“And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.”
Genesis 1:19 is part of the narrative in the first chapter of the Bible that describes the creation account. It specifically refers to the fourth day of creation when God establishes the lights in the heavens.
To fully grasp the significance of this verse, let’s examine the context by looking at the preceding verses:
- 14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
- 15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
- 16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
- 17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
- 18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
- 19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.” (Genesis 1:14-19, KJV)
This section of Scripture highlights the creation of the sun, moon, and stars—the celestial bodies that would serve as markers for time and seasons, as well as sources of light for the earth. On the fourth day, God placed the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament of the heavens.
The mention of “the evening and the morning” indicates the passing of a full day in the creation narrative. It is important to note that in the Hebrew understanding of time, a day begins in the evening and concludes with the following evening. This pattern of “evening and morning” is repeated after each day of creation, emphasizing the completion of a distinct period of time.
Genesis 1:19 acts as a summary statement for the fourth day, affirming that the events described in the previous verses took place during that specific timeframe. It emphasizes the order and sequence of God’s creative work, presenting a structured account of the creation process.
This verse reminds us of God’s intentionality and purpose in creating the celestial bodies. They serve as a demonstration of His power and design, providing light and order to the earth. The sun, moon, and stars are not mere objects but divine instruments established by God to govern the day, night, and the passage of time.
Genesis 1:19 also lays the foundation for the subsequent days of creation, as the narrative continues to unfold. It sets the stage for the introduction of plant life on the third day and the creation of living creatures on the fifth and sixth days.
In conclusion, Genesis 1:19 (KJV) marks the completion of the fourth day of creation, highlighting the establishment of the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament of the heavens. It underscores God’s deliberate design and order in the cosmos and sets the stage for the subsequent stages of creation.
