The early Church believed that the seven days of Creation represented that the history of man would be seven thousand years long, or seven millennial days long. Moses told us, “For a thousand years in thy sight [are but] as yesterday when it is past.” (Psalm 90:4) The Apostle Peter reiterated this in Second Peter 3:8.

As noted before, the Hebrew word mayim, or “waters,” appears in Genesis in seven grouping of events. These seven groupings appear to outline the seven millennia of human history. Of course, we have the benefit of history which enables us to see more easily.

First Millennium – Genesis 1:1-2 – It is obvious that this passage reflects the Creation and therefore the First Millennium is about the Creation of the world and all that is in it. The one occurrence of “waters” indicates the One God who created the world.

Second Millennium – Genesis 1:6-8 – “Waters” appears five times in this second grouping, and five is the number of grace. It was in the Second Millennium that the Flood destroyed the world, but Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Third Millennium – Genesis 1:9-10 – It was in the Third Millennium that Abraham was born. The Lord promised Abraham that he would have many descendants. These were known as Hebrews. From the Hebrew perspective, you are either a Hebrew or you are everybody else, or a Gentile. The word “waters” appears twice in this passage, which indicates the duality of Hebrews and Gentiles.

Fourth Millennium – Genesis 1:20-22 – The Lord Jesus came to earth in the form of man at the end of the Fourth Millennium. It is interesting that in this grouping in Genesis, the Lord created life. It is here that Jesus gave us, not physical life but, eternal life. During this passage “waters” occurs three times indicating the Trinity which worked with mankind at that time.

Fifth Millennium – Genesis 6:8-22 – As noted before, five is the number of grace. We are blessed to live in the Age of Grace which began at the time of Jesus. Jesus died and was resurrected on the cusp, or joining, of the Fourth and Fifth Millennia. “Waters” only appears once in this passage, indicating the One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father of all (Ephesians 4:5-6) and showing us that He has been gracious to us.

Sixth Millennium – Genesis 7:6-8:13 – The Sixth Millennium parallels the Flood account of the sixth grouping. This grouping included the eighteen occurrences of “waters” that are broken down into three sets of six (6-6-6). The first set marks the protective measures the Lord took for Noah, his family, and the animals. The second set tells of the destruction of the world. The third set shows us the return of those set apart to the earth. The Flood was due to the rebellion of man. These events are a foreshadow, or prophecy, of the events of the final, or End Time, rebellion. More about this millennium later.

Seventh Millennium – Genesis 9:8-17 – The Covenant between God and mankind shown in this passage is a wonderful picture of the Final Covenant and the Lord’s Kingdom. The word “covenant” occurs eight times in this passage. Seven is completion; eight shows new beginnings. This millennium is about new beginnings. The Seventh Millennium will be the “millennial day” of rest. Jesus will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. Praise His wonderful name! The word “waters” appears two times in this grouping, indicating God and man living together. What a blessing!

Who would have thought that in Genesis we would have found a picture of human history, right to the end? None other than the Lord God of all things:

God is Sovereign. Praise His name!

There is more to come, next week!