that Scripture connects with that period are not so limited as those which are from or

since the overthrow of the world, and since the ages. We do not know what Astronomy

has to say about the firmament and the waters that are above it, but we have the

revelation of Him who "stretched out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of

His chambers in the waters", and we know His Word is Truth.

Any attempt to indicate the bearing that the six days' creation has upon the purpose of

the ages, would be lacking in completeness if no reference was made to the work of the

fourth day. We considered in our last paper the object for which the firmament was

made, and the present paper deals with the heavenly bodies that were appointed therein to

rule the day and the night, to give light upon the earth, to divide the light from the

darkness, and to be for signs and for seasons, and for days and for years. The familiar

name sun does not occur in Gen. 1:, indeed not till Gen. 15: is the name referred to. The

name moon is not mentioned until Gen. 37: The titles of Gen. 1: are "the greater

light" and "the lesser light". It must be remembered that the stars are linked with these

two great lights in connection with their appointment. It should not read as in the A.V.,

"He made the stars also", as though the stars are a kind of afterthought; the words, "the

stars also," must read on from the words, "to rule the night." This is seen to be true by

reading Psa. 136: 8, 9:--

The sun is mentioned six times in Genesis, and each reference has special relation to

the covenant purpose of God. There is no ordinary every day reference to the sun in this

book. The first mention is in Gen. 15: The sun is going down, and the darkness which

follows is symbolical of Israel's night in Egypt. Gen. 19: 23 speaks of the sun's rising--

here it is blessing. Lot enters Zoar and is safe. Again the sun sets. In Gen. 28: 11

Jacob has left his home, and becomes a stranger and a wanderer. In his sleep he has the

vision of the steps up to heaven; here he receives the blessing and covenant of Abraham,

and he calls the place Bethel. Gen. 32: 31 ends the night of wrestling, Jacob

newly-named Israel passes over Penuel, the sun rises upon him and he is safe. The last

reference is that which comes in Joseph's dream. The sun, the moon, and the eleven stars

make obeisance to him, foreshadowing not only his own personal elevation to the throne

of Pharaoh, but that of the Lord Jesus Christ at His second coming.