A renowned atheist, Stephen Jay Gould, as he was struggling with cancer, took it upon himself before he died to discover the real reason the world followed a seven-day week. He rejected outright the revelation of Genesis and sought what to him would be a reasonable alternative. He found none.
However, since I heard of his fool’s errand, I also began to wonder, “Why seven days?” Certainly, God could have made the week as long as He chose, and seven is a number of perfection. Yet, there is always a solid rationale with God that He reveals to men, and now, I can share it with you.
It takes seven days (one week) for the moon to get through one of its phases (new, waxing first quarter, full, waning third quarter). In four weeks, the moon completes its phase cycle (one month). In three completions of its cycle, a season is complete (validated by what constellation is visible in the night sky: Orion for winter, Leo for spring, Scorpius for summer, Andromeda for fall). After four seasons, the year is complete.
There it is. Notice I did not say it was complicated. Frankly, from the beginning, men have had to hold to such knowledge for survival, especially in planting and harvesting. In addition, with what we know now of the stars and celestial mechanics, even more the majesty and intricacy of this grand creation are broadcast and shown to be for us here on earth.
It all hinges on our seven-day week (Exodus 20:11). It is all found already revealed in God’s Holy Word. No wonder Mr. Gould could not see it. It was over his head.
