Observe here. 1. The effect produced, The heaven and the earth — That is, the world, including the whole frame and furniture of the universe. But 'tis only the visible part of the creation that Moses designs to give an account of. Yet even in this there are secrets which cannot be fathomed, nor acco... [ Continue Reading ]
Where we have an account of the first matter, and the first Mover. 1. A chaos was the first matter. 'Tis here called the earth, (tho' the earth, properly taken, was not made 'till the third day, Genesis 1:10) because it did most resemble that which was afterwards called earth, a heavy unwieldy mass.... [ Continue Reading ]
We have here a farther account of the first day's work. In which observe, 1. That the first of all visible beings which God created was light, the great beauty and blessing of the universe: like the first — born, it doth, of all visible beings, most resemble its great parent in purity and power, bri... [ Continue Reading ]
We have here an account of the second day's work, the creation of the firmament. In which observe, 1. The command of God; Let there be a firmament — An expansion; so the Hebrew word signifies, like a sheet spread, or a curtain drawn out. This includes all that is visible above the earth, between it... [ Continue Reading ]
The third day's work is related in these verses; the forming the sea and the dry land, and making the earth fruitful. Hitherto the power of the Creator had been employed about the upper part of the visible world; now he descends to this lower world, designed for the children of men, both for their h... [ Continue Reading ]
This is the history of the fourth day's work, the creating the sun, moon and stars. Of this we have an account, In general, verse Genesis 1:14, Genesis 1:15. where we have, The command given concerning them. Let there be lights in the firmament of heaven — God had said, Genesis 1:3 Let there be ligh... [ Continue Reading ]
Each day hitherto hath produced very excellent beings, but we do not read of the creation of any living creature till the fifth day. The work of creation not only proceeded gradually from one thing to another, but advanced gradually from that which was less excellent, to that which was more so. 'Twa... [ Continue Reading ]
We have here the first part of the sixth day's work. The sea was the day before replenished with fish, and the air with fowl; and this day are made the beasts of the earth, cattle, and the creeping things that pertain to the earth. Here, as before, (1.) The Lord gave the word: he said, Let The earth... [ Continue Reading ]
We have here the second part of the sixth day's work, the creation of man, which we are in a special manner concerned to take notice of. Observe, That man was made last of all the creatures, which was both an honour and a favour to him: an honour, for the creation was to advance from that which was... [ Continue Reading ]
We have here the third part of the sixth day's work, which was not any new creation, but a gracious provision of food for all flesh, Psalms 136:25. — Here is, 1. Food provided for man, Genesis 1:29. herbs and fruits must be his meat, including corn, and all the products of the earth. And before the... [ Continue Reading ]
We have here the approbation and conclusion of the whole work of creation. Observe, The review God took of his work, he saw every thing that he had made — So he doth still; all the works of his hands are under his eye; he that made all sees all. The complacency God took in his work. When we come to... [ Continue Reading ]