Genesis 1:5

Letters to the Faithful - Genesis 1:5

Berean Standard Bible

God called the light “day,” and the darkness He called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

King James Bible

And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

Hebrew Text:

וַיִּקְרָ֨א אֱלֹהִים ׀ לָאוֹר֙ יֹ֔ום וְלַחֹ֖שֶׁךְ קָ֣רָא לָ֑יְלָה וַֽיְהִי־עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי־בֹ֖קֶר יֹ֥ום אֶחָֽד׃

Transliteration:

Vayikra Elohim la'or yom, ve-lachoshekh kara laylah; vayehi-erev vayehi-boker yom echad.

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God called the light “day,”

In the biblical context, naming signifies authority and dominion. By naming the light "day," God establishes His sovereignty over creation. This act of naming is a recurring theme in Genesis, as seen when Adam names the animals (Genesis 2:19-20). The term "day" here is significant as it sets the pattern for the human understanding of time, which is central to the biblical narrative. Theologically, light often symbolizes God's presence and truth, as seen in John 1:5, where light represents the life and truth of Christ.

and the darkness He called “night.”

Darkness, in contrast to light, often symbolizes chaos, ignorance, or evil in biblical literature. By naming the darkness "night," God asserts control over it, indicating that even darkness is part of His creation and under His authority. This duality of light and darkness is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in Isaiah 45:7, where God declares He forms light and creates darkness, emphasizing His omnipotence.

And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

The phrase "evening and morning" establishes the Jewish understanding of a day, beginning at sunset. This sequence is foundational for the Hebrew calendar and is reflected in the observance of the Sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday evening. The concept of a "day" here has been the subject of much theological debate, particularly concerning the length of the creation days. Some interpret these as literal 24-hour periods, while others see them as symbolic of longer epochs. The "first day" marks the beginning of God's creative work, setting a pattern for the subsequent days of creation. This structure underscores the orderliness of God's creation, contrasting with ancient Near Eastern creation myths that often depict creation as arising from chaos.

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To all who dwell beneath the canopy of God’s creation, to every soul seeking light in the midst of darkness, I greet you in the name of the Almighty, who called the light Day and the darkness Night, establishing the rhythm of time by His sovereign word. From the dawn of creation, when the earth was formless and void, God spoke, and light broke forth, a radiant testimony to His power and goodness. You are not forgotten, beloved, whether you stand in the brightness of hope or walk through the shadows of uncertainty, for the Creator who set the sun in the sky and the stars in their courses knows you by name and holds you in His eternal purpose.

In the beginning, God’s voice pierced the chaos, bringing order and beauty where there was none. His declaration of light was not merely a moment but a promise, a divine act that separated the day from the night and set the foundation for all that lives. You, too, are part of this creation, fashioned by the hands of the One who spoke the world into being. His light shines upon you, illuminating your path and revealing His glory. Do not fear the darkness, for it is but a canvas for His radiance, a reminder that even in the deepest night, His presence is near, and His word is sure.

Live, therefore, as children of the light, reflecting the glory of the God who created you. Let your life be a testimony to His creative power, your words a song of His faithfulness, and your deeds a mirror of His love. The world around you may cling to chaos, chasing shadows that fade with the setting sun, but you are called to walk in the day, to embrace the truth that God’s light never fails. Show kindness to those who stumble, extend mercy to those who fall, and offer hope to those who wander in darkness, for in these acts you reveal the heart of the Creator who delights in His creation.

The rhythm of day and night is a gift, a divine order that teaches us to trust in God’s timing. As the morning follows the evening, so too does His mercy follow His judgment, His grace follow His discipline. Trust in this rhythm, beloved, for it is the heartbeat of creation, a reminder that God’s purposes unfold with perfect precision. In moments of trial, when the night seems long, hold fast to the promise of dawn, for the One who called light into being will bring light to your soul. In seasons of joy, when the day shines bright, give thanks to the One who sustains all things by His word.

You are not bound by the chaos of this world, nor are you defined by its darkness. You are created in the image of God, called to shine as lights in the world, bearing witness to the One who separated the day from the night. Let your faith be bold, your hope unwavering, and your love fervent, for you serve a God whose creative power is matched only by His redeeming love. Walk in the confidence that the same God who spoke light into existence speaks life into your soul, calling you to a purpose that echoes into eternity.

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to live in the light of His presence. Let not the darkness of this age dim your vision, nor its temptations draw you from the path of righteousness. Pray without ceasing, seeking the face of the One who knows the end from the beginning. Share His love with those around you, that they, too, may know the God who brings light out of darkness. May your lives be a reflection of His glory, a testament to His power, and a proclamation of His goodness. To the Creator who called the light Day and the darkness Night, be all glory, honor, and praise, now and forevermore. Amen.

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O Eternal God, Creator of heaven and earth, whose mighty voice called light into being and named it Day, and whose wisdom set apart the darkness and called it Night, we come before You with hearts full of awe and gratitude, seeking Your presence for all Your people scattered across the face of this world. To every soul longing for hope, to every heart navigating the shadows of this life, we lift our voices in fervent prayer, asking that Your radiant light may shine upon them, bringing order to chaos, clarity to confusion, and peace to restless spirits. You are the God who spoke, and it was so, the One whose word sustains all things, and we trust in Your sovereign power to guide and uphold those You have created in Your image.

We pray, Almighty Father, that Your light may pierce the darkness of this world, illuminating the paths of Your people. Where there is fear, let Your presence bring courage; where there is despair, let Your promise bring hope; where there is brokenness, let Your love bring healing. As You separated the light from the darkness in the beginning, so too separate Your people from the chaos of this age, calling them to walk in the brilliance of Your truth. May they know that the night, though it lingers, is but a moment in Your eternal plan, and the dawn of Your mercy is ever near, ready to break forth with the glory of Your grace.

Grant, O Lord, Your strength to those who face trials, that they may see Your hand at work in every season. Let them trust in the rhythm of Your creation, where day follows night, and Your faithfulness never fails. For those who stumble in the shadows of doubt or sorrow, shine the light of Your countenance upon them, revealing Your steadfast love that endures forever. For those who rejoice in the brightness of Your blessings, fill their hearts with gratitude, that they may sing of Your goodness and proclaim Your creative power to all who will hear. May every soul, from every corner of the earth, know that they are seen, known, and cherished by the One who set the stars in their courses.

We lift up Your church, O God, those called to be bearers of Your light in a world that often clings to darkness. Empower them by Your Spirit to shine with the radiance of Your love, to speak with the boldness of Your truth, and to act with the compassion of Your heart. Let their lives be a reflection of Your creative glory, bringing order to chaos, beauty to brokenness, and hope to the hopeless. May they extend kindness to the weary, mercy to the fallen, and grace to the undeserving, that the world may see Your light shining through them, drawing all people to the knowledge of Your salvation.

For those who wander far from You, who have yet to know the light of Your love, we pray that Your Spirit may stir their hearts. Open their eyes to see the beauty of Your creation, their ears to hear the whisper of Your voice, and their souls to receive the life You offer through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Let them find their place in the rhythm of Your grace, where day overcomes night, and Your truth overcomes all falsehood. For those oppressed by injustice, afflicted by sickness, or burdened by grief, we ask that Your light may break through, bringing comfort, healing, and restoration, that they may know You as their refuge and strength.

Keep Your people steadfast, O Lord, rooted in the truth that You are the God who brings light out of darkness. Let them not be swayed by the fleeting shadows of this world nor discouraged by its trials, but let them walk confidently in the day You have made. Fill them with Your Word, that it may dwell richly within them, guiding their steps and fueling their worship. May they pray without ceasing, love without reserve, and hope without wavering, trusting in the One who holds all things together by the power of His word. Let their lives proclaim Your glory, that all may see and know that You are the Creator, the Sustainer, and the Redeemer of all.

We give You thanks, O God, for the gift of Your creation, for the light that shines in the darkness, and for the promise that Your purposes will stand forever. We thank You for Your Son, who is the light of the world, and for Your Spirit, who empowers us to walk in Your truth. May Your people live as children of the day, reflecting Your glory in every thought, word, and deed. To You, who called the light Day and the darkness Night, be all glory, honor, and praise, now and forevermore. In the holy and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, we pray. Amen.