man. Therefore I regard what he immediately subjoins that "darkness was upon the face of the abyss," as a part of that confused emptiness: because the light began to give some external appearance to the world. Major Prophets An EasyEnglish Bible Version and Commentary (2800 word vocabulary) on the Book of Genesis. And she again bare his brother Abel. And truly a longer inquiry into a matter open and manifest is superfluous. Luke-Acts The use of the plural number intimates that this authority was not given to Adam only, but to all his posterity as well as to him. (1,2) The creation of light. When we come to think about our works, we find, to our shame, that much has been very bad; but when God saw his work, all was very good. God certainly might here command by his bare word what he wished to be done: but he chose to give this tribute to the excellency of man, that he would, in a manner, enter into consultation concerning his creation. And, truly, the Lord, although he is the Author of nature, yet by no means has followed nature as his guide in the creation of the world, but has rather chosen to put forth such demonstrations of his power as should constrain us to wonder. For he has joined the man to his wife, that they might produce a divine, that is, a legitimate seed. Moses describes the special use of this expanse, to divide the waters from the waters from which word arises a great difficulty. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. Let us rather conclude that God himself took the space of six days, for the purpose of accommodating his works to the capacity of men. This further difficulty is also to be encountered, namely, why Paul should deny the woman to be the image of God, when Moses honours both, indiscriminately, with reception of men, and would prove a suitable abode for them. © 2021 Christianity.com. Major Prophets deemed it enough to declare what we all may plainly perceive, that the moon is a dispenser of light to us. Apart from its marketing potential, the icon helps us to remember that it … Continue reading "Commentary on Genesis 18:1-10a" Prophets But it seems futile for God to address fishes and reptiles. And God said. It may even hence be inferred, that the offspring of animals was included. And to this David Wherefore, although thou art, in a sense, constituted the father of the earthly family, it is not for thee to be overanxious about the sustenance of animals.'. Gen 1:26. Luke-Acts But he does it for our sake, to teach us that God has made nothing without a certain reason and design. For the correction of this fault, God applied the most suitable remedy when he distributed the creation of the world into successive portions, that he might fix our attention, and compel us, as if he had laid his hand upon us, to pause and to reflect.