The answer is: Third

Gen 1:9-10

When we dive into Genesis, we're greeted by a poetic and rhythmic account of creation that beckons the imagination. On the third day, as the narrative unfolds, land emerges from watery depths—a profound scene that creates a tangible separation between the terrestrial and the aquatic. Imagine the universe blossoming into existence, with each day bringing about not just new creations but the foundation of the intricate world we are part of today.

What’s particularly fascinating is the language used here. The idea of God calling things into existence ("Let the dry land appear") can recall back to the frequent use of human speech to create in various cultures—as if our words also have powers. This reflects a universal theme present across cultures where creation is often tied to speech and intent.

In this account, we find foundational concepts represented—land leading to agriculture and habitation, water being vital for life. Connecting this to spiritual life, water has consistently represented purification and renewal across religious texts. Ancient civilizations noted this about rivers and bodies of water—they’re life-givers as much as lands are places of dwelling.

Looking just a bit closer, we might notice echoes of transformation in the earth's cycle. Contrast how ancient civilizations saw gods influencing land and water with the notion in Genesis of a singular force in play, establishing a more harmonious relationship between nature and the divine order. Each element, be it the blue hues of the sea or the fertile soil, is a plank in the construction of a life-sustaining world. It's as if each detail in this creation narrative invites us to appreciate both nature and the spirit that moves through it.