Topical Bible: Water: God Originally: Created Fowls and Fishes From

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In the biblical account of creation, water holds a significant role as the medium from which God brought forth life, particularly the fowls of the air and the fishes of the sea. This creative act is detailed in the Book of Genesis, which serves as the foundational text for understanding the origins of life from a biblical perspective.

Creation of Marine Life and Birds

The narrative of creation in Genesis 1 describes the sequential acts of God as He forms the universe and all living creatures. On the fifth day of creation, God focuses His creative power on the waters and the skies. Genesis 1:20-21 states: "And God said, 'Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.' So God created the great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters teemed, according to their kinds, and every bird of flight according to its kind. And God saw that it was good."

This passage highlights the divine command that initiated the existence of marine life and birds. The waters are depicted as teeming with life, a testament to the abundance and diversity of God's creation. The phrase "according to their kinds" underscores the order and intentionality in God's creative work, suggesting a structured and purposeful design.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

Water, in the biblical context, often symbolizes life, purification, and the sustaining power of God. In the creation narrative, water serves as the primordial element from which life emerges, reflecting its essential role in sustaining all living things. The act of God bringing forth life from the waters can be seen as a demonstration of His sovereignty and creative authority over the natural world.

The creation of birds and fish from the waters also carries theological implications. It signifies the interconnectedness of all creation under God's dominion and the harmony intended in the original order. The abundance of life in the waters and the skies points to God's provision and the richness of His creation.

Continuity in Scripture

The theme of water as a source of life and divine blessing continues throughout Scripture. In the Psalms, the sea and its creatures are often mentioned as part of God's wondrous works. Psalm 104:24-25 declares: "How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. Here is the sea, vast and wide, teeming with creatures beyond number, living things both great and small."

In the New Testament, water retains its symbolic significance, particularly in the context of baptism and spiritual renewal. The waters of baptism represent a cleansing and rebirth, echoing the creative power of God that first brought forth life from the waters.

Conclusion

The biblical account of God creating fowls and fishes from the waters is a profound testament to His creative power and the intricate design of the natural world. Water, as the medium of this creation, symbolizes life, abundance, and the sustaining presence of God throughout the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 1:20,21
And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that has life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sovereignty of God in Administration
... Earth and air, fire and water, hail and snow, stormy ... What then has it pleased God
to reveal to us ... hands, and particularly, over the one who originally was made ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter three sovereignty of god.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... it is customary to abstain from fowls and fish ... drink water shows that he had previously
drunk water. ... commanded to abstain from food, which God created for use ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... renewed after the image of him that created them: Colossians ... oftener seen than is
the grace of God (Psalm 51 ... little fishes swim on the top of the water, but the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... ask what beings and beliefs were originally hidden under ... is Ia, Ea, usually translated
"house," "water-house"; this is ... signs entering into the name of the god. ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... of a regular library, which must originally have contained ... Draw thee water for the
siege, strengthen thy fortresses ... in the omnipotence of their God which had ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... and spiritualized, and had it been originally published in ... the garden, it was the
river of God; that is ... a type of those watering ministers that water the plants ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm