Unveiling the Mystery: Days Before Sun on Day 4 in Genesis

How Could There Be Literal Days Before the Sun on Day 4 in Genesis?

In the book of Genesis, it is mentioned that God created light and separated it from darkness on the first day of creation. This implies that the Earth was already rotating in relation to the created light, allowing for a cycle of day and night. It is important to note that the concept of a day as we understand it today, with a rotation of the Earth and light coming from a specific source like the sun, was not necessary for God to create days.

God, as the creator, has the power to create light without relying on a secondary source. In fact, the Bible tells us that in the new heavens and new Earth, there will be no need for the sun or moon because God Himself will be the source of light (Revelation 21:23). In Genesis, God defines day and night in reference to the presence or absence of light.

Some proponents of progressive creationism argue that the days mentioned in the creation account are long periods of time rather than literal 24-hour days. However, this interpretation weakens when we consider that the sun was created after the Earth. If these days were meant to represent long periods of time, God could have used different words to distinguish them from normal days. The creation of the sun on the fourth day significantly undermines attempts to reconcile the Bible with billions of years.

Furthermore, some suggest that what happened on Day 4 was that the sun and other celestial bodies "appeared" when a dense cloud dissipated after millions of years. However, this is not only a scientific fantasy but also a poor understanding of Hebrew exegesis. The Hebrew word 'asah, which is translated as "made," is consistently used throughout Genesis 1. It can be interchanged with 'bara', meaning "create" out of nothing, as seen in Genesis 1:26-27.

It is not logical to assign a different meaning to the same word, in the same grammatical construction, within the same passage, solely to align with atheistic evolutionary ideas like the Big Bang. If God had intended to convey the idea of "appeared," He would have used the Hebrew word for "appear" (ra'ah), just as it is used when dry land "appeared" when the waters gathered on Day 3 (Genesis 1:9). Multiple translations clearly state that the sun, moon, and stars were created on the fourth day.

The evidence that these days are ordinary days is so compelling that even scholars of ancient Hebrew with liberal tendencies admit that the author of Genesis had no other intention than to present them as such. This is particularly evident when considering that the words "evening" and "morning" are used from the first day (see Chapter 2 of the Book of Answers for more information).

On Day 4, God established the present system with temporary light bearers for the Earth. This arrangement goes against pagan views that tend to worship the sun as the source of life. God clearly explains that the sun is secondary to Him as the Creator and source of everything. He does not "need" the sun to create "life" (in contrast to theistic evolutionary beliefs). This unusual order of creation, with light preceding the sun, adds authenticity to the biblical account. If the Bible had been a product of human editors, as many critics claim, they would have modified the writings to align with their understanding. The astronomical fact that a day-night cycle requires light and rotation was discovered relatively recently. Having a "day" without the sun would have been inconceivable to ancient people.

Why This Matters

Understanding the timing and sequence of events in Genesis is crucial for Christians who believe in a young Earth and a literal interpretation of Scripture. It helps us develop a coherent worldview that aligns with the Bible's teachings and principles. By exploring how God created light before the sun and establishing the concept of a day without relying on our current understanding of celestial bodies, we can appreciate His creative power and transcendence over natural processes. This perspective also challenges the prevailing secular narrative that dismisses the biblical account of creation as incompatible with scientific knowledge.

Think About It

Consider the implications of God creating light before the sun. How does this challenge your understanding of the natural order and God's sovereignty? Reflect on the significance of God being the ultimate source of light and life, independent of physical objects like the sun. How does this impact your view of creation and your relationship with God as the Creator?