The “face of the waters” denotes its surface while “the deep,” indicates its vastness or volume. It’s interesting to note that over 70% of the earth today is comprised of water: whether it’s found in our immediate atmosphere, within its oceans and seas, or below in subterraneous rivers.
It’s important to note that both land and water comprise “the earth,” and that both were created simultaneously on day one. But the land was hidden beneath the waters until day three. Psalm 104: 5-9, describes day one of creation when the dry land appeared from beneath the surface thus: “Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.”
The presence of “the Spirit of God” on day one of creation is also quite revealing. It shows that the Third Person of the Godhead was actively involved in creation along with the Father and the Son!
Many “gap” theorists, however, claim there’s a time gap of millions and even billions of years between the time God created the earthand when the Spirit began His work upon this ancient and desolate earth. Of course, there is no evidence to support this claim anywhere in scripture.The only “gap” between day one through day seven was 24 hours!