How does Genesis 1:10 connect to God's sovereignty in Psalm 95:5? Setting the Scene in Genesis 1:10 • “God called the dry ground ‘land,’ and the gathering of the waters He called ‘seas.’ And God saw that it was good.” (Berean Standard Bible) • Scripture presents the creation of land and sea as an authoritative act: God speaks, matter obeys, boundaries appear. • The verse affirms: – God alone defines reality (naming “land” and “seas”). – Creation responds immediately and perfectly to His word. – What He makes is inherently “good,” reflecting His perfect will. Psalm 95:5—A Sovereign Reminder • “The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land.” (Berean Standard Bible) • The psalmist recalls the same creative division and uses it to anchor worship in God’s ownership. • Key emphases: – Possession: “is His” underscores perpetual ownership. – Craftsmanship: “His hands formed” highlights intentional design and omnipotence. – Worship basis: because He created, He has the right to rule and receive praise. The Direct Connection • Same elements, same order: land and sea in Genesis become land and sea in Psalm 95. • Genesis records the inaugural act; Psalm 95 reflects on that act as ongoing proof of God’s kingship. • By citing creation, Psalm 95:5 shows that sovereignty is not assumed but historically grounded in God’s literal deeds. Implications for Understanding Sovereignty • God’s right to rule rests on His role as Maker. • Ownership is not temporary; the One who spoke boundaries into existence still upholds them. • The moral authority evident in Genesis (“it was good”) undergirds the call to submit joyfully in Psalm 95. Living Out the Truth Today • Recognize God’s ultimate authority whenever we see oceans or landscapes—visual testimonies of Genesis 1:10. • Approach worship with the humble certainty that the One we praise is the same Creator celebrated in Psalm 95:5. • Rest in the stability of God’s rule: the land and sea remain under His command, so every aspect of life can safely trust His governance. |