In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1
"The literary structure of the creation account (Gen1:1 - 2:3) is distinguished among Scriptural passages by its very tight, strict literary form. It is so well structured that it verges on poetry. In its simplest form, it can be seen as follows:
Thus, the prelude and postlude are integral parts of this account by providing an introductory overview and a conclusion."
Peter A. McGowan
Genesis 1:1
"The literary structure of the creation account (Gen1:1 - 2:3) is distinguished among Scriptural passages by its very tight, strict literary form. It is so well structured that it verges on poetry. In its simplest form, it can be seen as follows:
Gen 1:1, 2 A: Prelude - God created the heavens and earth
Earth formless and worthless (God inactive)
Gen 1:3-31 B: 6 days of creation week
Gen 2:1-3 A: Postlude - God created the heavens and the earth
God sanctifies the seventh day (God resting)
Thus, the prelude and postlude are integral parts of this account by providing an introductory overview and a conclusion."
Peter A. McGowan