graphy and the foundation upon which all revelation rests. The purpose of this book is to give the origin of all things, including the cosmic order of the universe and the covenant relationship between God and his people.

Speaking the Word from his eternal dwelling place of light, God fashioned everything from nothing, perfectly displaying his awesome wonder. We will never be able to take the mystery out of Creation, for a God who is incomprehensible in his greatness accomplished it.

One of the over-arching themes of Genesis is God's blessing. His highest order is not the earth or the cosmos, it is man and woman, made after his image, to be containers for his glory. Genesis showcases God's redemptive heart toward the world--a theme that can be traced throughout the rest of the Hebrew Scriptures.

When God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was completely formless and empty, with nothing but darkness draped over the deep. God's Spirit swept over the face of the waters. And then God announced: "Let there be light," and light burst forth!Genesis 1:1-3