Audio Download

The Six Days of Creation:  Physical Acts and Spiritual Meanings – Days 5 and 6

[Study Aired May 20, 2025]

Days 1-4 Review

The first four days of creation lay a divinely ordered foundation, revealing God’s method of forming and structuring the world before filling it with life. On Day 1, light shone into darkness, symbolizing the revelation of truth and the coming of Christ, the true Light. Day 2 introduced the firmament, dividing the waters and forming the heavens—pointing to God’s transcendence and the future reconciliation of heaven and earth through Christ. On Day 3, dry land appeared, followed by vegetation—foreshadowing resurrection and spiritual fruitfulness through the Word of God. Day 4 brought the sun, moon, and stars to govern time and serve as signs, portraying Christ as the Sun of Righteousness and His people as reflectors of His light.

Together, these days establish a pattern: forming realms and appointing rulers in preparation for life. With the stage set, Days 5 and 6 unveil the fullness of creation as God populates the skies, seas, and land with living creatures—culminating in the creation of man in His image.

Day 5: Fish of the Sea and Birds of the Air – Life Abundant and the Promise of Victory 

Physical Creation: On the fifth day, God filled the newly formed realms of sky and sea with living creatures. “And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven” (Genesis 1:20). The waters teemed with a vast array of marine life, and birds took flight across the skies. “And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:21).

Significantly, God blessed these creatures: “Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth” (Genesis 1:22). This is Scripture’s first recorded blessing—God’s divine empowerment for life to increase and spread. Evening and morning marked the completion of Day 5, with the oceans and atmosphere now alive with motion, sound, and color.

The mention of “great whales” (Hebrew tanninim, תַּנִּינִים) is noteworthy. While this word can mean sea beasts, serpents, or dragons in other contexts, here it likely refers to massive marine animals—whales, dolphins, or large fish. To ancient readers familiar with pagan myths portraying sea monsters as chaotic forces, this verse affirms that even the mighty tanninim are God’s creations—under His command and declared good.

From tiny minnows to massive sharks, from sparrows to soaring eagles, all owe their existence to God’s creative word. The once-empty seas now teem with life; the once-silent skies now echo with birdsong. Coral reefs flash with darting fish, and the morning air stirs with wings gliding on the breeze. God’s creativity shines in the astonishing diversity of species, each reproducing after its kind—a balance of stability and abundance.

Importantly, Day 5 prepares the way for Day 6. These creatures will be placed under mankind’s care and dominion. The blessing to “be fruitful and multiply” anticipates the same commission given to humans (Genesis 1:28). Life, from its beginning, is blessed to grow, fill and flourish. God is filling His creation with vibrant, purposeful life—an environment bursting with beauty and vitality.

Spiritual Symbolism: The creation of fish and birds on Day 5 continues the spiritual structure established in Days 1 through 4, where each physical act of creation reveals an unseen spiritual truth. The seas and the heavens—formed earlier and separated by the firmament (Genesis 1:6–8)—are now filled with motion and life. Birds flying in the “open firmament of heaven” (Genesis 1:20) represent visible expressions of upward movement, often associated in Scripture with divine activity, spiritual strength, and heavenly communication. Fish filling the sea reflect the hidden depths of God’s creation, often symbolizing the nations, multitudes, or unseen spiritual domains. Together, the birds and fish portray both the visible heavens and the deep waters below—realms of mystery, movement, and divine purpose—each operating under the sovereignty of God.

In Scripture, birds are frequently connected with spiritual realities. The Spirit of God descended upon Christ “like a dove” (Matthew 3:16), revealing that winged creatures signify the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. Isaiah writes, “As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem” (Isaiah 31:5), emphasizing divine protection through imagery of flight. Ecclesiastes adds, “a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.” (Ecclesiastes 10:20), implying the transmission of hidden matters. Most notably, Isaiah 40:31 speaks of those who “mount up with wings as eagles,” not describing birds, but those strengthened by God—yet drawing the symbol from birdlike ascent. Thus, the flight of birds created on Day 5 reflects spiritual vitality, divine communication, and God’s sustaining power—teaching us to look to heavenly strength rather than earthly dependence.

Likewise, the fish of the sea symbolize multitudes hidden beneath the surface. In Revelation 17:15, waters are said to represent “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” Jesus told His disciples, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19), and later likened the Kingdom of Heaven to a dragnet gathering fish of every kind (Matthew 13:47–48). These patterns show that fish are scripturally linked to the gathering of people—souls drawn from among the nations by the Word of God. The sea, while often associated with danger or judgment, is also the place from which this harvest is drawn. As Isaiah prophesied, “darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee” (Isaiah 60:2). Day 5’s teeming seas thus typify God’s hidden work among the nations, destined to be revealed through Christ.

Genesis 1:21 notes that God created the great sea creatures (tanninim, H8577)—powerful and mysterious beings often symbolizing great spiritual forces. Psalm 104:26 declares, “There is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein,” demonstrating God’s control over even the most fearsome of creatures. Isaiah 27:1 speaks of God punishing “leviathan the piercing serpent… the dragon that is in the sea,” showing that these creatures—though fearsome—exist by His design and for His judgment. These sea creatures symbolize spiritual principalities and powers, created for that purpose. Creation, including these symbolic powers, was made to serve God’s redemptive plan—revealing His glory in both judgment and mercy.

Certain spiritual beings—depicted in Scripture as serpents, dragons, or birds of prey—are shown opposing God and Christ (Job 26:13; Isaiah 27:1; Revelation 12:9), yet they were created by Him and remain entirely subject to His will (Colossians 1:16). Their opposition is not an accident or rebellion outside God’s control, but part of His eternal counsel: “Hath not the potter power over the clay… to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” (Romans 9:21). These realities are built into the design of creation from the beginning, revealing the wisdom of God in displaying both wrath and grace (Romans 9:22–23).

Day 5, then shows life entering the already divided realms—sea and sky. These are not morally neutral domains, but types that point to God’s sovereign work in both the seen and unseen worlds. Though later Scriptures show conflict between light and darkness, the creatures of Day 5 are called “good” because they fulfill God’s purpose. Their movement, domain, and roles—all under God’s command—reflect a world made not to remain pure, but to declare His glory in redemption.

Finally, the blessing God gives— “Be fruitful, and multiply” (Genesis 1:22)—is the first spoken blessing in the Bible. It reveals God’s intention for increase, not just biologically, but spiritually. Jesus multiplied fish to feed multitudes (Mark 6:41), and His disciples were sent to cast their nets among the nations. This multiplication continues spiritually throughout the Gospel, as Christ fills the earth not just with physical life, but with disciples gathered into His Kingdom. The birds and fish of Day 5 thus foreshadow spiritual increase: the Spirit moving from heaven like a dove, the Word drawing souls from the sea of nations, and all life—visible and invisible—serving the glory of God through Christ.

Christ and Redemptive Themes: Where is Christ foreshadowed in the creation of fish and birds? The Day 5 creatures are not incidental; they are purposeful types that reveal aspects of Christ’s dominion, provision, and redemptive mission. During His earthly ministry, Christ demonstrated authority over the fish of the sea. In Luke 5, at His word Peter let down his net and enclosed such a multitude of fish that the net began to break—so great was the catch that it filled two boats. Jesus then told Peter, “From henceforth thou shalt catch men” (Luke 5:10). The miracle was not just a display of power, but a sign pointing to the gathering of souls from the sea of nations. Similarly, after His resurrection, Jesus again directed a miraculous catch of fish. “Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.” (John 21:11), And the number 153 is not given arbitrarily, but preserved in Scripture to signify the fullness and completeness of the catch—symbolizing the gathering of God’s elect from among the nations and the judgment to come.

In His feeding miracles, Christ multiplied loaves and fishes—first five loaves and two fish (Mark 6:41), then seven loaves and a few fish (Mark 8:6–7)—to feed thousands. This was not merely compassionate provision but a direct echo of Genesis 1:22, where God blessed the fish and birds to “be fruitful, and multiply.” In multiplying physical food, Christ revealed Himself as the same Creator who once filled the seas and skies with life. The rapid multiplication bypassed natural processes—demonstrating that Day 5’s creative power still resides in the Word made flesh. As the One through whom all things were made (John 1:3), Christ exercises Day 5’s blessing to supply both physical and spiritual nourishment.

Birds also intersect with Christ’s redemptive ministry. At His baptism, the Spirit of God descended “like a dove” (Matthew 3:16), signifying the divine anointing of the Son and recalling Day 5’s creation of birds. The use of a dove is not coincidental; it connects the creature to the Holy Spirit’s peaceful and abiding presence. Additionally, Jesus affirmed that “not one of them is forgotten before God” (Luke 12:6), using sparrows to illustrate God’s intimate providence—how much more for those in Christ. The sacrificial system also employed birds, especially for the poor (Leviticus 5:7), and when Jesus was presented at the temple, Mary and Joseph offered “a pair of turtledoves” (Luke 2:24), fulfilling the law and symbolizing Christ’s identification with the lowly. Even the rooster’s crow, which marked Peter’s denial and repentance (Luke 22:60–62), shows how even a bird’s cry serves the redemptive unfolding of God’s plan.

Beyond His earthly ministry, birds and fish reappear in prophetic visions of judgment and restoration. Revelation 19:17–18 describes an angel calling “all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven” to gather for the great supper of God, where they devour the flesh of kings and mighty men—echoing Ezekiel 39:17–20. These scenes confirm that even scavenger birds fulfill a divine role in God’s judgment. Far from being a stain on creation, they are agents in God’s appointed cleansing of the land. Their presence confirms that death and judgment are tools in God’s hands, not interruptions to His purpose.

In restoration scenes, Day 5’s creatures again appear. Ezekiel 47:9–10 speaks of a river of life flowing from the temple, bringing healing wherever it goes: “And it shall come to pass, that everything that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live… and there shall be a very great multitude of fish.” The abundance of fish speaks to the gathering of nations into the life of God. Hosea 2:18 promises a future covenant with “the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven,” signaling a reversal of hostility and a restoration of peace in creation. This is not a return to Eden but the unveiling of God’s higher purpose: all creation brought under the Lordship of Christ.

Thus, Day 5 foreshadows Christ’s abundant provision, the global reach of His Gospel, and the gathering of creation into His redemptive purpose. The blessing to “be fruitful, and multiply” is fulfilled not only in physical offspring, but in spiritual increase—souls drawn like fish into His Kingdom, and winged messengers sent to proclaim His Word. As Psalm 148 declares: “Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps… flying fowl… kings of the earth, and all people” (Psalm 148:7,10–11). This praise confirms the ultimate fulfillment of Day 5: creation rejoicing in the rule of its Redeemer. As Colossians 1:20 affirms, Christ came “to reconcile all things unto himself… whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

Day 6: Land Animals and the Image of God in Man – Dominion, Partnership, and the Coming King

Physical Creation: With the sky and sea now filled with life and motion, Day 5 completes God’s preparation of the heavens and the waters. Day 6 turns to the land—raised on Day 3—which is now filled with living creatures, culminating in the creation of mankind. Genesis 1:24–25 records: “And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and everything that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.”

Then God turns His attention to humanity: “And 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 fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth” (Genesis 1:26). As developed in the article The Heavenly Council of the Lord, this plural expression reflects God’s announcement before His heavenly court of created spirit beings (Job 38:7; 1 Kings 22:19; Psalm 82:1). These angelic witnesses did not participate in man’s creation but heard God’s decree. Christ, the Word and express image of the Father (Colossians 1:15–16), is the one through whom all things are made.

Genesis 1:27 affirms: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” The Hebrew word adam refers to mankind collectively—both male and female. But rather than being created in a completed spiritual image, man was made to be conformed to that image through transformation. Colossians 3:10 says: “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” Romans 12:2 reinforces this: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Man was created to undergo spiritual renewal—not already perfected in the image of God.

God then blesses mankind: “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Genesis 1:28). This dominion is not one of tyranny, but stewardship. Provision follows: “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so” (Genesis 1:29–30).

The sixth day concludes with divine approval: “And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day” (Genesis 1:31). This “very good” does not signify moral perfection, but suitability to God’s purpose. All creation, including man— “made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope” (Romans 8:20)—was ready to serve God’s redemptive plan.

Genesis 2 offers a more detailed look: “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). “And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; and the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man” (Genesis 2:21–22). Man and woman—united in two sexes—were commissioned to carry out God’s will. Subduing the earth means cultivating its potential and governing under God’s authority (Genesis 1:28; Genesis 2:15; Psalm 8:6–8; Leviticus 25:23; Proverbs 3:19–20).

As 1 Corinthians 15:49 teaches: “And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” Day 6 sets this journey in motion, anticipating the full image of God revealed in Christ: “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29).

Spiritual Symbolism: Day 6 reveals humanity’s identity and calling through spiritual symbolism. To be made in the image of God (tselem H6754 Elohim H430) signifies rulership, representation, and sonship. Luke 3:38 calls Adam: “Adam, which was the son of God,” showing that mankind was created to reflect God’s authority in the earth.

In ancient times, kings placed images of themselves throughout their domain to signify their rule. God similarly placed mankind as His visible representative on earth. This points to Israel’s later calling as “a kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6) and the Church’s identity as “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9).

Though made in God’s likeness, the true image is only realized in Christ. Colossians 1:15 says: “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” And 2 Corinthians 3:18 confirms: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Humanity’s design includes relational capacity “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” (Genesis 2:18), but relationship is not the image itself; it is the context in which the true image—Christ—is ultimately revealed and formed in us. “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (Genesis 9:6) affirms the value of life even after the revelation of sin. Though marred, mankind retains dignity as God’s workmanship: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

Ultimately, Christ—the true image—became man to redeem those being renewed into that image. In Him the image is not only revealed but restored. Ultimately, Christ—the true image—became man to redeem those being renewed into that image. In Him the image is not only revealed but restored. “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8)

Dominion: Day 6 not only introduces man’s authority over creation but foreshadows the redemptive dominion of Christ. Adam was crowned with glory and honor and given rule over all creatures. “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:4–9). Yet Hebrews 2:8–9 observes, “Now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus…” The dominion intended for Adam was marred through vanity (Romans 8:20), but Christ, the Last Adam, came to fulfill it. “Even the winds and the sea obey him” (Matthew 8:27), and “He must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet” (1 Corinthians 15:25).

Day 6 also introduces the battle between serpent and Seed. The serpent, a creeping creature of the sixth day, becomes the adversary—yet Genesis 3:15 promises deliverance: “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” This prophetic word declares that the Seed of the woman—Christ—will crush the serpent’s authority while suffering in the process. That Seed is Christ, who disarms principalities and powers and ultimately brings final judgment. Revelation 20:10 declares: “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” From Eden to the cross, and from the tomb to the throne, Day 6 sets the stage for the great spiritual conflict—and its promised, victorious resolution in Christ.

The creation of male and female reflects God’s relational design. “They shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24), a mystery that Paul links to Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:32). God’s relational dealings with humanity are not merely legal but covenantal: “Thy Maker is thine husband” (Isaiah 54:5), “Is not he thy father that hath bought thee?” (Deuteronomy 32:6). The love of bridegroom and bride, parent and child—all flow from the union created on Day 6 and fulfilled in Christ.

Provision also marks Day 6. God gave food to man and beast (Genesis 1:29–30), revealing His care for all creation (Psalm 145:15–16). Jesus echoes this: “Your heavenly Father feedeth them” (Matthew 6:26). He is the Bread from heaven (John 6:35), and His redemptive work restores what was lost in Adam—even reversing the curse by wearing a crown of thorns (Genesis 3; John 19:2).

All of this—dominion, provision, covenant, judgment, and renewal—finds its climax in Christ. “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works” (Ephesians 2:10). “When he shall appear, we shall be like him” (1 John 3:2). In Him, the image marred in Adam is fully restored. Day 6 begins the story; the gospel completes it.