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I. THE HEAVENLY BODIES WERE CALLED INTO EXISTENCE BY GOD.

1. Their magnitude.

2. Variety.

3. Splendour.

II. THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THE HEAVENLY BODIES ARE DESIGNED.

1. They were to be for lights. They are unrivalled, should be highly prized, faithfully used, carefully studied, and devotionally received. These lights were regnant.

(1)  Their rule is authoritative.

(2)  It is extensive.

(3)  It is alternate.

(4)  It is munificent.

(5)  It is benevolent.

(6)  It is welcome. A pattern for all monarchs.

2. They were made to divide the day from the night. Thus the heavenly bodies were not only intended to give light, but also to indicate and regulate the time of man, that he might be reminded of the mighty change, and rapid flight of life. But the recurrence of day and night also proclaim the need of exertion and repose; hence they call to work, as well as remind of the grave.

3. To be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years. The moon by her four quarters, which last each a little more than seven days, measures for us the weeks and months. The sun, by his apparent path in the sky, measures our seasons and our years, whilst by his daily rotation through the heavens he measures the days and the hours; and this he does so correctly that the best watchmakers in Geneva regulate all their watches by his place at noon; and from the most ancient times men have measured from sun dials the regular movement of the shadow. It has been well said that the progress of a people in civilization may be estimated by their regard for time — their care in measuring and valuing it. Our time is a loan. We ought to use it as faithful stewards.

III. A FEW DEDUCTIONS FROM THIS SUBJECT.

1. The greatness and majesty of God. How terrible must be the Creator of the sun. How tranquil must be that Being who has given light to the moon. One glance into the heavens is enough to overawe man with a sense of the Divine majesty.

2. The humility that should characterize the soul of mall. "When I consider the heavens, the work of Thine hand," etc.

(J. S. Exell, M. A.)

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KJV: And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

WEB: God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of sky to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years;