In Genesis 1:10, God names the dry land and the gathered waters, calling them “earth” and “seas,” respectively. This act of naming is not arbitrary but deeply significant. Throughout Scripture, we see that naming something often conveys a sense of dominion or authority over it. In the ancient Near East, it was customary to name something to signify one’s control or ownership over that object or territory. By naming the earth and seas, God is not merely labeling parts of creation; He is proclaiming His authority and sovereignty over all that exists.
As the Everyday Study Bible (2018, p. 6) explains, God demonstrates His dominion over the entire earth by naming the fundamental elements of His creation. On day one, He named the light and the darkness. On day two, He named the firmament. By day three, when He names the earth and seas, it becomes clear that God is establishing His rightful authority over all creation. He is not a distant deity, but a personal Creator with an intimate and sovereign relationship over everything He has made.
Scriptural Affirmation of God’s Sovereignty
This theme of God’s absolute sovereignty is a consistent thread throughout Scripture. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 declares that “all that is in the heaven and in the earth is” God’s, while Psalm 24:1 reiterates that “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” God, as the Creator, is the rightful owner of everything. Psalm 50:12 quotes God directly, saying, “The world is mine, and the fulness thereof.” There is no ambiguity in these verses; the entire earth and all that is within it belong to the Creator.
This truth carries profound implications for how we as believers understand our place in the world. Everything—every mountain, ocean, tree, animal, and even human being—belongs to God. We are not the ultimate rulers of the earth, but rather, we are stewards of His creation. This knowledge humbles us and should lead us to revere God in all that we do.
God as King of Creation
As Creator and Owner of heaven and earth, God reigns over all. 1 Chronicles 29:12 confirms that God “reignest over all,” emphasizing His kingship and eternal authority. Psalm 10:16 tells us that “The Lord is King forever and ever.” And in Psalm 29:10, the psalmist reiterates that “The Lord sitteth King forever.” God is not only the Creator; He is the eternal King who rules over everything He has made. His reign is not temporary or contingent, but everlasting. As King, He possesses full authority over both heaven and earth, including all of their inhabitants.
This kingship is not passive or distant. As Psalm 29 vividly describes, God’s voice thunders over the waters, breaks the cedars, and shakes the wilderness. This imagery reminds us that God’s sovereignty is powerful and active. He is intimately involved with His creation, not leaving it to run on its own, but governing it with wisdom, righteousness, and might.
Our Place as Subjects Under God’s Rule
As inhabitants of the earth, we are all under God’s kingship, whether we recognize it or not. This truth is echoed in Philippians 4:10-11, where it is written that one day, “every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Whether or not people acknowledge God’s authority today, Scripture makes it clear that eventually, all will bow before Him. This includes every individual, nation, and government.
This reality strengthens our conviction to live our lives in submission to God’s rule now, recognizing Him as our King and Lord. We are called to honor Him, serve Him, and align our lives with His will. As Christians, we acknowledge that we are subjects of a divine Kingdom, and that our ultimate loyalty is to our heavenly King. This perspective also compels us to share the truth of God’s sovereignty with others, urging them to recognize the authority of Jesus Christ before that day comes when all will be compelled to do so.
God’s act of naming the earth and seas on the third day of creation is a powerful declaration of His authority over all things. His sovereignty is not limited to the physical earth but extends over the entire cosmos, including every human being. We must recognize and submit to God’s dominion over all aspects of life. The entire earth, with all its beauty and complexity, belongs to Him, and we are called to live as faithful stewards under His reign. One day, all creation will acknowledge this truth, and every knee will bow before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Until then, let us live in faithful obedience, proclaiming His sovereignty and pointing others to the truth of His eternal reign.