According to the book of Genesis, on the second day of creation God created an expanse to separate the waters above from the waters below. This expanse is understood to be the sky or the atmosphere that surrounds the earth.
Let’s look at what the Bible says about the second day of creation in Genesis 1:6-8 (ESV):
And God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.
On the first day, God created light and separated it from the darkness. The earth was covered in water and was “without form and void” (Genesis 1:2 ESV). On the second day, God created an expanse or space to separate the waters above from the waters below the expanse. The expanse God created He called “Heaven.”
The Hebrew word translated here as “expanse” is raqia. It refers to something that has been spread out or hammered and stretched thin. This suggests the idea of the expanse or firmament being something solid that holds back the upper waters.
There are different views among Bible scholars about the nature of this expanse:
- It refers to the earth’s atmosphere – the gaseous envelope surrounding the earth that contains the air we breathe.
- It refers to outer space – the vast space beyond the earth’s atmosphere.
- It refers to a solid dome believed in ancient Near Eastern cosmologies to be a solid surface holding back the cosmic waters above it.
According to the ancient Hebrew cosmology found in the Old Testament, the universe consists of the earth and the skies under the heavens, surrounded by waters above and below. The expanse separated these waters, creating a space or firmament for the earthly domain.
The expanse is also associated with the sky we see – the space above the earth with the clouds and birds (Genesis 1:20). The Psalms describe God stretching out the heavens like a tent (Psalm 104:2). So the expanse seems to refer to the visible sky and space surrounding the earth.
Most modern scholars understand the description in Genesis as reflecting the ancient Near Eastern understanding of the universe at the time. The expanse was believed to be a solid dome that held back the cosmic waters above it. Stars were seen as lights embedded in this dome (Genesis 1:14-17).
With our modern understanding of science, we know there is no literal solid dome enclosing the earth. The expanse can be understood as referring to the atmosphere and outer space. From a theological perspective, the main point is that God created the heavens and stretched them out, not the exact scientific nature of the expanse.
On the second day, God also created an environment suitable for life on earth. Separating the waters above from the waters below created the atmosphere – the gaseous envelope surrounding the earth that not only protects us from the hostile environment of space but contains breathable air and the right balance of gases to sustain life.
In summary, on the second day of creation, God made the expanse or firmament, which separated the waters above from the waters on the earth, creating the space or atmosphere in which the earth could exist and life could thrive. This act of God established the heavens and the environment needed to support the living creatures He would create on days 5 and 6.
The second day was an important step in preparing the earth for life. God brought order out of the chaotic waters that initially covered the earth by separating and containing the waters in specific places. He created the heavens, the space above the earth with its atmosphere essential for life. The stage was now set for dry land and vegetation to appear.
The second day shows God purposefully making a place for His creation and bringing order, boundaries, and structures that make life possible. It displays God’s power and care in fashioning the world in which we live. As Psalm 148:4-5 (ESV) says:
Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created.
The second day of creation establishes God’s authority over the heavens and the cosmic waters. It shows Him preparing a space specially designed for His living creatures and humanity. As we read about the second day, we stand in awe of our wise and powerful Creator who fashioned the heavens that declare His majesty and glory (Psalm 19:1).
When we see the sky, clouds, sun, moon and stars displayed across the heavens, we should be reminded of the God who made them on days 2 and 4. The heavens surrounding the earth proclaim the glory, handiwork and existence of God. They speak of His sovereign power and wisdom in creating an environment ideal for life.
The second day of creation also reminds us that our immense God is not limited or contained by the heavens He made. As Solomon declared when dedicating the temple:
“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!” (1 Kings 8:27 ESV)
As magnificent as the heavens are, they cannot contain our infinite Creator. Yet this transcendent God chose to create the heavens as a dwelling place for His glory and a stage for His relationship with humanity. The heavens display God’s handiwork, glory and care for His creation.
When you look up at the sky, remember the second day of creation. Praise God for forming the heavens that surround and protect us! Thank Him for creating the atmosphere and conditions on earth needed to sustain life. The heavens truly do proclaim the glory of our wise, powerful and creative God.