Journeying in Genesis: When God Hovers

I don’t know what this looked like, but the deep is a Hebrew word meaning an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply).(From Strong’s Concordance) It comes from a root meaning “…to make an uproar, or agitate greatly:—destroy…” God is able to bring order, and silence chaos and confusion no matter how loud or tumultuous it is.

So while darkness was on the deep, the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. He was not floating around looking for something to do. Hovering is the Hebrew רָחַף (râchaph) meaning “…to brood…to be relaxed:—flutter, move…” It makes me think of a mother bird over a nest, and rightfully so as we see this same word in Deuteronomy 32:10-12,

“He found him in a desert land

And in the wasteland, a howling wilderness;

He encircled him, He instructed him,

He kept him as the apple of His eye.

As an eagle stirs up its nest,

Hovers over its young,

Spreading out its wings, taking them up,

Carrying them on its wings…”

Then think of the moment Jesus arrived in this fallen world to finish the work. The angel explained to Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” (from Luke 1:35)

Lord, hover over our hearts, homes, relationships, churches, schools, nations, and situations. Move to bring order, life, beauty, purpose and restoration; move to glorify Your great name.

God is so active in this book of Genesis. Already we’ve seen Him create and hover. Hold onto your hats as we continue, because He’s about to speak!