Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. NHEB
In this day and age, we tend to think in terms of history or science when we read this opening verse but this wasn’t the intent of the author. Same is true for the early church as it was more concerned with who and why rather than how. This is first and foremost a text about God that is given to us to help us understand who He is.
There is a time when only God existed. That changes at the moment of creation. Some commentators maintain that the word is more properly translated as “in beginning” but such a wording would only slightly re-order the sentence structure of the first three verses without changing the meaning. The Hebrew word translated here as “beginning” shows up later in the books of the Torah as referring to “first” as in first fruits. Our takeaway from all of this is that history has a beginning and it starts at creation.
The word translated as God is Elohim. Ellicott’s Commentary notes that this is a plural form (of Eloah) but is used here with a singular verb. (It is used with a plural verb when used to refer to pagan gods). The point of this plural usage is that all powers belong to a single God, i.e., “the” God. This stands in stark contrast to the polytheistic religions surrounding Israel. For many of these polytheistic peoples, the world is a battle between the good god and the bad god with an uncertain outcome as to the winner. These religions have complicated back stories for their gods and creation but there is none of that here as what we are given is a simple, straightforward declaration of fact.
Elohim is is both God of creation and the One who also befriends us. He stands for order and justice but also for love. Our tendency is to see love in a circular fashion but the love of God is different. God isn’t lonely and in need of love rather His love is an arc with no expectation of it being returned.
In his commentary on Genesis, Adam Clarke quotes eminent Rabbi Simeon ben Joachi on Elohim:
“Come and see the mystery of the word Elohim; there are three degrees, and each degree by itself alone, and yet notwithstanding they are all one, and joined together in one, and are not divided from each other.”
The Hebrew word “bara” translated as “created” is mostly used in connection with some action of God. God created everything from nothing. If not, then God is co-eternal. For many, the combination of this singular verb with the plural Elohim suggests the Trinity. As is so often the case, there are others who will argue against such an interpretation with John Calvin expressing a concern that this could lead some into the heresy of thinking of God as three separate personages. Nonetheless, it is an interesting thought particularly in light of our recently concluded study of Mark where the scribes and Pharisees were unable to comprehend that the Scriptures pointed to Jesus as the Messiah.
Isaiah 55: 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 9“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. NHEB
This first verse in Genesis isn’t just about reality and space as it can also be seen as spiritual versus physical. Theologian A.M. Hunter talked about one world versus two world people. Those on the one world side only see what is physically in front of them while Biblical people are two world people who acknowledge both a spiritual world and a material world.
Creation is one of the places where we are going to bump into God as it reveals Him to us. That is, there is an awareness of God that exists outside of Scripture. (That being said, not everything about God is apparent which is why we need the Bible).
Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech, and night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice has gone out to all the earth, their words to the farthest part of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a strong man rejoicing to run his course. 6His going forth is from the end of the heavens, his circuit to its ends; There is nothing hidden from its heat. 7 The LORD’s Law is perfect, restoring the soul. The LORD’s testimony is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The LORD’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. The LORD’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever. The LORD’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether. WEB
Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse. WEB