Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the Earth being given to man is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the divine intention for humanity's role and responsibility within creation. This theme is introduced in the early chapters of Genesis and is reiterated throughout Scripture, emphasizing the stewardship and dominion entrusted to mankind by God.Creation and Dominion The foundational text for understanding the Earth as given to man is found in Genesis 1:26-28. Here, God declares His intention to create humanity in His own image and grants them dominion over the Earth: "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.'" (Genesis 1:26). This passage establishes the unique position of humans as stewards of God's creation, tasked with ruling and caring for the Earth. The Garden of Eden In Genesis 2:15, the Lord God places Adam in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it" . This directive underscores the responsibility given to man to cultivate and maintain the land, highlighting the partnership between humanity and the Creator in sustaining the world. The Fall and Its Consequences The fall of man, as described in Genesis 3, introduces a distortion of the original harmony between humanity and the Earth. The ground is cursed because of Adam's disobedience, resulting in toil and hardship: "Cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life" (Genesis 3:17). Despite this, the mandate to steward the Earth remains, albeit now with increased difficulty. The Covenant with Noah Following the flood, God reaffirms His covenant with Noah and his descendants, reiterating the blessing and dominion originally given to Adam. In Genesis 9:1-3, God commands Noah and his sons to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth" and grants them authority over all living creatures. This renewal of the covenant signifies the continued divine intention for humanity to govern the Earth responsibly. The Psalms and Wisdom Literature The Psalms frequently reflect on the relationship between humanity and the Earth. Psalm 8:6-8 celebrates the honor bestowed upon man: "You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet: all sheep and oxen, and even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas" . This poetic expression reinforces the theme of dominion and stewardship. The New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the theme of the Earth given to man is echoed in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Romans 8:19-21 speaks of creation eagerly awaiting the revelation of the sons of God, indicating a future restoration where humanity's role in creation will be fully realized. This eschatological hope points to a time when the Earth will be renewed and humanity's stewardship will be perfected. Stewardship and Responsibility Throughout Scripture, the Earth is portrayed as a gift from God to humanity, accompanied by the responsibility to manage it wisely and justly. This stewardship is not merely a privilege but a divine mandate that calls for care, respect, and sustainable use of the Earth's resources. The biblical narrative consistently affirms that while the Earth is given to man, it ultimately belongs to God, and humans are accountable to Him for their management of it. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 115:16The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD's: but the earth has he given to the children of men. Nave's Topical Index Library Why we Believe the Bible. The Christian Church Man's Place in the World. From the Creation to the Fall. Days of Heaven Upon Earth The Friend Whose Years do not Fail. Rev. W. Arthur, MA Man and Machinery. The Lone Man who Went Before The Addition in the Codex, with a Various Reading. These Words Speaketh Solomon, the Son of David the King and ... Resources What is the age of the earth? How old is the earth? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any evidence for the Bible's view of a young earth? | GotQuestions.org What is young earth creationism? | GotQuestions.org Earth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Earth: Ancient Notions Concerning Earth: Created by God by Christ The Earth: Burning at God Presence The Earth: Created to be Inhabited The Earth: Diversified by Hills and Mountains The Earth: Full of God's Glory The Earth: Full of God's Goodness The Earth: Full of God's Mercy The Earth: Full of God's Riches The Earth: God: Governs Supremely The Earth: God: Laid the Foundation of The Earth: God: Makes Fruitful The Earth: God: Shall be Exalted In The Earth: God: Suspended in Space The Earth: Ideas of the Ancients Respecting the Form of The Earth: Made to Mourn and Languish by Sin The Earth: Man by Nature is of The Earth: Man by Nature Minds the Thing of The Earth: Man: Brought a Curse On The Earth: Man: Given Dominion Over The Earth: Man: Shall Return To The Earth: Melting at God's Voice The Earth: Not to be Again Inundated The Earth: Saints Shall Inherit The Earth: Satan Goes to and Fro In The Earth: Shall be Filled With the Knowledge of God The Earth: Shining With God's Glory The Earth: Subject to God's Judgments The Earth: The Dry Land As Divided from Waters The Earth: The World in General The Earth: To be Dissolved by Fire The Earth: Trembling Before God Related Terms |
    |