The phrase "all that moves in them" is found in the context of the creation narrative in the Book of Genesis, specifically referring to the creatures that inhabit the waters and the skies. This expression highlights the diversity and abundance of life that God created, emphasizing His sovereignty and creative power.

Biblical Context

The phrase appears in Genesis 1:21, which states: "So God created the great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters swarmed, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good" . This verse is part of the broader account of the fifth day of creation, where God fills the seas and skies with living creatures.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Creativity and Order: The phrase underscores the meticulous order and variety in God's creation. Each creature is made "according to its kind," indicating a structured and purposeful design. This reflects the belief in a God who is both creative and orderly, establishing a world that is both beautiful and functional.

2. God's Sovereignty: By creating "all that moves in them," God demonstrates His authority over all life. The creatures of the sea and air are subject to His will, and their existence is a testament to His power and majesty. This sovereignty is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, affirming God's ultimate control over the universe.

3. The Goodness of Creation: The declaration that "God saw that it was good" affirms the inherent goodness of the created order. This goodness is not merely aesthetic but also moral, reflecting God's own nature. The phrase invites believers to appreciate and steward the natural world as a reflection of God's character.

4. Human Responsibility: While the phrase itself does not directly address humanity, it sets the stage for the later mandate given to humans to "fill the earth and subdue it" and to "have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air" (Genesis 1:28). This dominion is understood as a stewardship role, where humans are called to care for and manage God's creation responsibly.

Related Scriptural References

· Psalm 104:24-25: "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" . This psalm echoes the Genesis account, celebrating the diversity and abundance of life in the sea.

· Job 12:7-10: "But ask the animals, and they will instruct you; ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you. Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind" . This passage highlights the testimony of creation to God's handiwork and wisdom.

Conclusion

The phrase "all that moves in them" serves as a reminder of the intricate and purposeful design of God's creation. It calls believers to recognize God's sovereignty, appreciate the goodness of His works, and fulfill their role as stewards of the earth. Through this understanding, the faithful are encouraged to live in harmony with the natural world, honoring the Creator who made all things.