Genesis 1:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Have you noticed how the sacred Scriptures reveal to us the creations of the fifth day? But if you pause for a moment, you will once more witness the humanity of the Lord.

During the days of creation, it is important to consider the insights provided in Genesis 2:3, particularly in chapters 21-35.

In this account, after stating, "And it was so," the author omits the typical mention of the fulfillment of the divine decree as if something new had been formed, since this was previously established. The blessing given, related to the generation of offspring, does not imply the emergence of a new creation; rather, it pertains to the preservation of what already exists through continual reproduction. Consequently, it does not say, "And God saw how good," because the creation in itself was already pleasing to Him and merely needed to continue in its descendants.

On the fifth day, known as Thursday, He brought forth fish and marine creatures, as well as birds.

With the ongoing life-giving influence of the Spiritual Sun, the waters of nations once overlooked are being purified of their souls dwelling in a mere earthly existence, while lofty intellects transcend the visible and temporary to engage in the pure contemplation of the unseen and everlasting. Jesus Christ, the radiant light shining within the soul and the divine Word that speaks to it, brings forth a new inner life. From the depths of both internal and external afflictions, vibrant acts of love emerge, flourish, and proliferate. In the expanse of the cleansed spirit, during moments of divine ecstasy, thoughts of exaltation abound.

God grants His blessing to me. Generally, a blessing refers to the expression of goodwill. However, the goodwill that humans express does not always manifest in tangible actions; it often remains mere sentiment or words. In contrast, God's blessing is intrinsically linked to the actual imparting of good to its recipient. How did the Creator bestow His blessing upon the fish and the birds? He endowed them with the capacity to reproduce through the union of like species, allowing them to flourish and multiply without division. This divine blessing of procreation also applies to plants, though it resides within a singular command that governs their existence. Animals, possessing a more intricate design and the ability to sense and move freely, receive a blessing that is articulated in a distinctive manner, one that suggests their capacity to accept this blessing willingly.