The answer is: First

Gen 1:5

The creation narrative in Genesis is a fascinating glimpse into how the cosmos was brought to life. On the first day, God spoke light into existence, which promptly dispelled the primordial darkness that enveloped the world. In Genesis 1:5, it states, “God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night.” This separation of day from night might seem simple, but it's critical.

The establishment of day and night set the rhythm for time itself and became a fundamental framework not just for creation but for human life and experiences. These cycles have profound implications. For ancient cultures, daylight represented productivity and life, while darkness often evoked rest or danger. Interestingly, in many traditions, light symbolizes knowledge, awareness, and God’s presence, while darkness can symbolize ignorance or chaos—almost reminiscent of how dualities influence our understanding and moral choices.

Here’s a fun detail: many scholars note that the word "day" used in this context is “yom,” which can mean any definitive period of time, not just the 24-hour concept we often think of. This opens a broader interpretation of creation where the "days" could symbolize phases or epochs rather than strictly literal days.

Genesis echoes throughout the Bible, reminding us of beginnings in other texts, too, emphasizing the contrast between light and darkness, representing not only physical attributes but also spiritual and existential themes that persist throughout Scripture.