The answer is: Light

Gen 1:3 - God first created light, but this wasn't light from the sun as this wasn't created until later.

When diving into the creation story in Genesis, the phrase “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3) shines brightly with significance. The light God created was not merely a physical phenomenon; it served to symbolize life, knowledge, and goodness all rolled into one. This divine light pierced the primal chaos, bringing order and clarity to a world initially wrapped in darkness. An interesting tidbit here is that many ancient Near Eastern cultures started their creation narratives in darkness, but Genesis purposely presents a God who conquers this void right away, boldly introducing light before anything else.

It's essential to note that the light created on Day One differs from the sunlight we know. The sun's creation occurs later on the fourth day (Genesis 1:14-19). This pattern raises fascinating questions about the nature of God and creation, showing a Creator that doesn’t require natural lights to illuminate the universe.

In biblical echoes, light often represents guidance and divine presence all through Scripture. Psalm 119:105 may come to mind: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." The prophets played with this motif too; for instance, Isaiah spoke about a coming figure described as a "great light" (Isaiah 9:2), often interpreted as a foreshadowing of enlightened leaders or even transformative teachings.

So, when considering this creation narrative, one discovers more than just historical or cosmological facts; there lies a depth of meaning and a rich tradition that resonates throughout the entire Bible!