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The word "subdue" is a translation of the Hebrew cabash, and its significance may be
gathered from the fact that its substantival form means a "footstool" (II Chron. 9: 18). In
Neh. 5: 5 it is rendered "to bring into bondage"; and it is the word used by the King
when he exclaims of Haman, "Will he force the Queen?" (Est. 7: 8). The word is also
used of the conquest of Canaan under Joshua (Josh. 18: 1), a subjugation whose rigour
there is no need to quote chapter and verse to prove.
The LXX translates the word "subdue" by kata kurieuo, meaning "to rule
imperiously", "to lord it over", "to get the mastery". Its occurrences in the N.T. will
give further light on its meaning:
"Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them" (Matt. 20: 25;
Mark 10: 42).
"The man in whom the evil spirit was, leaped on them, and overcame them, and
prevailed against them" (Acts 19: 16).
"Neither as being lords over God's heritage" (I Pet. 5: 3).
The creation of Adam, his very name, and the dominion given to him, all
foreshadowed the subduing of all enemies beneath the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ. An
enemy is most certainly in view in Gen. 1: 26-28, and in Chapter 3: he is revealed--
"that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan" (Rev. 12: 9).
#20.
The essential difference between a mechanical
and a moral creature. Genesis 1: and 2:
pp. 138 - 143
The reader will have already observed that in Gen. 1:, where creation is the theme, the
name under which the Creator reveals Himself is that of Elohim ("God"), while in
chapter 2:, where we enter into the realm of human activity, the name changes to
Jehovah Elohim ("the Lord God"). It is not our purpose at the moment to enlarge upon
either of these Divine titles. We are simply recording the fact that the change coincides
with the transition from creation in general, to that of the responsible creature. It has
been said that all creatures lower than man are "held", but that man himself is "held
accountable".
The Divine government of Gen. 1: 3-25 is set forth as absolute:
"He spake and it was done, He commanded and it stood fast" (Psa. 33: 9).
The original Hebrew of Gen. 1: 3 is impressive in its extreme simplicity:
"And God said, Light be; and light was."