{Bible Journal, Jan. 17, 2026}

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep…(Genesis 1:1-2).

Lord, these words seem so simple, yet grasping their deeper meaning is another matter entirely. I’ve read, that in Hebrew storytelling form, the first verse is the summary, In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth., and the rest of chapter 1 is the step-by-step process.

In that process, You created in six days and rested on the seventh. You lovingly led by example, and in this provided us with the example of a work week. We may need to rest but You certainly did not.

There was light from eternity past, for You are light and in You is no darkness (1 John 1:5). You form the light and created darkness (Isaiah 45:7).

But what of “the deep?” I understand it is tehom in Hebrew, apparently referencing an abyss, a surging mass of water, possibly the main sea or subterranean water supply. The deep is also mentioned in the flood, when the fountains of the great deep burst forth (Genesis 7:11).

Answers in Genesis described that the earth had no structure yet at this time. The Institute of Creation, described, “the earth material was suspended in a matrix of water (the deep), including the water itself and the earth material.”

This brings to my mind the potter and the clay. I’ve seen demonstrated the amazing craftsmanship of an excellent potter. But the potter needs to start with the clay.

But You created (bara in Hebrew) the deep from nothing. I see the deep (tehom), as Your clay. You are the Master Potter, and You created the deep, Your clay, ex nilo (out of nothing).