But didn't all the biblical writers referring to the account take it as literal? The framework of creation? Modern humanity might take another view, as we have seen on this topic, but the biblical writers seem unified on the literal view.
I have yet to see anyone on this topic present a confirmation of the figurative view of the creation account from the New Testament. Will you be the first?
I'm not suggesting a "figurative" view of Genesis 1, rather a literal view understood and read with sufficient delicacy. (GKC) We had discussed this previous but perhaps I wasn't clear.
“And God said, ...” clearly this establishes that all of creation was actualized by God’s spoken command or fiat. Each day begins with those very words, so that God’s command was the source of all creation, the sole and only operative agent. (Psalm 33:6 – Heb. 11:3 –
2 Peter 3:5) One will also note that His commands were all sufficient, certainly requiring no further action on God’s part.
Gen. 1:3 “And God said, Let there be light, and there was light.” It would be difficult not to notice that plainly the command is immediately fulfilled. However all of the other commands do not state an immediate fulfillment. For example, “And God said, Let the land produce/bring forth...” clearly the command is not directed to immediate completion but through agency – mediate creation. God commands separation, God commands the land and the water to bring forth/produce living vegetation, fish, whales, birds, livestock, etc. No where does it say “And God said, Let there be vegetation, seed bearing trees, etc. ...” nowhere does it say “And God said, Let there be living creatures...” obviously this is avoided but rather the command/fiat is to an intermediary source. This in no way negates His creative power but rather suggests
how he choose to create.
As the spoken command is the sole operative of creation what follows the command must be explanatory or parenthetical. Further only Gen. 1:3 states immediacy what follows, as noted above, does not state immediacy such that "And God said, Let there be living creatures, and there were living creatures". The oft "And it was so." clearly states that what God commands will come to fruition. Again, what then follows where stated "God made" can be interpreted by the question "how" and answered by his command through mediate creation.
The structure of the creation account follows a distinct pattern; The command, the fulfillment (And it was so), the explanatory note/post fulfillment, and the day. The six days are rooted in commands/fiats not confined to consecutive days or time frames...