The source of light in the ark
"Let there be light." Even people who know practically no other Biblical verses are familiar with the fiat lux, the first utterance of creation that brought light into existence on the first day. What we consider our sources of light -- the sun, other stars, and the moon that reflects the sun's light were only created on the fourth day. Clearly, the daylight of the earlier days were not based on the earth's rotation around the sun but on the primordial light that existed independently of celestial bodies. This light may have continued to shine even after the sun and stars were set into place for that first week of creation, though man could not endure the strength of it after sinning. Hashem so-to-speak packed it away for tzadikim in the future. Nonetheless, the concept of that light that exists independently of sources of illumination like our sun and the stars is one that is carried on through our conception of the universe. Precious stone or glass? That comes ...



