Genesis 1:24-31

Genesis 1:24–31

24 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. 25 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.

26 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.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

28 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.” 29 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. 30 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. 31 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.

As we open our hearts and minds to the Word of God today, we turn to Genesis 1:24–31, a passage that reveals profound truths about God’s creation, humanity’s identity, and our sacred responsibilities. Let us approach this text with a commitment to the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and our dependence on His grace. Let us explore how this passage speaks to us of God’s creative power, the unique role of humanity, and our calling to stewardship.

Vv. 24

24 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.

This morning’s passage begins with the sixth day of creation. Once again we find God speaking: “And God said.” After He spoke “it was so.” Here, we see the sovereign Word of God bringing into existence the full array of land-dwelling creatures.

Day three God prepared the land and gave food in the form of vegetation and on the sixth day God filled that land. Continuing the special creation from day five, God continues making living creatures. Even the smallest of things that crawl on the ground are a part of this special creation. Verse 24 we see God commanding the earth to bring forth these creatures indicating that these things belong specifically to the land that they came from. It wasn’t a fish that one day decided to sprout legs and take to the dry land. The best refutation of evolution lays in the text of scripture.

From creation we see three main categories for these creatures—livestock, creeping things, and beasts of the earth—each according to their kinds. A beast is not livestock and a creeping thing is not a beast. The term we translate as livestock is better understood as “dumb” creature. They were designed by God to be at the mercy of and to be in service to mankind. Creeping things refers to reptiles, worms, and other things that crawl on the ground in that sort. The beats of the earth refers to the wild animals… lions and tigers and bears (oh my!). In the peace of creation these creatures were designed by God to live free and be undomesticated. In these three categories is all the animals that are on the earth… according to their kinds. These are not a product of random chance in evolution, rather they are products of God’s personal design and powerful creation. The diversity of life that God creates demonstrates His boundless creativity and authority.

This act of creation reflects the glory of God as the sovereign Creator who brings forth life from nothing. The Psalmist declares,

Psalm 24:1

The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.

And again,

Psalm 104:24

O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

All creation belongs to Him and exists to display His glory. As we marvel at the intricate ecosystems, the splendor of wildlife, and the beauty of nature, we are reminded of God’s wisdom and care.

Vv. 25

25 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.

The phrase “And God saw that it was good” punctuates the creation narrative, underscoring that everything God made was perfect and without flaw. This pronouncement of goodness invites us to worship God for His handiwork and to recognize our dependence on Him for all things.

Vv. 26-27

26 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.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

The narrative reaches its pinnacle when God declares, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” The diversity in the sea, air, and land creatures was glorious in its display of God’s creativity but He was not finished filling the earth. There was one thing in it all that was designed for a personal fellowship with it’s creator. Man was made along with the other living creatures, sharing the “living” status with the other creatures. We eat and reproduce as all the other creatures. In that sense the academic world has some truth in that we are living as the other creatures are living. If you remove God from the study then that is all you have… we are no different from a dog, a donkey, or an ape. That is only half of our identity as humanity. It is our relationship to God that designates something different.

Humanity is set apart from the rest of creation as the only being created in the image of God. What does it mean to be made in His image? We reflect God’s character in a unique way. Our ability to reason, to create, to love, to choose, and to exercise dominion over creation are reflections of His divine nature.

Psalm 8:3-8

3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? 5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, 7 all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

The Psalmist understand the order correctly. He doesn’t say that we are a little higher than the animals but instead that we are a little lower than the heavenly beings. We, as the image bearers of God, are the mediators between heaven and earth. Our identity in creation is to be structured in terms with our higher relationship with God.

Many arguments for depraved behavior in society are justified by looking at the animal kingdom. There is this species of such and such that is gay… therefore its ok to for men to marry other men…. Or there are many animal mothers that abandon their young or even eat them… therefore we can abort our children if we want… The psalmist and the Genesis account are a biblical rebuttal to this line of thinking. Dogs also eat their vomit… will you do the same? We are not dogs… we are not apes… we are man, image bearers of God… we are crowned with the Glory and honor of God.

The text also emphasizes that both male and female are created in the image of God. This truth establishes the equal dignity and value of all people, regardless of gender. In a world that often devalues human life, this passage calls us to affirm the sanctity of every person as a bearer of God’s image.

Being made in the image of God is not merely a privilege; it is a profound responsibility. God grants humanity dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the livestock, and all the earth. This dominion is not a license to exploit or harm creation but a mandate to steward it wisely and lovingly. We are called to govern the earth as God’s representatives, reflecting His justice, mercy, and care.

Vv. 28

28 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.”

God’s first act toward humanity is to bless them. This blessing underscores His generosity and grace. He equips humanity with the ability to procreate, to build families, and to populate the earth. God’s blessing is both a gift and a calling. To fill the earth is not merely about physical multiplication but about spreading the knowledge of God’s glory throughout creation.

Habakkuk 2:14

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

Our families, communities, and societies should reflect God’s kingdom values, bearing witness to His love and truth.

Vv. 29-30

29 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. 30 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.

God not only creates humanity, He also ensures their sustenance. He provides abundantly, meeting every need.

We must recognize that all provision comes from God’s hand. This truth calls us to gratitude and trust. In a culture that often emphasizes self-sufficiency, this passage reminds us that we are dependent on God for our daily bread. As the Lord taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” we acknowledge that every good gift comes from above.

God’s provision extends beyond humanity to all living creatures. God cares for all creation, reminding us that His covenant extends to every living thing.

Vv. 31

31 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.

The passage concludes with a powerful declaration: “it was very good.” This statement is unique because it includes the word “very,” elevating the goodness of creation to its fullest. With the creation of humanity, God’s work is complete, and it bears His perfect design and purpose.

This pronouncement reminds us of the original state of creation before the fall. It was a world of harmony, beauty, and flourishing. Although sin has since marred creation, this declaration gives us hope. Through the redemptive work of Christ, God is restoring His creation to its original goodness.

Revelation 21:5

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

This promise assures us that God’s purposes for creation will be fulfilled.

Our text this morning is a rich tapestry of God’s sovereign design, humanity’s unique identity, and our high calling. It reminds us that we are created in the image of a holy and loving God, entrusted with the care of His creation, and blessed to be a blessing. May we live in the light of these truths, bringing glory to our Creator and bearing witness to His grace. Amen.