The phrase "everything in them" is often used in the Bible to denote the totality of creation, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the comprehensive nature of His creative work. This expression underscores the belief that all things within the heavens and the earth are under God's dominion and were created by His command.

Creation and Sovereignty

In the account of creation found in Genesis, God is depicted as the ultimate Creator of the universe. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational verse sets the stage for the understanding that everything within the heavens and the earth is a product of God's creative power. The phrase "everything in them" is a reminder of the completeness of God's creation, as seen in passages like Nehemiah 9:6, which declares, "You alone are the LORD. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all things, and the host of heaven worships You."

Divine Ownership and Authority

The Bible frequently emphasizes God's ownership and authority over all creation. Psalm 24:1 states, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." This verse highlights the belief that everything within the earth belongs to God, reinforcing His ultimate authority over all creation. The phrase "everything in them" serves as a testament to God's rightful ownership and His ongoing involvement in the world.

Worship and Praise

The totality of creation is often called to worship and praise God, acknowledging His majesty and power. In Psalm 148, the psalmist calls upon all creation to praise the LORD, including the heavens, the earth, and everything within them. Verses 7-10 state, "Praise the LORD from the earth, all great sea creatures and ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, powerful wind fulfilling His word, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, crawling creatures and flying birds." This call to worship reflects the belief that all of creation is designed to glorify God.

Human Stewardship

While God is the ultimate owner of everything in creation, humanity is given the responsibility of stewardship. Genesis 1:28 records God's command to Adam and Eve: "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth." This mandate implies that humans are to care for and manage the earth and everything within it, acting as stewards of God's creation.

Eschatological Fulfillment

The phrase "everything in them" also points to the eschatological hope of the restoration and renewal of creation. In the New Testament, the book of Revelation envisions a future where God's sovereignty is fully realized, and creation is restored to its intended glory. Revelation 21:1 describes a new heaven and a new earth, where God dwells with His people, and everything within them is made new. This vision underscores the belief in God's ultimate plan to redeem and restore all of creation.

In summary, the phrase "everything in them" encapsulates the biblical themes of God's creative power, divine ownership, the call to worship, human stewardship, and the hope of eschatological fulfillment. It serves as a reminder of the comprehensive nature of God's work and His ongoing relationship with all of creation.