The book of Genesis has neither preface, title, date of publication, nor name of author. In original Hebrew it was designated by its first word (in beginning), but afterward the name Genesis was given to it. It is a record of beginnings; of the world, of man, of sin, of salvation. The chief aim of the author is to write the history of the establishment of the kingdom of God upon the earth. It is an account of the founding of the spiritual kingdom and it is the basis of all Scripture.

Many things that the scientist seeks to understand are omitted from the Genesis record, but the author of Genesis omits nothing that is necessary for a clear conception of the origin of God's chosen people through whom God revealed himself. Had the church kept in view the purpose of the writer of Genesis she might have saved herself from many unhappy conflicts with science. He aims to reveal God's majesty and power as Creator and Controller of the universe and leaves the question of physical science for others to settle.

I. THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE (Gen. 1:1, 2). In the beginning, before the creation of light, by which time is measured, God created the universe. It was a confused mass, without form and void. Darkness prevailed over this chaotic mass, but into the darkness the Divine Spirit found his way and brooded over the lifeless chaos, bringing life and order.

II. THE SIX DAYS OF WORK (Gen. 1:3-31).

1. First Day.— The creation of light was first in order of creation, for life and order depend upon light. God fixed the boundaries between light and darkness, thus introducing day and night as it has continued ever since.

2. Second Day.— God brought order to the chaos of waters by separating the waters above from the waters beneath by an expanse or firmament.

3. Third Day.— God brought order upon the face of the earth. The waters which hitherto had covered the earth were collected and the land appeared, and God clothed it with vegetation.

4. Fourth Day.— Light was created on the first day, but on the fourth day the sun, moon and stars were placed in the heavens to distribute light upon the face of the earth.

5. Fifth Day.— The fish of the sea and the fowls of the air were made and God provided for the preservation and continuance of life.

6. Sixth Day.— On this day God first created land animals, and then wrought the crowning work— the creation of man. So important was this work that there seems to have been a pause, and all the heavenly host was summoned as witnesses. This image of God, in which man was made, exalts him above all creatures and furnishes him intellectual and moral qualities. God created man from the dust of the earth and breathed in him the breath of life. Genesis 2:4-7 gives a second account of the creation of man. At first the earth was barren, without moisture and with no one to till the ground. The rain was sent, man and woman were created and placed in the garden to dress and keep it.

III. THE INSTITUTION OF THE SABBATH (Gen. 2; 1-3). All things had been created and God rested from his creative activity. Then he blessed the seventh day and set it apart as a special day to celebrate the work of the week. The Creation-Sabbath ought to remind us constantly that one-seventh of our time ought to be sanctified to worship.

QUESTIONS.

• What is omitted from Genesis?

• Of what is it a record?

• What was the aim of the author?

• What was the condition of the world when first created?

• What brought life and order?

• What was created on the first day?

• On the second day?

• On the third day?

• On the fourth day?

• On the fifth day?

• On the sixth day?

• What did God do on the seventh day?

REVIEW.

I. Creation of the Universe. 4004 B. C.

II. The Six Days of Work.

1. Light.

2. Firmament.

3. Land and Vegetation.

4. Luminaries.

5. Fish and Fowls.

6. Land Animals and Man.

III. Institution of the Sabbath.