Before we can begin to answer this question, we have to ask a few more questions. Does the Bible claim to provide scientific answers? What is the Bible interested in teaching? Was it the intent of the biblical authors to offer proof for how the world was created, like a scientist offers proof for a theory?

The Bible is not interested in science. Science did not exist when any of the biblical books were penned. The author of Genesis was not out to prove creation or the existence of God, because everybody in the ancient world believed in creation. There were no atheists, and there were definitely no evolutionists. We should not attempt to make the Bible answer questions for which it has offered no answer.

When the Bible claims that the earth sets upon two pillars surrounded by water, or that there is a firmament between the heavens and the earth, it is not making scientific claims meant to be tested at a later date when technology developed. The Bible is reflecting a particular view of the created order understood in the ancient world. Furthermore, the biblical authors are communicating with people who share the same view from other cultures.

The Bible is not interested in offering a scientific answer; it is interested in offering a theological one (that is one that professes a certain belief in a certain God). The creation stories are meant to teach that Elohim, or Yahweh, created the world and in doing so made order out of chaos. He forced all the chaotic powers and elements into order so that humans could have order here on earth. He is still the God who brings order to chaos in our lives and in creation. Likewise, we are meant to do the same. I don’t know about you, but to me, this answer has a lot more meaning, because it affects my life. An answer about how the world was created offers me little hope, but an answer about why, offers me much.