Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical account of creation, the term "day" is used to describe the distinct periods during which God fashioned the universe and all it contains. The concept of a "day" as a creative period is primarily derived from the Genesis creation narrative, where the term is employed to delineate the stages of God's creative work.Genesis Account The Book of Genesis opens with the majestic account of creation, where God brings the cosmos into existence. The narrative is structured around a series of six "days," each marked by divine acts of creation. Genesis 1:5 states, "God called the light 'day,' and the darkness He called 'night.' And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day" . This pattern of evening and morning continues throughout the six days, suggesting a structured and purposeful progression of creation. Interpretation of "Day" The Hebrew word for "day" used in Genesis is "yom," which can signify a 24-hour period, but also a longer, indefinite period of time. Conservative interpretations often hold to a literal 24-hour day, emphasizing the power and sovereignty of God to create the world in a structured, orderly fashion. This view underscores the belief in the historical accuracy of the Genesis account and the miraculous nature of creation. The Six Days of Creation 1. First Day: Light is created, separating day from night (Genesis 1:3-5). 2. Second Day: The expanse, or firmament, is formed to divide the waters, creating the sky (Genesis 1:6-8). 3. Third Day: Dry land appears, and vegetation is brought forth (Genesis 1:9-13). 4. Fourth Day: The sun, moon, and stars are created to govern the day and night and to serve as signs for seasons, days, and years (Genesis 1:14-19). 5. Fifth Day: Marine life and birds are created, filling the seas and skies (Genesis 1:20-23). 6. Sixth Day: Land animals and humanity are created, with mankind being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:24-31). The Seventh Day Following the six days of creative activity, God rests on the seventh day, sanctifying it as a day of rest (Genesis 2:2-3). This establishes a pattern for the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, which becomes a central aspect of Jewish and Christian practice. Theological Significance The concept of "day" as a creative period highlights the intentionality and orderliness of God's creation. Each day builds upon the previous, culminating in the creation of humanity, who is given dominion over the earth. This structured approach reflects the wisdom and purpose of God, who declares His creation "very good" (Genesis 1:31). The use of "day" in the creation account also serves as a foundation for understanding time and history from a biblical perspective. It emphasizes the beginning of time as a created entity, governed by God, and sets the stage for the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 1:5,8,13,19,23,31And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 2:2 Library The Main Current of the Reformation Cadman -- a New Day for Missions Consciousness of Messiahship in the Mind of Jesus. --Jesus among ... The Old Testament and Modern Science Christ's Prediction of the Coming of the Kingdom of God, and of ... Return of the Apostles. --Miraculous Feeding of the Five Thousand. ... On the Words, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all Things visible ... The Illusiveness of Life. The Heidelberg Catechism. AD 1563. Mosaic Cosmogony. Resources What is the Sabbath day? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Seventh-day Adventism (SDA), and what do Seventh-day Adventists believe? | GotQuestions.org What is the Lord's day? | GotQuestions.org Day: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day of Gladness Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day of Good Tidings Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day Which the Lord Has Made Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Good Day Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Solemn Day Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Adversity Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Anger Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Calamity Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Darkness Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Destruction Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Evil Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Slaughter Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of The Lord Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Trouble Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Vengeance Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Visitation Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Wrath Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of God's Power Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Redemption Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Salvation Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Visitation Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Break of Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Decline of Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Evening Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Morning Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Noon Day: Artificial, the Time of the Sun's Continuance Above The Day: Day's Journey, Eighteen or Twenty Miles Day: Divided Into Twelve Hours Day: Judgment: A Figure of Spiritual Illumination Day: Judgment: Called the Day of the Lord Day: Later Subdivided Into Twelve Hours Day: Made for the Glory of God Day: Natural, from Evening to Evening Day: Proclaims the Glory of God Day: Sabbath Day's Journey, About Two-Thousand Paces Day: Six Working Days Ordained Day: Sometimes Divided Into Four Parts Day: Succession of, Secured by Covenant Day: Th Sixth Day of the Week Called Preparation Day Day: The First Day of the Week Called the Lord's Day Day: Time of, Ascertained by the Dial Day: Times of Adversity Called Day of the Lord Related Terms Preparation-day (1 Occurrence) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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