Bible Commentaries

The opening sentence of the Book of Genesis is an interpretation of the fact "that what is seen hath not been made out of things which do appear" (Hebrews 11:3), and accounts for the things which are seen. The whole chapter, and, indeed, all subsequent Scripture, must be read in the light of this statement as to origins. This sentence is followed immediately by a declaration, without detail, of a cataclysm which overtook the earth. It then proceeds to show how the God who created, restored the earth to fruitfulness and order. God is here revealed in the threefold fact of His existence. The chaotic earth is seen held in the embrace of the Spirit, who is described as brooding over it. The Word of God is heard expressing the will of God. Thus God is seen speaking the purpose of His mind in word and doing His will though the activity of the Spirit.

The purpose of this restoring process is seen in the creation of an entirely new being, Man. This being is revealed as having direct relationship with God, being made in His image and likeness. Here the deepest truth concerning man's nature, that of its spirituality, is not declared. Consequently there is here no reference to his moral nature, except as both these may be implied in the fact of his being in the image and likeness of God. The chapter reveals a universe rooted in the thought and activity of God, and of man as being His offspring. The acceptation of these declarations gives to the mind a sense of the majesty of all being, thus creating a radiant background against which the darkness of subsequent history will be seen and understood more clearly. Any other view of the universe and man fails to understand the real nature of evil.