Genesis 1:29 - Meaning and Application

We have here the third part of the work of the sixth day. It was not a new act of creation, but a kind provision of food for all living creatures (Psalm 136:25). The same God who made both man and beast also took care to preserve them both (Psalm 36:6).

Here is food provided for man in Genesis 1:29. Herbs and fruits were to be his food, including grain and all the products of the earth. These were allowed to him, though it seems not meat from animals until after the flood (Genesis 9:3). Before the earth was flooded, and even more before it was cursed because of man, its fruits were no doubt more pleasant to the taste and more strengthening to the body than the richest foods now are.

This should humble us. As we were made from the earth, so we are kept alive by what the earth produces. Once men did eat angels’ food, bread from heaven, but they still died (John 6:49). Even then, it was for them only like food from the earth (Psalm 104:14). There is food that lasts into eternal life, and may the Lord always give us that.

This should also make us thankful. The Lord cares for the body, and from him we receive all the supports and comforts of this life. So we must thank him. He gives us all things richly to enjoy, not only what is needed, but also enough, with plenty, choice foods, and many kinds of good things for beauty and delight. How much we owe him. How careful we should be, since we live by God’s generosity, to live for his glory.

It should also teach us temperance and contentment with our lot. Though Adam was given rule over fish and birds, God still limited his food to herbs and fruits, and Adam never complained. Later, though he desired the forbidden fruit because of the wisdom and knowledge he hoped to gain from it, we never read that he longed for forbidden meat. If God gives us food for life, let us not, like complaining Israel, ask for food to satisfy our sinful desires (Psalm 78:18; see Daniel 1:15).

Food was also provided for the beasts in Genesis 1:30. Does God care for oxen? Yes, certainly. He gives suitable food to them, and not to oxen only, which were used in sacrifice and in man’s service, but even the young lions and young ravens are cared for by his providence. They ask, and they receive their food from God. Let us praise God for his kindness to the lower creatures, since all are fed, as it were, at his table every day.

He is a great householder, rich and generous, who satisfies the desire of every living thing. This should encourage God’s people to cast their care on him and not be anxious about what they will eat and drink. He who provided for Adam without Adam’s care, and still provides for all creatures without their care, will not let those who trust him lack any good thing (Matthew 6:26). He who feeds his birds will not let his children go hungry.