And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
God says "Let us make" to signify that He takes counsel with His wisdom and virtue, purposing to make an excellent work above all the rest of creation. This image and likeness means all perfection: wisdom, truth, innocency, power, and the rest.
AI summary
God's word goes forth not to the waters but to the earth, commanding it to bring forth cattle, reptiles, and wild beasts, each according to its kind. The act receives God's approval as good, yet no blessing is pronounced here; the author hastens onward because man's creation, announced by decree rather than command, crowns the whole work.
AI summary
Commenting on Genesis 1:24-31
God the Father addresses the Son and Holy Ghost, who were co-workers in creation. The consultation held among the divine Persons is not for difficulty's sake, but expressive of man's honor and dignity, that he should be made in the likeness of God Himself, not of any creature already formed.
AI summary