Genesis 1:26, 27, 28 Commentary
(26) And 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 fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (27) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (28) And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:26-27)
Verses 26-28: Behold the finishing stroke of the Divine Creator, Man, the last and greatest work of God. Animal life was produced; now at last the crown of creation is brought forth in a rational soul. The earth, like a stately palace, furnished for his reception, seems to call for the great inhabitant; one who can be the tongue of the lower world, and render to the great Author of all, the praise of his glorious works. Observe, 1. The solemnity of his creation. He is not, like the other creatures, produced at an instant; but first a sacred council is as it were held between the persons of the undivided Trinity: the result of it is, one who in his person shall unite both worlds. His body, though far transcending other animals, to be of the earth; his spiritual, and in the image of God. One who is capable of paying a reasonable service to that triune of God, in whom he lives, and moves, and hath his being. Note, Man is then only Man, when he answers the end for which God made him. He who forgets the design of his creation, and prefers the indulgence of the body, to the proper enjoyments of the immortal soul, is no longer a man, but a beast.
2. The pattern after which he is formed. No less than God himself; in his image and likeness. The likeness chiefly appears, (1.) In his possessing a rational and immortal soul. His body, however beautiful and glorious, was of the earth, earthy; his spirit from the Father of Spirits, a ray from the uncreated Sun of light and life. (2.) In the rectitude and purity of his nature. His understanding capacious, distinct and clear; his will turning to God’s will, as clay unto the seal; self –inclined, and ever ready to hear and to obey. His affections, without wandering or distraction, supremely fixed on one great object, and finding all their enjoyment in his love and service. To live for God, was as natural as to breathe; and all his conversation holy, as God is holy. Ah, happy state! No more now alas is left, but the sad remembrance: a remembrance that makes the present state of sin and misery but more grievous. How fallen! How defaced this image! How is the gold become dim! How is the most fine gold changed! O Lord raise up these desolations of many generations! (3.) He represented God on earth. All things were put under his feet; they paid their homage to man, as he to God. But sin hath broke the tie: and since man played the rebel first, no wonder the creatures have revolted from him, and scarce can now be reduced to serve him. The whole creation groaneth. Lord, hasted the day of restitution, when this disordered world once more shall rise from the furnace, and righteousness again shall dwell in it.
3. Man was created male and female, two in person, one by the union of marriage. Note, Man is but half himself without his partner woman. From this original pair descend the numerous generations of men that have overspread the earth. How foolish and vain then is the pride of pedigree, when the beggar on the dunghill can claim the most ancient and ennobled extraction, as the son of Adam, which was the son of God. We have in the literal sense, one father, we are brethren of one family, the same blood runs in our veins, and therefore brotherly affection should be in our hearts one to another. Oh when shall it be, that we shall practice this great duty, to love one another out of a pure heart fervently?
4. The blessing of God is pronounced upon him; he hath the earth as his possession, and is commanded to multiply and replenish it with inhabitants. (1.) The earth is given to the children of men, but not as lords paramount. Man is to occupy it for God’s glory, and render him the tribute of bounden duty, and service continually. The moment he abuses it by waste, or pride, or inordinate affection; he will be reckoned with as an unjust steward. (2.) Children, and the fruit of the womb, are an heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord. In virtue of his first benediction, the world continues from generation to generation: yet usually how little is God’s hand seen, or his blessing sought for herein?
5. Man is to subdue and govern it. By his superior wisdom he is furnished with methods to make the fiercest animals yield, and the strongest to serve him: and he hath dominion over all, by grant from God himself. We have forfeited it by sin, but God in mercy hath not wholly resumed it: though much is lost, and all had been, were it not for the repairer of the breach, who is come to be the Savior of all men; though more especially of those who believe: to them all is restored, for all is ours, in blessing and sanctified use, when we are Christ’s.
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