Genesis 1:2a
Genesis 1:2 - “Now the earth was unformed and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of God hovered over the face of the waters.” (Soncino Press)
Introduction
It is the geocreationist view that Genesis 1:2 is a historical statement of a moment that occurred approximately 3.9 billion years ago. The mainstream scientific theories about that time, taking into account discoveries about zircon crystals, suggest that the earth had enough water for a worldwide ocean, but was experiencing a heightened level of meteor impacts. These impacts were large enough to periodically vaporize the ocean, and possibly even blow away significant amounts of the carbon dioxide that was gathering in the early atmosphere. The impacts also could have been significant enough to magmatize the now-exposed floors, creating conditions over 800°C. The cooling that followed would see more carbon dioxide enter the atmosphere (perhaps slowing the cooling), and the reforming of the ocean, as the air could not sustain all of the water blown into it by the latest large meteor. Granted, there remains some uncertainty in the scientific community about the exact conditions and events, there do appear to be some conclusions we can draw.
“unformed”
The earth was an ocean planet with no visible land, and no constant form. It was a mere starting point really, something God was about to form into something truly wonderful. But, God had not formed it yet. For now, it was unformed, or formless as some Bible translations say.
“void”
It wasn’t until 3.85 Ga that the earliest known microbial life emerged. However, 3.9 Ga, there was no life to our knowledge. The earth was devoid of all life. The earth was void.
“darkness”
With a thin atmosphere and dim sun, the sky was not bright like today. It was dark, and with only oceans to speak of, the sky’s darkness could be seen upon the deep from any point in the world… within the sunlight and without.
Conclusion
Genesis 1:2a is a literal and accurate description of the earth, 3.9 billion years ago.
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November 29th, 2006 at 12:54 am
[…] geocreationism.com Geo-Creationism - Showing harmony between secular science and scripture « Genesis 1:2a […]
December 5th, 2006 at 6:40 pm
[…] For the geological evidence, look back at our discussion of Genesis 1:2a. The basic conclusion is that Genesis 1:2 is a record of the Holy Spirit, with Jesus in tow, hovering over an ancient ocean 3.9 Ga (billion years ago). As stated in scripture, the earth was literally formless, and void, there was darkness (i.e., a dark sky) over the deep, and the Holy Spirit was hovering over it. […]
December 17th, 2006 at 6:34 pm
[…] We know that in Genesis 1:1 the entire terrestrial body and the earth were initially created; scientifically, we know this to be 4.5 billion years ago (Ga). We know that in Genesis 1:2, the earth had not yet undergone the formation of succeeding verses, and the earth had no life. We know that in fact the earth was covered in water, that the water was covered in darkness, and that Jesus was with the Holy Spirit, hovering over those waters; scientifically, we know this to be 3.9 billion years ago, and that conditions existed that prevented the darkness from permanently leaving, large meteors, to be specific. We know that in Genesis 1:3, at God’s command, Jesus stopped the meteor onslaught and “let there be light”. As outgassing resumed, and sunlight hitting the earth started scattering throughout a new atmosphere, finally causing slowly brightening sky, God saw that light, and saw that it was good. Finally, we know scientifically that only half the earth was in the sun’s view at any one time, and in fact Genesis 1:4 records there was a separation between the light side of the earth and the dark. And then we come Genesis 1:5. […]