MPV Commentary

Sixth Day. A farther advance was made by the creation of terrestrial animals, which are categorized into three classes: (1) cattle, capable of labor and domestication; (2) wild animals, whose ravenous natures were then kept in check; and (3) all forms of creeping things, from reptiles to caterpillars.

24. The second group includes beasts of the earth, which are characterized by their ferocity but were restrained at this stage of creation.

26. With the final stage of creation reached, God said, "Let us make man," emphasizing the importance of this work in forming a creature who would represent and rule over the world as God's visible head and monarch. This distinction is highlighted by the phrase "in our image, after our likeness." The value attached to this image appears in its repetition. But what does it mean to be created in God's image? It doesn't refer to man's physical form or intellect, which are superior in some respects even among fallen angels. Nor does it imply immortality, as humans do not have a past eternity like God. Rather, it refers to the moral dispositions of the human soul, often called original righteousness (Ecclesiastes 7:29). The new creation is only a restoration of this image, and its history sheds light on ours; we are told that it is renewed after the image of God in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness (Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24).

28. God's command to be fruitful and multiply implies that the human race originated from a single pair, with all people throughout history being descended from them, despite their various physical characteristics. The diversity among humans is consistent with the sacred history, which affirms they are of one species and family (Acts 17:26). The power of God's word is evident in its ability to create and sustain all things, as seen in Psalm 33:9 and Psalm 104:24. We admire God's wisdom not only in creation's orderly progression but also in its perfect adaptation to the end. At each stage, God paused to contemplate His work, finding it very good (Genesis 1:31).