Genesis 1:9-10 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together to one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.… I. THE SEA. "Let the waters...unto one place." 1. The method of their location. Perhaps by volcanic agency. 2. The degree of their proportion. If the sea were smaller, the earth would cease to be verdant and fruitful, as there would not be sufficient water to supply our rivers and streams, or to distil upon the fields. If the sea was larger, the earth would become a vast uninhabitable marsh, from the over abundance of rain. Hence, we see how needful it is that there should be a due proportion between the sea and dry land, and the wisdom and goodness of the Creator, in that it is established so exactly and beneficently. 3. The extent of their utility. They not only give fertility to the earth, but they answer a thousand social and commercial purposes. II. THE DRY LAND. 1. The dry land was made to appear. The land had been created before, but it was covered with a vast expanse of water. Even when things are created, when they merely exist, the Divine call must educate them into the full exercise of their utility, and into the complete manifestation of their beauty. So it can remove the tide of passion from the soul, and make all that is good in human nature to appear. 2. It was made to be verdant. "And let the earth bring forth grass." The plants now created are divided into three classes: grass, herb, and tree. In the first, the seed is not noticed, as not obvious to the eye. In the second, the seed is the striking characteristic. In the third, the fruit. This division is simple and natural. 3. It was made to be fruitful. "And the fruit tree yielding fruit." The earth is not merely verdant and beautiful to look at, but it is also fruitful and good for the supply of human want. Nature appears friendly to man, that she may gain his confidence, invite his study, and minister to the removal of his poverty. III. AND IT WAS GOOD. 1. For the life and health of man. 2. For the beauty of the universe. 3. For the commerce and produce of the nations. (J. S. Exell, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. |
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