Wow! After reading this article, the “Sabbath rest” is to help me become “whole” again, to find my stability after the world, troubles, and earthly needs affect me throughout the week. Thank you so much for this new perspective and truth!
DTJanuary 20, 2026
Excellent article. I also don’t quite understand and have never heard the theory that the creation is a temple text. But the ideas here are fascinating and clarifying. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and research.
Bill BellJanuary 17, 2026
This makes so much sense. Why is water boiling? Brother says it's because heat was placed under it. Mom says because I'm making chocolate. We ask why is there an earth? Science says because of the big bang. God says I needed a place for my children to live.
Wow! My eyes opened a little.
Boanerges RubalcavaJanuary 16, 2026
THE IMPORTANCE OF WATERS ABOVE THE FIRMAMENT
I am writing for you my thinking of something that for some time was a little bit difficult to understand. Of course, this is only my understanding, and it is not by any means a doctrine in the church.
First, let’s go to the Bible and Genesis 1:6-8: “And God said, let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament and divide the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.”
If you remember, everything that He was doing was very important for the next creation. But what was that a firmament to divide the waters from the waters? The waters under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament?
Please allow me to explain something about the structure of water, and what really the water is and its behavior. Everybody knows that the chemical formula of water is H2O, which means that it has 2 Hydrogen atoms and one Oxygen atom. This is right, but it is not so simple, since water has some specific properties that make it very peculiar and important for life.
Oxygen is a very electronegative element. This means that Oxygen has a tremendous eagerness for electrons. In the so simple molecule H2O, although in Chemistry compounds are made when the atoms share electrons, in the case of water one electron in each of the two Hydrogen atoms are share with the Oxygen atom, but the share due to the great electronegativity of the Oxygen, the electrons are “more” to the Oxygen than to the Hydrogens, and because of that the molecule of water is a polar molecule, meaning that it has a pole with a residual negative charge in the Oxygen atom (electrons more to the Oxygen) and 2 residual positive charges in each of the Hydrogen atoms (the Protons + with less influence from the electrons which “went” closer to the Oxygen). This makes the water molecule a unique one, since these residual charges are attracted to each other with opposite charges. This makes the structure of water not just H2O, but (H2O)n. This means that water is several molecules a water together, but not a real different molecule, but only loosely bound to each other in what in Chemistry is known as Hydrogen bridges.
The “liquid’ water then is form by several molecules united through these Hydrogen bridges. If the temperature comes lower and lower, the molecules come more and more together, meaning even more molecules come to be bound, this makes that, to be so many more molecules together, this conglomerate of molecules leaves hollows making what we called ICE, and of course because of the hollows ICE is less dense than the “liquid water” and Ice floats in the liquid water (this is unique to water). This is important for life, since when the lakes and rivers are frozen, the water below the Ice remains liquid and therefore life is possible there.
If now we increase the temperature of the liquid water, we break the Hydrogen bridges making the water as just one H2O molecule and this makes the water to evaporate into the air.
Besides the clouds, there is what is called WATER VAPOR in our atmosphere. Clouds are visible masses of tiny liquid water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere, formed when invisible WATER VAPOR (the gaseous state of water) cools and condenses onto microscopic particles like dust or salt, a process vital to the Earth's water cycle as vapor rises, cools, and forms clouds that eventually release water as precipitation.
WATER VAPOR is essential for life in this earth, since without it, life cannot exist since the earth would be frozen. WATER VAPOR has a property known as greenhouse gas (ghg) meaning that this molecule because of its chemistry (H2O) absorbs and retains Heat. The heat from the Sun comes to earth and rebound in its Cortex and without the Water Vapor, the heat would escape to the outer space making the earth frozen with no way to maintain life.
Now, I can explain the scripture in Genesis, and we can see the real importance of the Water Vapor (the waters above?) and the firmament dividing this water, from the waters below (seas, lakes rivers). And we can see the tremendous importance for life (earth is not frozen) and the water below the firmament to create life in all its forms.
Patrick D. DegnJanuary 16, 2026
Mark, I know this response is arriving a few years late, but perhaps others may still benefit from your question.
Genesis 1 is called a “temple text” because, in the ancient Near Eastern world, “creation” often means more than God manufacturing raw material from nothing. It means God bringing order out of chaos and shaping the world into a functioning, holy place where He can dwell and rule—very much like the inauguration or dedication of a temple. Read that way, the seven days of Genesis 1 look like a week-long temple inauguration, and the climax is not day 6 (humanity) but day 7. When God “rests,” the point is not that He is tired but that, in temple language, He has taken His seat—He dwells, reigns, and presides in His ordered house.
You can see this pattern throughout the Bible. After the tabernacle is built, “the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 25–40), signaling that God has taken up residence. At Solomon’s temple dedication, again “the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord” (1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5–7). Ezekiel’s vision of the temple (Ezekiel 40–48) portrays God’s returning presence and the life that flows from His house. Many psalms are steeped in temple theology (for example, Psalms 24; 29; 48; 93; 96–99; 132), presenting the Lord as the enthroned King in His holy dwelling. Isaiah’s call vision (Isaiah 6) places him in the heavenly temple-throne room. Psalm 104 poetically describes God’s ordering of the world in ways that many readers see as resonant with “cosmic temple” imagery—the whole creation as the ordered domain in which God lives and reigns.
Restoration scripture is rich in “temple texts” as well. Lehi’s vision of the tree of life, the allegory of the olive tree in Jacob 5, the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple in Doctrine and Covenants 109, and the “house of order / house of God” language in Doctrine and Covenants 88:119 all fit into this pattern of God ordering a people and a place for His presence. The creation accounts in the Book of Moses and the Book of Abraham (Pearl of Great Price) also invite us to see creation not merely as a sequence of events in time, but as God preparing and ordering a sacred space and a covenant people for His dwelling.
If you would like a clear and accessible introduction to this line of thought, a very good place to start is John H. Walton’s The Lost World of Genesis One, especially his discussions of the “cosmic temple” and God’s “rest.” BioLogos also offers a concise summary article titled “Creation is the Temple Where God Rests,” which distills many of these ideas in a short, readable form.
To Rita, Jo Ann, Helmut, Craig, Shauna, Linda, and Gary: thank you for your generous and thoughtful comments. It is a blessing to glimpse together how the Lord not only creates worlds, but orders hearts, homes, and communities into temples fit for His presence.
Mark StoneJanuary 9, 2022
Thanks so much! This is great. I guess I still don’t understand thought how the creation is a temple text..? Can someone explain or point me to additional resources so I can better understand??
RitaJanuary 6, 2022
This gives a new context for "a new heart", found in Ezekiel and other OT verses. When God creates in us a new heart and spirit, He is bringing order to disorder, making a temple fit for His presence.
I never thought about it that way before.
Jo Ann OkelberryJanuary 3, 2022
I really learned a lot from this article. Thank you.
Helmut WorleJanuary 3, 2022
This is extremely valuable (and new to me; after membership in the Church for well over 50 years). I had often wondered in my younger years why the temple endowment spends so much time retelling a story with which we are all very familiar. Similarly, I had puzzled over a statement supposedly made by president McKay toward the end of his life indicating that he was only just beginning to understand the temple ceremonies.
Thank you for clearing some things up. I've just celebrated my 74th birthday and I believe I may just be beginning to get a glimpse of understanding the temple and the scriptures a little more. Thank heavens that there is indeed an eternity before me to grow and learn.
Craig FrogleyJanuary 3, 2022
Excellent, true, and most significant. Thank you!!
ShaunaJanuary 3, 2022
Thank you Br. Degn. I still don't understand all of what you said but it helped shift my paradigm, or ideological or cultural lens as you call it, for understanding the Creation narratives. I'm excited to begin our study of the Pearl of Great Price, Old Testament this year, and of course this pertains to understanding Temple experiences.
Linda Starr WinansJanuary 3, 2022
Great job expounding valuable concepts. Your approach was thorough and well thought out. This is a great article to share with others, especially those of different faiths! Thanks!!!
Comments | Return to Story
Brenda Hosaflook WellsJanuary 21, 2026
Wow! After reading this article, the “Sabbath rest” is to help me become “whole” again, to find my stability after the world, troubles, and earthly needs affect me throughout the week. Thank you so much for this new perspective and truth!
DTJanuary 20, 2026
Excellent article. I also don’t quite understand and have never heard the theory that the creation is a temple text. But the ideas here are fascinating and clarifying. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and research.
Bill BellJanuary 17, 2026
This makes so much sense. Why is water boiling? Brother says it's because heat was placed under it. Mom says because I'm making chocolate. We ask why is there an earth? Science says because of the big bang. God says I needed a place for my children to live. Wow! My eyes opened a little.
Boanerges RubalcavaJanuary 16, 2026
THE IMPORTANCE OF WATERS ABOVE THE FIRMAMENT I am writing for you my thinking of something that for some time was a little bit difficult to understand. Of course, this is only my understanding, and it is not by any means a doctrine in the church. First, let’s go to the Bible and Genesis 1:6-8: “And God said, let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament and divide the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.” If you remember, everything that He was doing was very important for the next creation. But what was that a firmament to divide the waters from the waters? The waters under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament? Please allow me to explain something about the structure of water, and what really the water is and its behavior. Everybody knows that the chemical formula of water is H2O, which means that it has 2 Hydrogen atoms and one Oxygen atom. This is right, but it is not so simple, since water has some specific properties that make it very peculiar and important for life. Oxygen is a very electronegative element. This means that Oxygen has a tremendous eagerness for electrons. In the so simple molecule H2O, although in Chemistry compounds are made when the atoms share electrons, in the case of water one electron in each of the two Hydrogen atoms are share with the Oxygen atom, but the share due to the great electronegativity of the Oxygen, the electrons are “more” to the Oxygen than to the Hydrogens, and because of that the molecule of water is a polar molecule, meaning that it has a pole with a residual negative charge in the Oxygen atom (electrons more to the Oxygen) and 2 residual positive charges in each of the Hydrogen atoms (the Protons + with less influence from the electrons which “went” closer to the Oxygen). This makes the water molecule a unique one, since these residual charges are attracted to each other with opposite charges. This makes the structure of water not just H2O, but (H2O)n. This means that water is several molecules a water together, but not a real different molecule, but only loosely bound to each other in what in Chemistry is known as Hydrogen bridges. The “liquid’ water then is form by several molecules united through these Hydrogen bridges. If the temperature comes lower and lower, the molecules come more and more together, meaning even more molecules come to be bound, this makes that, to be so many more molecules together, this conglomerate of molecules leaves hollows making what we called ICE, and of course because of the hollows ICE is less dense than the “liquid water” and Ice floats in the liquid water (this is unique to water). This is important for life, since when the lakes and rivers are frozen, the water below the Ice remains liquid and therefore life is possible there. If now we increase the temperature of the liquid water, we break the Hydrogen bridges making the water as just one H2O molecule and this makes the water to evaporate into the air. Besides the clouds, there is what is called WATER VAPOR in our atmosphere. Clouds are visible masses of tiny liquid water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere, formed when invisible WATER VAPOR (the gaseous state of water) cools and condenses onto microscopic particles like dust or salt, a process vital to the Earth's water cycle as vapor rises, cools, and forms clouds that eventually release water as precipitation. WATER VAPOR is essential for life in this earth, since without it, life cannot exist since the earth would be frozen. WATER VAPOR has a property known as greenhouse gas (ghg) meaning that this molecule because of its chemistry (H2O) absorbs and retains Heat. The heat from the Sun comes to earth and rebound in its Cortex and without the Water Vapor, the heat would escape to the outer space making the earth frozen with no way to maintain life. Now, I can explain the scripture in Genesis, and we can see the real importance of the Water Vapor (the waters above?) and the firmament dividing this water, from the waters below (seas, lakes rivers). And we can see the tremendous importance for life (earth is not frozen) and the water below the firmament to create life in all its forms.
Patrick D. DegnJanuary 16, 2026
Mark, I know this response is arriving a few years late, but perhaps others may still benefit from your question. Genesis 1 is called a “temple text” because, in the ancient Near Eastern world, “creation” often means more than God manufacturing raw material from nothing. It means God bringing order out of chaos and shaping the world into a functioning, holy place where He can dwell and rule—very much like the inauguration or dedication of a temple. Read that way, the seven days of Genesis 1 look like a week-long temple inauguration, and the climax is not day 6 (humanity) but day 7. When God “rests,” the point is not that He is tired but that, in temple language, He has taken His seat—He dwells, reigns, and presides in His ordered house. You can see this pattern throughout the Bible. After the tabernacle is built, “the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 25–40), signaling that God has taken up residence. At Solomon’s temple dedication, again “the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord” (1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5–7). Ezekiel’s vision of the temple (Ezekiel 40–48) portrays God’s returning presence and the life that flows from His house. Many psalms are steeped in temple theology (for example, Psalms 24; 29; 48; 93; 96–99; 132), presenting the Lord as the enthroned King in His holy dwelling. Isaiah’s call vision (Isaiah 6) places him in the heavenly temple-throne room. Psalm 104 poetically describes God’s ordering of the world in ways that many readers see as resonant with “cosmic temple” imagery—the whole creation as the ordered domain in which God lives and reigns. Restoration scripture is rich in “temple texts” as well. Lehi’s vision of the tree of life, the allegory of the olive tree in Jacob 5, the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple in Doctrine and Covenants 109, and the “house of order / house of God” language in Doctrine and Covenants 88:119 all fit into this pattern of God ordering a people and a place for His presence. The creation accounts in the Book of Moses and the Book of Abraham (Pearl of Great Price) also invite us to see creation not merely as a sequence of events in time, but as God preparing and ordering a sacred space and a covenant people for His dwelling. If you would like a clear and accessible introduction to this line of thought, a very good place to start is John H. Walton’s The Lost World of Genesis One, especially his discussions of the “cosmic temple” and God’s “rest.” BioLogos also offers a concise summary article titled “Creation is the Temple Where God Rests,” which distills many of these ideas in a short, readable form. To Rita, Jo Ann, Helmut, Craig, Shauna, Linda, and Gary: thank you for your generous and thoughtful comments. It is a blessing to glimpse together how the Lord not only creates worlds, but orders hearts, homes, and communities into temples fit for His presence.
Mark StoneJanuary 9, 2022
Thanks so much! This is great. I guess I still don’t understand thought how the creation is a temple text..? Can someone explain or point me to additional resources so I can better understand??
RitaJanuary 6, 2022
This gives a new context for "a new heart", found in Ezekiel and other OT verses. When God creates in us a new heart and spirit, He is bringing order to disorder, making a temple fit for His presence. I never thought about it that way before.
Jo Ann OkelberryJanuary 3, 2022
I really learned a lot from this article. Thank you.
Helmut WorleJanuary 3, 2022
This is extremely valuable (and new to me; after membership in the Church for well over 50 years). I had often wondered in my younger years why the temple endowment spends so much time retelling a story with which we are all very familiar. Similarly, I had puzzled over a statement supposedly made by president McKay toward the end of his life indicating that he was only just beginning to understand the temple ceremonies. Thank you for clearing some things up. I've just celebrated my 74th birthday and I believe I may just be beginning to get a glimpse of understanding the temple and the scriptures a little more. Thank heavens that there is indeed an eternity before me to grow and learn.
Craig FrogleyJanuary 3, 2022
Excellent, true, and most significant. Thank you!!
ShaunaJanuary 3, 2022
Thank you Br. Degn. I still don't understand all of what you said but it helped shift my paradigm, or ideological or cultural lens as you call it, for understanding the Creation narratives. I'm excited to begin our study of the Pearl of Great Price, Old Testament this year, and of course this pertains to understanding Temple experiences.
Linda Starr WinansJanuary 3, 2022
Great job expounding valuable concepts. Your approach was thorough and well thought out. This is a great article to share with others, especially those of different faiths! Thanks!!!
Gary ArnellJanuary 3, 2022
Great read. Thank you!
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