Notice that “the heaven” is once again singular, as we noted earlier in verse 1. This distinction is noteworthy because by the time we arrive at creation’s summary statement found in Genesis 2: 1-4, the plural (“the heavens”) rather than the singular (“the heaven”) is used to indicate both heavens are in existence by the end of creation week. But here in verse 14, as in Genesis 1: 1, we have the singular usage. As mentioned earlier, “the heaven” is a reference to outer spacewherein God hung the earth. Now in verse 14 God creates other heavenly bodies to occupy “the heaven” and to fill “the empty place.”
The sun is now created to rule the day, while the moon is created to rule the night. No longer necessary is the supernatural light spoken into existence by God on day one. The sun and moon would now serve to “divide the day from the night.”In addition, they would serve as “signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years.” Here again the wisdom of God shines bright. The rotation of the earth around the sun, and the orbit of the moon around the earth, day after day and year after year, in perfect succession and order, have served to provide us with the four major seasons and a system for measuring time. Even the precise distance between the earth and the sun is crucial for the existence of life! Want proof of an intelligent Being? Quoting again from the Apostle Paul: “That which may be known of God is made known to them; for God hath showed it to them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”
And then comes the statement:“He made the stars also”(v. 16).One can’t help but marvel at this statement whichthe author presents in the form of a mere footnote! This is a profound statement presented as an incidental afterthought. I see it as a testimony of God’s awesome power. As impressive as it is to us, the creation of billions of stars, in all their beauty and splendor, is effortless with God! In fact, Psalm 147: 4 says: “He telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names.”Perhaps now would be a good time to pause and reflect upon the wisdom, power, and love of Almighty God!