Formless and Empty

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These are notes for an incomplete "Concept" page.

Information is being added as the Bible Pages are added. In the end, everything will be compiled, further information added (as necessary), broken links connected, etc.


Cross-references

Parent Topic
  • a
Related Topics
  • b
Links to Additional Materials
  • c


This is the condition of the earth immediately after creation was spoken into being (Genesis 1:1-2a).

Here, these two words (formless and empty) indicate a readiness for construction - the development of shapes (or boundaries) and the filling of creation with inhabitants. Later, the prophets will use these same two words to indicate the consequences of destruction - a judgment against certain nations (Isaiah 34:11; Jeremiah 4:23). Judgment would be so severe, that it would be as though the constructive work of creation was reversed!


The "Construction Process" at Creation

First, "forms" - things which cause shapes and boundaries - would be created:

  • Day 1 (Genesis 1:3) - light and darkness
  • Day 2 (Genesis 1:6-7) - a sky that separated the waters above it and the waters below it
  • Day 3 (Genesis 1:9-10) - dry land

Then, inhabitants would be created to fill creation:

  • Day 3 (Genesis 1:11-12) - vegetation
  • Day 4 (Genesis 1:14-18) - sun, moon, stars
  • Day 5 (Genesis 1:20-21) - sea creatures, flying creatures
  • Day 6 (Genesis 1:24-27) - land creatures, humans


Some people, in an attempt to "reconcile" the Creation account with the teachings of mockers (2 Peter 3:1-7), try to read into the text some type of a "prehistoric" devastation - from which (they claim) the Genesis account records the recovery. But even a child can see that there is no mention of devastation in the account! It has to be read into the text, before it can be "found"!


The "Destruction Process" During Times of Judgment

  • The destruction of Judah (by the Babylonians) - (Described in the Jeremiah passage.)
  • The "end of the world" (by God) - (Described in the Isaiah passage.)


Scripture Pages that Link to Here

Genesis 1:1 - 2:3

The condition of the earth before forms, boundaries, and inhabitants were created.


Isaiah 34:1-17

When God judges the earth... figuratively speaking (as far as the impact of human habitation is concerned), conditions will be reversed back to the "formless and empty" way they were at the beginning of creation.


Isaiah 45:18

...the God who formed the earth and made it, who established it and didn't create it a waste, who formed it to be inhabited...


Unless otherwise noted, all notes and comments are © by Dennis Hinks.