The Nature of the First Days
Augustine proposes that the first three days signify the angelic knowledge of creation. “Evening” represents contemplation of creatures in themselves (a dimmer, “twilight” knowledge); “morning” represents contemplation of creatures in the Word of God (a brighter, “dawn” knowledge). He maps the days: the first to knowledge of the formless mass and rational creatures; the second to the firmament; the third to earth and sea; the fourth to luminaries; the fifth to animals in water and air; the sixth to land animals and man.
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