The sixth day of creation marks the climax of God’s creative work during the creation week. On this monumental day, God makes land animals and mankind. The creation of humanity, in particular, is the pinnacle of God’s creation.
Genesis 1:24-31 details the events of the sixth day:
And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in his own image,\n in the image of God he created him;\n male and female he created them.
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Based on this passage, we can summarize the key events of the sixth day as follows:
God created land animals
On the sixth day, God first created the land animals. This includes livestock, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Livestock likely refers to domesticated animals like sheep, goats, and cattle. Creeping things would include small creatures that crawl close to the ground like lizards, insects, rodents, and snakes. Beasts refers to wild non-domesticated land mammals like lions, bears, and deer.
This parallels God’s creation of sea creatures and birds on the fifth day. Now the land is populated with animals great and small. God declares his animal creations good, reflecting his wise design.
God created man in his image
The pinnacle of creation week is God’s forming of mankind. Humans are made uniquely in God’s image, reflecting his spiritual nature. They are set apart from the rest of earthly creation. God makes man both male and female, reflecting his desire for human community and partnership between the sexes.
As beings made in God’s image, humans are called to reflect God’s moral character in their actions and relationships. They are given a special status and authority over creation, instructed to steward the earth and its creatures in a God-honoring way.
God gives man dominion over the earth
In line with being made in his image, God grants mankind authority over the earth. Humans are called to subdue and rule over the plants, animals, and all of nature. Of course, this dominion is not intended to be exploitative or destructive. Rather, humans are to care for creation as God would, using their elevated status for the flourishing of the natural world.
This mandate echoes the blessings of fruitfulness given earlier in Genesis. As imagers of God, humans are to fill the earth, multiply, and bring flourishing order to a world in need of cultivation. Exercising dominion over creation brings about human flourishing too.
God provides plants for food
With man’s creation comes a shift in the food system God established. Prior to man’s arrival, animals were given green plants for nourishment. But now that humans are present, seeded plants and trees with fruit are added to the menu. This provision ensures adequate, enjoyable sustenance for God’s special image-bearers.
God also reiterates that green plants continue to be given for the nourishment of all wildlife. Again we see God’s care and concern for the flourishing of all creatures great and small.
God sees that his creation is very good
After completing his work on the sixth day, God surveys all he has made over the last six days. The entire panorama of creation is deemed “very good.” With humanity’s creation, God’s masterpiece is complete. The stage is perfectly set for humans to fulfill their purpose and thrive in relationship with their Creator.
God’s work of creation is a stunning, benevolent accomplishment. He has constructed an environment ideally suited for human life and community. All of the pieces are in place for mankind to live abundant, worship-filled lives in harmony with nature and in relationship with their Maker.
Summary of the sixth day
In summary, here are the key events of the monumental sixth day of creation:
- God created the varied land animals to inhabit and enrich the environments of earth
- God’s supreme creation was mankind, formed uniquely in his own image
- Humans were blessed and given authority to rule over all of nature
- God provided plants for food to sustain humans and animals
- God declared his finished creation “very good” at the end of this climactic day
The creation account in Genesis provides a sweeping panoramic of God’s powerful work during the creation week. Each day builds on the last, culminating in the creation of mankind on day six. Made in God’s image, humans are called to steward and enrich creation while living in close relationship with the Creator. The biblical account provides key insights into human identity and purpose within God’s good world.
God’s attentive, caring creation of mankind highlights humanity’s significance. We are the pinnacle of God’s creative work, tended and crafted with loving divine hands. Understanding the events of the sixth day provides foundational perspective on the unique calling of human life.
We bear God’s image, are blessed to rule the earth, and hold a special status over the rest of creation. But this is not for selfish gain. Our elevation enables us to glorify the Creator who gave us breath and care for the world entrusted to us. Appreciating the sixth day of creation inspires gratitude, humility, responsibility, and worship.
Through Christ, the image of God in fallen humanity is restored. As redeemed people, we can fulfill our original purpose and live out our Genesis 1 calling. By the Spirit’s help, we become agents of flourishing in a world still feeling the effects of sin’s corruption. The sixth day of creation casts a vision for the grand plans the Creator has for His people in His world.