Dominion and subdue

July 29, 2020 (Wednesday)

 

“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.” [Genesis 1:26 ESV]

 

Humanity was created on day six. This is where our theology becomes interesting. Notice Genesis 1:26 begins with “God said” but this is not the same sense as earlier in the chapter when God said and it happened. What we have here is an internal discussion. In fact, we are given a window into the mind of God.

 

“Let us” is a change from “let there be” seen earlier in the chapter. Again we have a plurality used. Not multiple Gods, not a “royal plurality,” this reflects to the singular plurality Christian theology calls the “Trinity.”

 

Notice humanity is NOT created with the animals. This distinction is important. Humans are NOT animals as we think of animals. While the elements are the same, the distinction is critical. The word translated “man” in Genesis 1:27 is “adam.” In the next verse, we observe, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” [Genesis 1:27 ESV] BOTH male and female were created in God’s image.

 

It was God’s intention to create humanity “in our image, after our likeness.” Again this makes a distinction between humanity and animals. Humanity was designed to reflect certain aspects of the Creator. The Hebrew word for “image” and “likeness” points to the idea of “similar” but not the “same.”

 

We are like (similar to) God in many ways. Humans possess language skills important to convey complex intangible ideas. Humans possess reasoning skills that are beyond simple survival skills. One way to see this “image” is through Jesus. Jesus appeared in human form (or is it human form is patterned after Jesus). Jesus pointed out a coin used to pay taxes; it bears Caesar’s image and belonged to Caesar.  

 

Another part of God’s design is “dominion.” The idea here is more on the line of stewardship and nurture. It’s more of a fiduciary, acting in the best interest of others. In Genesis 1:28, when God addresses Adam and Eve, they are required to “subdue” the earth. This word carries the idea of control or taming. Neither are for malevolent reasons.

 

It seems God is inviting humans to enjoy and explore the world. Tending it would be their life’s work. As God’s agents they were responsible for its welfare. The other side is God would hold them responsible for what they do (or do not do).

 

So God created humanity (male and female) unique to serve a special function in creation. Part of the design of the function is to connect to God on a personal level. All this needs the context of God’s original design and human responsibility and accountability. Without God, we will do whatever we want to do without regard for our world or each other.