Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 1:6-13

Matthew Henry Commentary

Genesis 1:6-13

1662–1714
Presbyterian
Matthew Henry
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry Commentary

Genesis 1:6-13

1662–1714
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day. And God said, Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, [and] fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, a third day." — Genesis 1:6-13 (ASV)

The earth was emptiness, but by a word spoken, it became full of God's riches, and they are still His. Though their use is allowed to humanity, they are from God, and they must be used for His service and honor. The earth, at His command, brings forth grass, herbs, and fruits. God must have the glory of all the benefit we receive from the produce of the earth. If we have, through grace, an interest in Him who is the Fountain, we may rejoice in Him when the streams of temporal mercies are dried up.