By Ercill Hunt

The first emblem of the Holy Spirit in Scripture is that of the Spirit “moving” (rachaph) over the waters, much as a bird broods or flutters over her eggs to hatch them. Elsewhere rachaph is translated “to tremble” or “to shake” or “to quiver.” Whatever word the translators have used, rachaph seems to describe a rapid back and forth motion. In modern scientific terminology, the most likely word is “to vibrate.” If the universe is to be energized there must be an Energizer. If it is to be set in motion there must be a prime mover.

It cannot be overlooked that the transmission of energy in universe is in the form of waves—light wave, heat waves, sound waves and so forth. In fact (except for nuclear forces which are involved in the structure of matter itself), there are only two fundamental forces that act on matter—the gravitational forces and the forces of the electromagnetic spectrum. All are associated with “fields” of activity and with transmission of wave motion.
Waves are typically rapid back and forth movements and they are normally produced by vibratory motion of a wave generator of some kind. Energy cannot create itself. It is most appropriate that the first impartation of energy in the universe is described as the “vibrating” movements of the Holy Spirit of God Himself.

As the outflowing energy of God’s omnipresent Spirit began to flow and permeate the newly created universe, gravitational forces were activated and water and earth (i.e. matter) came together to form a great sphere moving through space. Other particles would soon come together to form sun, moon, and stars throughout the universe. The formless earth had assumed the beautiful shape of a perfect sphere. Earth was now ready for light and heat and other forms of energy.

In addition to setting the universe into motion (v. 2), the Scriptures assign to the Holy Spirit the works garnishing the heavens (Job 26:13), of renewing the earth (Ps. 104:30), and giving life (Job 33:4). Truly the Holy Spirit of God was active in the creation of this fantastically beautiful universe in which we live.

There is another “moving” of the Spirit of God mentioned in the Bible. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:21). Here the word “moved” is the Greek phero which is the same word that the Septuagint used in Genesis 1:2. Just as the Holy Spirit energized the primeval universe, to bring form and life to God’s creation, so He later empowered God’s prophets, to bring beauty and spiritual life to His new creation, through the energizing Word which they wrote.