Genesis 1:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In recounting the formation of the two great lights and the stars, Moses summarizes their purpose: to govern the day and the night, separating light from darkness. Just as the stars are hidden during the day, traversing the heavens while their brilliance masks the sun's radiance, the sun remains unseen at night, as the moon brightly illuminates the darkness. Each celestial body remains within its designated confines, adhering faithfully to the command of the Creator and accomplishing its ordained tasks. Who can quantify the countless blessings these luminaries and stars bestow upon humanity?

They shall govern both day and night, distinguishing between them. This clarification aligns with the earlier mention of the beginning of day and night, which the author interprets as possessing these times. We should grasp the concept of beginnings in terms of priority; just as the sun is the highest light of the day, so too the moon and stars dominate the night. Thus, the previously mentioned confusion regarding the positioning of the stars should not trouble us, as they are arranged in the heavens to symbolize the beginning of night, representing its supremacy. And God observed that it was good. This maintains the same orderly structure as previously noted. It is important to recall that God did not designate a name for this part of creation, even though it could be stated: “And God called the lights stars,” for not every light qualifies as a star.

This magnificent, radiant, and eternally glowing sun serves as a representation of Divine goodness and a mere reflection of the ultimate Good. It illuminates all things that can partake in its brilliance and possesses an abundance of light, radiating its beams across the universe. If anything fails to recognize this light, it is not due to any deficiency or limitation in the sun's illumination but rather because those who do not make the effort to embrace the light are incapable of receiving it.

And God observed that it was good. Hence, the arrangement of the celestial bodies is a profound goodness, particularly when we assess them by the advantages they provide to the earth and its inhabitants, acting as indicators and instruments for the measurement of times, days, and years. However, when we consider the totality of the heavenly bodies, the earth appears too trivial a entity to gauge their perfection based on its existence. Although we are unaware of their composition, their countless numbers, vast expanse, infinite distances among them, and the orderly movement of the planets around the sun serve as compelling testimony to the majesty of the Creator. Indeed, “the heavens shall tell the glory of God.” The account of the fifth day of creation then continues.