The Hebrew language is not always clear as to the meaning of certain verses in the first chapter of Genesis, but in the case of each of the six days of creation week, the meaning is unambiguous concerning the morning and evening referring to 24 literal hours. More debatable is the source of light on the first three days, for Genesis reveals that light was produced on both days 1 and 4. The statement in Gen. 1:16 (He made the stars also) seems to be thrown in as a parenthetical statement. Also the words "He made" are not in the original Hebrew manuscript but were inserted in translation. Likewise, the Hebrew doesn't have a past perfect tense, so God "made" cannot be distinguished from God "had made" the sun and moon (Gen. 1:16).
Genesis 1:1,2,16 are probably three of the most controversial verses in the Bible. Does the word "beginning" refer to the beginning of creation week or to a previous creation? Some Bible versions suggest the possibility that the sun, moon and stars and even earth itself existed before creation week. One translation of Gen 1:1-3 states that "When God set about to create heaven and earth -- the world being then a formless waste, with the darkness over the seas and only an awesome wind sweeping over the water -- God said, 'Let there be light'" (Gen. 1:1-3, Anchor, also Goodspeed). These translations definitely imply the preexistence of earth before creation week. Gen 1:9, Job 38:9, Psalm 24:1,2, and 2 Peter 1:5; 3:5 all suggest that the earth could have been here a long period of time as an empty, dark, wet planet.
Astronomy and geology both attest to an old age for the earth and the whole universe. Since there is no specific discussion by Ellen White of the events of the fourth day of creation week nor of the age of earth's matter, we have no inspiration to guide us. Signs of the Times, Jan. 1, 1880 states, "In the work of creation, when the dawn of the first day broke, and the heavens and the earth, by the call of infinite power, came out of darkness; responsive to the rising light, 'the sons of God shouted for joy.'" Also, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 36,37 states that Lucifer intimated that laws were necessary for inhabitants of worlds but not for angels. Also, after the rebellion in heaven and Satan and his angels were cast out, "The Father consulted His Son in regard to at once carrying out their purpose to make man to inhabit the earth."
Although we cannot be dogmatic because our information about the past is very limited, as science probes deeper into nature, the evidence points to an ancient universe in which our solar system is a part. None of the models proposed for creation week challenge the truth of a six-day creation and that God rested on the seventh day and sanctified it, and that the fourth commandment is still intact.
