Genesis 1:7

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.

And God {H430} made {H6213} the firmament {H7549}, and divided {H914} the waters {H4325} which {H834} were under {H8478} the firmament {H7549} from the waters {H4325} which {H834} were above {H5921} the firmament {H7549}: and it was so {H3651}.

God made the dome and divided the water under the dome from the water above the dome; that is how it was,

So God made the expanse and separated the waters beneath it from the waters above. And it was so.

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.

Commentary

Genesis 1:7 KJV describes a pivotal moment on the second day of creation, where God establishes the firmament, effectively separating the waters above from the waters below. This act is crucial for creating the atmospheric space necessary for life on Earth, showcasing God's meticulous design and sovereign power in bringing order to the cosmos.

Context

This verse continues the unfolding narrative of creation, following God's initial command for the firmament in Genesis 1:6. The entire creation account in Genesis 1 presents a theological masterpiece, emphasizing God as the sole Creator who speaks the universe into existence with intentionality and purpose. Before this day, the earth was "without form, and void" (Genesis 1:2), and the establishment of the firmament is a key step in shaping a habitable world.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Structure: God is not creating haphazardly but with precise intention, establishing distinct boundaries and regions within the cosmos. The firmament creates a defined space, demonstrating God's blueprint for the universe.
  • Separation as a Creative Act: A recurring motif in Genesis 1 is God's act of separation to bring order. Just as God separated light from darkness on Day One (Genesis 1:4), here He divides the waters. This highlights God's ability to distinguish and organize elements, transforming chaos into a structured environment.
  • The Firmament's Purpose: This division creates the atmospheric space โ€“ the sky โ€“ which is essential for life on Earth. It is the vast expanse where birds would later fly and where the celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars would be placed on Day Four (Genesis 1:14-19).
  • God's Effective Word: The phrase "and it was so" reiterates the immediate and absolute power of God's spoken word in creation. This theme of God speaking things into being is evident throughout the entire creation narrative.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "firmament" is raqia (ืจึธืงึดื™ืขึท). This term literally means "an expanse" or "something stretched out or hammered out." While ancient cosmologies sometimes envisioned a solid dome, the biblical usage here emphasizes a vast, open space or canopy that separates the atmospheric heavens from the celestial waters above it. The act of "divided" comes from the Hebrew verb badal (ื‘ึธึผื“ึทืœ), which consistently signifies separation, distinction, or setting apart, reinforcing the theme of God bringing order through clear boundaries and classifications.

Practical Application

Genesis 1:7 reminds us of God's meticulous design and sovereign control over all creation. It teaches us that our world, from its vast skies to its intricate ecosystems, is not a product of chance but of intentional divine craftsmanship. This instills trust in God's ability to bring order out of chaos in our own lives and to provide for all our needs within the framework He has established. It encourages us to appreciate the structured beauty of the natural world as a testament to its Creator and to recognize His power to separate and define in our spiritual lives as well.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 148:4 (13 votes)

    Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that [be] above the heavens.

  • Proverbs 8:28 (13 votes)

    When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

  • Proverbs 8:29 (13 votes)

    When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

  • Matthew 8:27 (7 votes)

    But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

  • Genesis 1:9 (3 votes)

    ยถ And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry [land] appear: and it was so.

  • Job 38:8 (2 votes)

    Or [who] shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, [as if] it had issued out of the womb?

  • Job 38:11 (2 votes)

    And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?