What do you think the Bible refers to when it says that "God made the two great lights." What are these great lights that are being described?
More than likely, your first thought is that these great lights refer to the sun and moon.
I would venture to say that this presumption is correct, and many scholars agree.
It might be good, however, to look back upon past verses in Genesis. This is not the first moment in which light is spoken of in the creation story. (Gen. 1:3, Gen. 1:4, Gen. 1:5)
What do you believe it means for 'light' to be created at two distinctly different times?
First, I think it becomes quite obvious that they are not the same thing simply being created twice. But to understand a little further, I find it important to look at the original Hebrew of the words we are comparing.
In Genesis 1:3-5, the root Hebrew word used for light is 'owr. This word has many, many different definitions. There are definitions focusing upon physical light, but there are also definitions such as "light of life, light of prosperity, light of instruction" and other such non-physical lights.
In Genesis 1:14-16, however, the root Hebrew word used for light and lights is Ma'owr. Obviously, these two Hebrew words have a connection, but they are rather different. The definition of Ma'owr simply means "light" or "luminary." This means that the light described in the verse we just read purely relates to physical light (as we had presumed).
How, then, are we supposed to view the light described in Genesis 1:3-5? Looking at the Hebrew, what do you think God created in these verses?
Personally, I believe it is difficult for us to fully know. Looking into the Hebrew of the words darkness and night for Genesis 1:3-5 and Genesis 1:14-18 yield the same two Hebrew words (Choshek and Layil, respectively), both of which have physical and non-physical connotations.
If we conclude that we might never find this answer (unless we choose to ask God when finally in His presence), what then are we to learn from this verse? What is declared about God?
Read the verse again. What stands out to you?
The Hebrew word for govern, Memshalah, is also described as rule or authority. We have seen already that God has the power to create and the power to name. In this verse, God is not only showing that He himself is the Ultimate Authority, but that He has the power to grant authority.
How does this affect your view of who God is? Has God ever placed you in a position of authority? Did you see it that way -- as authority that God had granted or given to you? How does that impact the way you treat your position of authority?
Please share your thoughts in the comments!
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