In this account of the creation, a hierarchical and complex organization of the world is being portrayed. A hierarchy is seen when, with each day, God adds another layer of complexity to the world. At the beginning, He creates the simplest thing, light, which is followed by other inanimate objects such as heaven and earth and the land and sea. Eventually, God’s creation becomes more complex as he creates life, in the plants, and add mobility to this life, in the sea and land animals. Finally, at the top of this hierarchical chain of creation, God creates humans. Not only are humans the most advanced creature that God made, they are made in the image and likeness of God, and He expressly places them in a position of leadership over the rest of creation, putting them at the top of hierarchy of creation.
God is primarily making the world in this account of creation, and after He creates, He proclaims that his creation is good. The human person does not do anything, but he is given directions of what he should do by God. He is told to be fruitful and multiple and to care for creation, especially the animals and plants.
While God does not need rest, the seventh day might be to show us how we should live our lives. God’s example demonstrates that, while work can be very good, it is important for us to take time out of our week to rest and refocus our priorities. God made the seventh day holy, making it more important than just an ordinary day of rest. He set aside this day for us to worship Him, allowing us to straighten out our priorities from our everyday work to the worship of God. Because God Himself takes this day to rest, despite it being unnecessary for him, He further emphasizes how important it is.
Answers to Daily Questions (Catherine) 