Genesis 1:3

Okay, so my studies are in no way, shape or form organized.  I'm going to simply post as I study, but please, if you read this, don't expect that I'll stay within one area of study, one particular religion (although if you know me at all, you should be used to my comparative religious comments), science, or source.

Today's thoughts are inspired by a posting on Facebook, where someone asked, what can you tell about God in the statement, "And God said" in Genesis 1:3.  My first thought jumps to the first chapter of John (mostly because I have a friend who set it to music, so I can remember it), that "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  While Word is capitalized here, making it a noun, I've always thought of the Word of God as being the actions of God's thoughts - His thoughts made manifest.

So then, you look at the origin of the Hebrew (for this part of the Bible was written in Hebrew, and not Aramaic), and the word that is translated as "said" can also mean "bid."  The verse could then have been translated as "And God bid ..."

One of the conversations I've had with my son, as I am a firm believer in the concept that you cannot have science without religion and religion must conform to science (although there will be times one or the other is behind in discovery), is, what would it sound like if God spoke?  Sonic boom, perhaps a Big Bang?

Interestingly, in my search, I came across a question I've had for quite a long time - that in the Bible, El and Eloh are mentioned as (either) names of gods or as names of God, and elsewhere Elohim is used.  The -im suffix is indicative in Hebrew of plural.  However, it is suggested that El, Eloh and Elohim *all* use a singular verb form following, suggesting that the plural is a majestic plural, rather than a numerative plural.  I'd almost buy that, except for the concept that the only name God ever gave Himself is "I Am."  Additionally, in Matthew, when Christ is baptised, and the clouds part and people hear, "This is my beloved Son, in whom *I* am well pleased."  I'm not sure if the majestic plural would be one said/declared by the God self, or if it is put upon Him by those doing the writing.  Something for future contemplation, no doubt.  Eventually I will get back to my "I Am" project.

Back to Genesis, the other interesting fact was that God created light before creating what many people refer to as "light sources."  However, it is an accepted concept that light does not emanate from the sun, which is now found to be dark matter, but rather that light comes from the atmosphere around the sun.  So here we have God, who has separated the Heavens from the Earth, and darkness is everywhere.  If at that point God creates an atmosphere, 'cause I think we can all agree that if He had created beings that needed particular elements within an atmosphere to live, that might be kinda tough.  An atmosphere gives a sense of light without there needing to be a light source - it makes the dark less pervasive.  Anyway, found that to be an interesting concept.  Have to think on it more for conclusions.

Rambled enough and work awaits.  :)