Day 4: Genesis 1:14-19 - Lights in the Sky

 “Then Elohim said, ‘Let there be lights in the sky to separate the day from the night. They will be signs and will mark religious festivals, days, and years. They will be lights in the sky to shine on the earth.’ And so it was. Elohim made the two bright lights: the larger light to rule the day and the smaller light to rule the night. He also made the stars. Elohim put them in the sky to give light to the earth, to dominate the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. Elohim saw that it was good. There was evening, then morning—a fourth day.” (Gen 1:14-19, Names of God Bible)

Introduction

In the realm of biblical scholarship, Genesis 1:14-19 describes the fourth day of creation where Elohim (traditionally interpreted as God) creates the celestial bodies. This passage holds profound theological and cosmological significance in reflecting Elohim’s order and provision in the universe. As such, this is a pivotal text and we explore Genesis 1:14-19 through a lens that has been greatly informed by an in-depth study of the early parts of Genesis with Dr John Andrews, former principal of Mattersey that began in the summer of 2022, and my own studies informed by the work of Michael S. Heiser and Dwight Pryor, both scholars of blessed memory.

It is fair to say that John Andrews and I had some significant difference in our reading of the text. This difference became more marked in these verses. However, we walked as brothers in Christ and appreciated, I hoped, the insights of each other's approach. This study is an attempt to offer an integrated linguistic, historical, and theological perspective giving a nuanced understanding of these foundational biblical passages.

Creation of the celestial bodies

Genesis 1:14-19 marks a pivotal point in the creation narrative. Elohim creates the sun, moon, and stars, which serve multiple purposes: to provide light, to separate day from night, and to mark time through signs, seasons, days, and years.

But the function of these celestial bodies is more than mere light sources; they play a critical role in demarcating sacred time and seasons. Within the Ancient Near Eastern context, the celestial bodies were often associated with deities in neighbouring cultures. This insight is essential for understanding these verses. However, Genesis distinctly portrays them as creations of Elohim, rather than being objects of worship.

I am going to use this opportunity to highlight a quite unique phenomenon in Genesis.

There is an untranslated, and untranslatable, word ET or Aleph Tav אֶת , right the way through the creation process. I have incorporated the Hebrew text of Genesis 1:16 below highlighting ‘ET’ in a sky blue (appropriate I feel) and also the proximity to ‘Elohim’ highlighted in yellow.

Genesis 1:16 (Elohim made the two bright lights: the larger light to rule the day and the smaller light to rule the night. He also made the stars.)

וַיַּ֣עַשׂ אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֶת־שְׁנֵ֥י הַמְּאֹרֹ֖ת הַגְּדֹלִ֑ים אֶת־הַמָּא֤וֹר הַגָּדֹל֙ לְמֶמְשֶׁ֣לֶת הַיּ֔וֹם וְאֶת־הַמָּא֤וֹר הַקָּטֹן֙ לְמֶמְשֶׁ֣לֶת הַלַּ֔יְלָה

וְאֵ֖ת הַכּוֹכָבִֽים׃

There is significant scholarly debate over this pair of letters. Allow me to share one theory that I personally lean into. In the Hebrew alphabet the first letter is Aleph - אֶ, the 22nd and last letter is, Tav - ת. It is the equivalent to our own A & Z, or A - Z or, as the New Testament would write it, Alpha and Omega. It is Jesus who is described as the Alpha and the Omega. Therefore, it follows that He is also the Aleph and the Tav. Is it possible that the untranslated and untranslatable word is actually a hint, or steer, that Jesus Himself is actively engaged in the creation process? It is an idea that I particularly like, particularly when the ‘et’ follows on directly from Elohim, as it does continuously throughout the Hebrew text, but particularly within the creation chapters of Genesis.

Signs and Seasons

The Hebrew phrase ‘for signs and for seasons’ (1 Gen 1:14 KJV), ‘moedim’, highlights the practical and spiritual functions of the heavenly bodies – as emphasised in many translations now. For the Jewish understanding of these signs and seasons extends beyond mere agricultural markers. They are seen as divinely instituted signs for the appointed times in the Jewish calendar, such as Sabbaths and festivals.

This interpretation is reinforced by the Hebrew term ‘moedim,’ which denotes appointed times. Given that many Jewish festivals are linked to the moon (Passover, Succoth and Purim, the full moon; Rosh HaShannah the new moon; and Shavuot and Hanukah the quarter moon) it is consistent to see celestial movements as being linked to the rhythm of religious life and worship.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the creation of the sun, moon, and stars underscores Elohim’s sovereignty and intentional design. By placing these luminaries on the fourth day, the biblical narrative contrasts sharply with other ancient creation myths where celestial bodies were gods themselves. Genesis demythologises these entities, presenting them as instruments in Elohim’s creative order.

There is also a regularity and predictability of celestial movements which reflects Elohim’s faithfulness and constancy, as so graphically spelt out in Jeremiah 31:5 and Psalm 136:7-9. The sun’s daily rising and setting, the moon’s phases, and the stars’ fixed positions all serve as constant reminders of YHWH’s unchanging nature and His ongoing provision for His creation.

It is also worth noting that the Fallen Angels, or the Watchers, who Genesis Chapter 6 verses 1-4 records as coming down, are invariably linked with the planets in our galaxy. We see this phenomenon in the names of the false gods of the nations in history – examples include Mars, Jupiter, Venus – and right down to today, where we see modern occult practices using similar names in their rites. There is significance in the fact that important signs of Elohim’s creation are subverted into motifs and identities of the Adversary.

Historical Context

In the Ancient Near East, astronomical phenomena were often imbued with religious significance. The biblical author deliberately distances the Genesis account from surrounding mythologies by emphasising that the sun, moon, and stars are created by Elohim and serve humanity rather than ruling over it. This polemical stance asserts the supremacy of YHWH over any celestial deities worshipped by Israel’s neighbours and clearly positions YHWH as the Creator.

Practical Applications

Genesis 1:14-19 offers several practical applications. The recognition of God’s order in creation invites believers to trust in His providence and care. The regularity of celestial cycles can be seen as a metaphor for God’s reliability in the believer’s life. Additionally, the passage encourages a view of creation that respects and honours the natural world as a testament to YHWH’s glory and creativity.

Conclusion

Genesis 1:14-19, through the creation of the celestial bodies, reveals profound truths about God’s nature and His relationship with the world. This combination of viewpoints presented in this study enriches our understanding by highlighting the historical context, theological depth, and practical significance of these verses. The sun, moon, and stars are not only functional elements of the cosmos but also powerful symbols of YHWH’s order, provision, and faithfulness.