The answer is: First

Gen 1:5

In the exquisite narrative of creation found in Genesis, the distinction between night and day on the very first day is a beautiful echo of the divine order being established. In Genesis 1:5, we see the words “God called the light, Day, and the darkness he called Night.” This separation is not just about light and dark, but it signifies the establishment of time itself, turning chaos into a structured universe.

As light cut through the primeval darkness, it served a symbolic purpose, often represented in the Bible as the illumination of truth against the backdrop of ignorance or evil. This nuanced symbolism resonates throughout the scriptures, as you’ll see the recurrent theme of light being associated with knowledge and life (consider John 8:12: “I am the light of the world”).

Did you know that every creation day within Genesis has a pattern? Each day begins with “And God said,” followed by an act of creation, showing us how intentional and purposeful creation unfolded. The neatness of the divisions in God's creation also parallels practices in ancient cultures, where separating light and dark was critical for understanding the rhythm of life, particularly in agricultural societies—an aspect bringing humanity in harmony with nature.

Moreover, when you look carefully, the first day's division of light and darkness has a lasting legacy, seen not only in religious ritual but found in daily life too. From sunrise to sunset, the rhythm guides the human experience, constantly reminding us of balance—a divine blueprint that resonates ever deeply in our existence today.