Topical Bible: The Earth: The Dry Land As Divided from Waters

◄ The Earth: The Dry Land As Divided from Waters ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of "The Earth" as the dry land separated from the waters is rooted in the biblical account of creation, as described in the Book of Genesis. This division is a fundamental aspect of the created order, reflecting God's sovereign power and purposeful design.

Creation Account

In the Genesis creation narrative, the separation of dry land from the waters is a key event on the third day of creation. Genesis 1:9-10 states: "And God said, 'Let the waters under the heavens be gathered into one place, so that the dry land may appear.' And it was so. God called the dry land 'earth,' and the gathering of waters He called 'seas.' And God saw that it was good." This passage highlights the intentional act of God in organizing the chaotic waters into distinct bodies, allowing the dry land to emerge as a habitable space for future life.

Theological Significance

The division of land and water underscores the orderliness and intentionality of God's creation. It reflects His authority over the natural world and His ability to bring structure and purpose out of chaos. The emergence of dry land is not merely a physical phenomenon but a theological statement about God's providence and the establishment of a world suitable for human habitation and stewardship.

Symbolism and Imagery

Throughout Scripture, the imagery of land and water carries deep symbolic meaning. The dry land often represents stability, security, and the place of human dwelling, while the sea can symbolize chaos, danger, and the unknown. This dichotomy is evident in various biblical narratives, such as the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41), where God's control over the waters reaffirms His power and protection.

Human Stewardship

The emergence of dry land also sets the stage for humanity's role as stewards of creation. In Genesis 1:28 , God commands humanity to "fill the earth and subdue it," entrusting them with the responsibility to care for and cultivate the land. This stewardship is a divine mandate that reflects humanity's unique position in creation, tasked with managing the earth's resources in accordance with God's will.

Eschatological Hope

The division of land and water also carries eschatological implications. In the prophetic visions of the new creation, such as those found in Isaiah 65:17 and Revelation 21:1, the renewal of the earth involves a transformation where the chaos of the sea is no more, symbolizing the ultimate peace and order of God's restored creation. This hope for a new heaven and a new earth underscores the continuity and fulfillment of God's original creative purposes.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of the earth as dry land separated from waters is a profound testament to God's creative power, His establishment of order, and His provision for human life. It serves as a foundation for understanding humanity's role in creation and the ultimate hope for a renewed world under God's sovereign reign.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 1:10
And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Six Days' Work Described.
... And God made the firmament, and divided the waters ... And the waters were gathered together
into their places ... And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xi the six days work.htm

Upon the Gathering Together of the Waters.
... be gathered together, and let the dry land appear." The ... the most hollow part of the
earth and not ... have incessantly succeeded each other and divided time into ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily iv upon the gathering.htm

The Beginning of Things. Away Back in the Beginning of Things God ...
... first it was all dark, and the earth had no ... Then God divided the waters, so that
there were clouds ... gathered together by themselves, and the dry land rose above ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter i the beginning of.htm

Allegorical Explanation of the Sea and the Fruit-Bearing Earth ...
... Thou hast made it, and Thy hands prepared the dry land. ... before Thee (being by other
bounds divided from the ... a secret and sweet spring, that the earth may bring ...
/.../chapter xvii allegorical explanation of the.htm

'Clear Shining after Rain'
... Two months and a half passed before the highest land emerged; two months more ... a month
and twenty-seven days more before 'the earth was dry.' The frequent ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/clear shining after rain.htm

Thanks to Thee, O Lord. ...
... doth consist, we see light made, and divided from the ... in dew; and those heavier waters
which flow along the earth. ... fields of the sea; and the dry land both void ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xxxii thanks to thee.htm

Of the Particular Works of God, More Especially of Man.
... creation consisteth, we see light made, and divided from the ... and those which being
heavy flow along the earth. ... plains of the sea; and the dry land both void ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxxii of the particular works.htm

Whether the Lights Ought to have Been Produced on the Fourth Day?
... so that heaven was formed on the first day; on the second day the waters were separated;
and on the third day, the earth was divided into sea and dry land. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the lights ought to.htm

Li. Gratitude.
... Jordan, on their way into the Promised Land, out of the ... and all the Israelites passed
over on dry ground, until ... had stood, and plant them in the earth, on the ...
/.../baring-gould/the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/li gratitude.htm

A Path in the Sea
... But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of ... The sea is not divided
in a moment. ... and accomplices, is cleared from off the face of the earth? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a path in the sea.htm