Genesis 1:17

And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,

And God {H430} set {H5414} them in the firmament {H7549} of the heaven {H8064} to give light {H215} upon the earth {H776},

God put them in the dome of the sky to give light to the earth,

God set these lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth,

And God set them in the firmament of heaven to give light upon the earth,

Commentary

Genesis 1:17 continues the unfolding narrative of God's majestic work on the fourth day of creation, focusing on the divine placement and purpose of the celestial bodies He had just brought into existence.

Context

This verse directly follows the creation of the "two great lights" (the sun and moon) and the stars, as detailed in Genesis 1:16. God's act of "setting them in the firmament of the heaven" underscores His deliberate and orderly nature. The "firmament" itself was established earlier on Day Two of creation, separating the waters above from the waters below. Thus, Genesis 1:17 completes the purpose for which these lights were made, placing them within the cosmic structure God had already designed.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment and Purpose: The phrase "God set them" highlights the intentionality behind creation. The sun, moon, and stars were not randomly formed or placed; they were strategically positioned by the Creator for a specific, ongoing function within His design for the earth.
  • Provision of Light and Order: Their primary function is stated as "to give light upon the earth." This light is crucial for sustaining life, distinguishing day from night (Genesis 1:14), and enabling the processes of life. The consistent setting of these celestial bodies demonstrates the foundational order and stability God established in the cosmos.
  • Sustenance and Blessing: The provision of light is a fundamental blessing, enabling visibility, warmth, and the processes necessary for flora and fauna to thrive. It speaks to God's benevolent nature in providing for His creation.

Linguistic Insights

The term "firmament" in KJV is translated from the Hebrew word raqia (רקיע). This word implies an "expanse," "stretched-out canopy," or "vault." It does not necessarily denote a solid dome but rather the vast space, atmosphere, and heavens where the celestial bodies are located. This understanding helps clarify that the biblical account describes the functional purpose and appearance of the sky rather than a literal, material structure.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of God's meticulous and purposeful design. Just as He intentionally placed the sun, moon, and stars for a specific function vital to life on Earth, so too does He have a unique purpose for every individual. We are called to seek and live out our God-given purpose within His vast and ordered creation.

The consistent provision of light through these celestial bodies also speaks to God's faithfulness and the reliability of His natural laws. This divine order brings comfort and assurance, pointing to a Creator who sustains His creation daily, as beautifully declared in Psalm 19:1: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 8:3 (7 votes)

    ¶ When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

  • Psalms 8:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent [is] thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

  • Job 38:12 (1 votes)

    ¶ Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; [and] caused the dayspring to know his place;

  • Acts 13:47 (-1 votes)

    For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

  • Genesis 9:13 (-1 votes)

    I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.