The Bible

 

Genesis 1:1

Study

   

Commentary

 

Creation

  
Nicknamed 'God the Geometer,' this  artwork shows God using geometric principles in creating the earth. It is the Frontispiece of Bible Moralisee, in the Codex Vindobonensis 2554 (French, ca. 1250), in the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek.

The creation of heaven and earth in the first chapter of Genesis represents the new creation of the celestial church called 'Man'.

(References: Arcana Coelestia 9336, Genesis 1)

Commentary

 

Cattle

  
Cattle in a pasture.

Animals in the Bible generally refer to spiritual activity, the things we actually do on a spiritual level. "Cattle," as typically used in the Bible, mean a collection of domesticated animals owned by one person or group (including other animals along with cows). It makes sense, then, that cattle would represent the spiritual activities we "own" and have "domesticated."

What are the good things we like to see in ourselves and encourage? What true ideas do we keep in mind, ponder, and use in our decision-making? These can come in great varieties and from many different sources, just as a variety of animals could be part of "cattle," but the key is that we own them, care for them and use them.

(References: Arcana Coelestia 415, 3786, 4105, 4106, 4391, 4440)