The exordium states briefly the subject of the poem: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
The first three strophes unfold the creative development of the receptacles:
1. A. The luminiferous ether. } "The heavens
2. B. Waters and the firmament between the waters. } and the earth."
3. C. Dry land above the waters, with plants. }
The second three strophes (or, more correctly, antistrophes) unfold the creative development of the occupants:
4. A. The light-bearers: sun, moon, and stars. } "And all the hosts
5. B. Water-animals and birds. } of them" (Gen. ii. 1).
6. C. Land-animals and man. }
The epode, or peroration, fills up the sacred number 7—the symbol always of permanence and repose. "Thus the heavens and the earth (the receptacles) were finished, and all the host of them (the occupants); and on the seventh day God put period to the work which he created by fashioning," etc.[190]
THE SYMBOLICAL HYMN OF CREATION.
EXORDIUM.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
FIRST STROPHE.