Genesis 1:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Moses, in highlighting the significance of these celestial bodies, also addresses the stars, stating, “And God set them on the firmament of heaven, to shine upon the earth, and to rule day and night, and to separate light from darkness.” Let us reflect on what Moses indicates regarding the stars. When he says they were ‘set’ upon the firmament of heaven, what does ‘set’ mean? It does not imply merely being placed, as we see that stars move across vast distances in an instant and never remain fixed but travel along their designated paths established by the Lord. Therefore, to be ‘set’ means that God commanded their existence in the heavens. Scripture, as we will later observe, tells us that God ‘placed’ Adam in paradise (Gen.

And God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to illuminate the earth. There arises the question of why, after previously stating, “Let them be in the expanse,” He now says, “God made the heavenly bodies and positioned them in the expanse,” as if they were created separately from the expanse and then affixed to it, in light of the prior declaration that they were already in it. Does this not highlight that God operates differently from mankind, and that the narration reflects a human perspective? In human terms, one act results in creation while another act involves placing; however, for God, who conceives and brings into being, both actions are inherently united in a single divine act.

This brilliant, ever-radiant sun serves as a representation of Divine goodness and is a mere reflection of the Supreme Good; it illuminates all that can partake in its brightness and overflows with light, scattering its rays across the universe. If anything fails to recognize this light, it is not due to any deficiency or constraint of the sun's illumination, but rather because those who do not seek to embrace the light are unable to receive it.

And I placed the sun, moon, and stars within the expanse of the heavens so that they might illuminate the earth. The phrase "set them up" does not imply that these celestial bodies were absent from the heavens until this moment; rather, it signifies their intended role. These luminaries were created beforehand and have been appointed to serve the earth and its inhabitants. The writer, emphasizing this purpose, seeks to correct the misconception of the Gentiles, who venerated these heavenly lights as deities. He also aims to admonish the descendants of Abraham against falling into this error. They should recognize that, despite their grandeur, the heavenly bodies hold a ministerial role for creation and must not be objects of superstitious reverence or worship.