Day 3:  Genesis 1:9-13 - The Waters

Introduction

The creation narrative in Genesis 1 is a foundational text for Judeo-Christian thought, encapsulating profound theological and cosmological insights. Verses 9-13 of Genesis 1 describe the third day of creation, focusing on the gathering of waters, the emergence of dry land, and the creation of vegetation. To explore these verses in depth, we will draw on the scholarly approaches of Michael Heiser and Dwight Pryor, both of whom offer unique perspectives on biblical texts. Heiser’s expertise in ancient Near Eastern contexts and Pryor’s emphasis on Hebraic thought provide complementary lenses through which to examine this passage.

Then Elohim said, “Let the water under the sky come together in one area, and let the dry land appear.” And so it was. Elohim named the dry land earth. The water which came together he named sea. Elohim saw that it was good. Then Elohim said, “Let the earth produce vegetation: plants bearing seeds, each according to its own type, and fruit trees bearing fruit with seeds, each according to its own type.” And so it was. The earth produced vegetation: plants bearing seeds, each according to its own type, and trees bearing fruit with seeds, each according to its own type. Elohim saw that they were good. There was evening, then morning—a third day. Genesis 1:9-13 (Names of God Bible)

The Gathering of Waters and Emergence of Land (Genesis 1:9-10)

There is a strong ancient Near Eastern (ANE) context to the Hebrew Bible. In examining Genesis 1:9-10, we can clearly see parallels between the biblical creation narrative and other ANE creation myths, such as the Enuma Elish. In these myths, the separation of waters and the establishment of dry land are common themes. However, the Bible is unique in spelling out the relational aspects of creation. The gathering of the waters and the appearance of dry land are not merely acts of divine power but are also acts of divine preparation.

The creation of habitable space signifies YHWH’s (God's) provision and care for future inhabitants. Right at the very beginning of it all the land, ‘ha’eretz’, is central to the narrative. The land is where YHWH’s people will dwell and where they will fulfil their covenantal responsibilities.

The command in Genesis 1:9, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear,” can be seen as a demarcation of cosmic order from chaos. In ANE cosmology, the waters often represent chaos and disorder, while dry land signifies order and habitability. By gathering the waters and revealing the dry land, YHWH is depicted as a sovereign who brings order to the cosmos, a theme also reflected in other ANE literature.

This act of gathering the waters is a divine assertion over chaos, emphasising YHWH’s supreme authority.

The Hebrew word for ‘gathered’ (קָוָה, qavah) implies an intentional act of collection and organisation. This act of gathering the waters is a divine assertion over chaos, emphasising YHWH’s supreme authority. The naming of the dry land as ‘Earth’ (אֶרֶץ, eretz) and the waters as ‘Seas’ (יַמִּים, yamim) further underscores YHWH’s sovereign act of creation, as naming in the ancient world often implied dominion and authority.

Creation of Vegetation (Genesis 1:11-12)

As noted above, there are ANE parallels throughout the creation narrative. However, there is also clear distinctiveness in the biblical text. The command for the earth to bring forth vegetation introduces the idea of fertility and life-sustaining provisions. This creation of vegetation would be viewed through the lens of divine provision and covenantal blessings. The emergence of vegetation is not only a demonstration of YHWH’s creative power but also a sign of His provision for future inhabitants.

The phrase “plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed” underscores the self-sustaining nature of creation. In ANE thought, fertility and agriculture were often associated with various deities and their favour. However, the biblical text attributes the power of fertility directly to the command of ‘Elohim’. This distinction sets the biblical narrative apart by highlighting the unique creativity to ‘Elohim’.

The literary structure and repetition in these verses is compelling. The repeated phrase “according to its kind” (לְמִינֵהוּ, leminayhu) emphasises the ordered and intentional nature of creation. This ordering reflects a designed complexity and an inherent structure within creation, pointing to the wisdom and intentionality of the Creator. I would suggest that there is a covenantal significance of the phrase “each according to its kind.” In Hebraic thought, this ordering reflects the boundaries and distinctions that Elohim (God) establishes within creation. These boundaries are essential for maintaining the harmony and balance of the created order.

The emphasis on seeds and fruit-bearing trees also has theological implications in Hebraic thought. Seeds represent potential and future growth, signifying the promise of continuity and the sustaining of life. In the context of the covenant, this imagery resonates with the promises made to the patriarchs about their descendants and the land they would inhabit.

Seeds represent potential and future growth, signifying the promise of continuity and the sustaining of life.

That creation has an inherent goodness to it is demonstrated in the words “Elohim saw that they were good”. This statement reinforces the idea that creation, in its ordered and purposeful state, reflects Elohim’s goodness and faithfulness. The goodness of creation is a testimony to Elohim’s character and His intentions for His covenant people. And it is not merely a statement about the material world but also a theological affirmation of Elohim’s ongoing relationship with His creation. It signifies harmony, purpose, and the divine intention for creation to flourish.

Comparative Insights

By examining Genesis 1:9-12 through these twin lenses, we gain a richer understanding of the text. With inclusion of the ANE context and comparative mythology highlighting the uniqueness of the biblical creation narrative in its monotheistic assertion and theological depth there are clear themes of divine sovereignty, order from chaos, and the intentionality of creation. Allied to this, the Hebraic perspective and covenant theology brings out the relational and provisionary aspects of the text. These insights highlight the covenantal implications of the creation narrative, focusing on Elohim’s provision, the significance of land, and the ordered structure of creation as reflections of divine faithfulness.

Together, these perspectives provide a holistic view of Genesis 1:9-12, enriching our appreciation of its theological and cosmological dimensions.

Theological Implications

The study of Genesis 1:9-12 reveals several key theological themes:

Divine Sovereignty and Order: The gathering of waters and the emergence of dry land underscore God’s sovereign power to bring order out of chaos. This theme is central to the biblical portrayal of YHWH as the ultimate ruler of the cosmos.

Provision and Sustenance: The creation of vegetation highlights Elohim’s provision for His creation. The self-sustaining nature of plants and trees, yielding seeds and fruit, reflects Elohim’s care and foresight in ensuring the flourishing of life.

Covenantal Relationship: The emphasis on land and vegetation has covenantal overtones. The land is where the Elohim’s people will dwell and fulfil their covenantal responsibilities. The vegetation, with its potential for growth and sustenance, symbolises the Elohim’s ongoing provision and the promise of future blessings.

Goodness of Creation: The repeated declaration that creation is “good” reflects Elohim’s satisfaction and approval. This goodness is not merely about material well-being but also signifies the harmonious and purposeful order of creation as intended by Elohim.

This goodness is not merely about material well-being but also signifies the harmonious and purposeful order of creation as intended by Elohim.

Conclusion

Genesis 1:9-12 reveals a multifaceted understanding of the creation narrative, enhancing our appreciation of the biblical text’s distinctiveness and theological depth and turning our attention to Hebraic thought and covenant theology, which underscores the relational and provisionary aspects of the narrative.

Together, these perspectives illuminate the richness of the biblical creation account, highlighting themes of divine sovereignty, order, provision, covenant, and the inherent goodness of creation. This holistic understanding invites us to reflect on the theological and cosmological significance of these foundational verses, deepening our appreciation of the biblical portrayal of the Elohim’s creative work.

Further Study

For those interested in exploring these themes further, the following resources are recommended:
• Michael Heiser’s ‘The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible’ offers insights into the ancient Near Eastern context and its relevance for understanding the Bible.
• Dwight Pryor’s teachings, available through the Center for Hebraic Thought, provide valuable perspectives on Hebraic thought and its application to biblical studies.
• ‘Genesis: Translation and Commentary’ by Robert Alter provides a literary and theological analysis of the Genesis text, enhancing our understanding of its narrative and thematic elements.
By engaging with these resources, readers can deepen their understanding of Genesis 1:9-12 and its significance within the broader biblical and theological framework.