"And God said: Let the earth bring forth grass"-Why Grass Was Created First: A Biblical and Ecological Perspective

And God said: Let the earth bring forth grass"-Why Grass Was Created First: A Biblical and Ecological Perspective

The Role of Grass in the Creation of the World and Its Importance in the Environment

Grass is one of the most ubiquitous and foundational elements of our planet’s ecosystem, yet its profound role in the creation of the world and its continued importance in sustaining life often goes unappreciated. By examining scriptural accounts, such as those found in the Pearl of Great Price and the Bible, alongside scientific insights, we can uncover the pivotal role grass has played in shaping the earth and supporting all forms of life.

Grass in the Creation Story

In Moses 2:11-12 and Genesis 1:11-12, we read that God created grass on the third day of creation, preceding herbs, fruit-bearing trees, and other vegetation.

"And God said: Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself upon the earth. And it was so." (Moses 2:11)

Grass is specifically mentioned first, emphasizing its foundational role in the creation of plant life on the earth. This ordering reflects its importance in preparing the land for more complex forms of vegetation, such as trees and shrubs. Grass’s ability to quickly grow, spread, and stabilize soil made it the ideal pioneer in establishing ecosystems that would support life.

Interestingly, the Book of Moses 3:5-6 and Genesis 2:5-6 state that, at the time of grass and vegetation’s creation, rain had not yet fallen on the earth:

"For I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the earth. But there went up a mist from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground." (Moses 3:5-6)

This mist (or heavy dew) provided the necessary hydration for grass and plants in the early stages of creation. Rain appears to have been introduced later, possibly as the ecosystems developed enough to sustain the water cycle, further demonstrating how grass served as a critical first step in the preparation of the earth.

The Unique Role of Grass in Creation

Grass played a vital role during the creation process, not only in establishing ecosystems but also in preparing the earth for deeper-rooted plants like trees and herbs. Its unique attributes make it clear why grass was created first in the sequence.

1. Surviving on Shallow Roots and Mist

Grass’s shallow root system allows it to thrive even with minimal water, such as the mist described in Moses 3:6. This capability made it perfectly suited to grow in the early conditions of creation when rain had not yet begun to fall. The shallow roots quickly absorbed surface moisture, enabling grass to establish itself rapidly and cover the ground.

2. Breaking Down Organic Matter for Future Plants

As grass grows and decomposes, it enriches the soil with organic matter. This process is crucial for creating fertile ground, especially for deeper-rooted plants like trees and herbs. In the creation process, grass acted as a pioneer plant, preparing the soil for more complex vegetation.

3. Stabilizing the Soil

Grass roots, though shallow, effectively bind soil particles together, preventing erosion. This stabilization would have been essential during the early stages of creation to protect the developing land from wind and water erosion.

4. Creating a Microclimate for Young Plants

Grass provides ground cover that retains moisture in the soil and protects young plants from harsh environmental conditions. This microclimate would have been vital for allowing other plants to germinate and establish themselves until their roots could grow deeper.

5. Driving the Water Cycle and Increasing Rainfall

Through the process of photosynthesis and transpiration, grass contributes significantly to the water cycle. During transpiration, grass releases water vapor into the atmosphere, which can lead to cloud formation and, eventually, precipitation. The more abundant grass is on the earth, the more water vapor it releases, and the greater its potential to increase rainfall. This feedback loop highlights the importance of grass in not only maintaining but also amplifying the earth’s hydrological cycle. During the creation process, this ability of grass to drive the water cycle would have been essential in transitioning the earth from being watered by mist to sustaining ecosystems with regular rain.

Why This Makes Sense in the Creation Process

The creation story in Moses 2 and Genesis 1 follows a clear, logical sequence. Grass’s early creation makes sense both practically and symbolically:

• Practical Role: Grass’s ability to grow quickly, survive on minimal water, and enrich the soil makes it the perfect "pioneer plant." It prepares the environment for more complex ecosystems, stabilizing the land and building the soil necessary for trees and herbs to thrive. Grass’s role in amplifying the water cycle through transpiration and photosynthesis ensures that rain becomes a sustaining force for all life.

• Symbolic Role: Grass represents humility and preparation. Though simple, it lays the foundation for all plant and animal life, reflecting God’s wisdom in using small and simple things to fulfill great purposes (Alma 37:6-7).

The sequential nature of creation—grass first, then herbs and trees—highlights how God’s designs align with natural laws. Grass’s role in stabilizing and enriching the environment underscores its foundational importance in the divine plan.

The Continued Importance of Grass

Even today, grass remains vital to the environment and ecosystems:

• Cooling the Earth’s Temperature: Grass helps cool the earth by absorbing less heat than bare soil and releasing water vapor through transpiration. This role in regulating temperature would have been essential in creating a stable climate during the creation process.

• Increasing Rainfall: Through photosynthesis and transpiration, grass continues to drive the water cycle. Its ability to release water vapor into the atmosphere contributes to cloud formation and precipitation. The more grass there is, the more it enhances this process, making it a key player in sustaining rainfall and maintaining ecosystems.

• Supporting Food Chains: Grass is the foundation of many food chains, feeding herbivores that, in turn, support carnivores and omnivores.

• Maintaining Soil and Water Cycles: Grass prevents erosion, retains moisture, and supports the hydrological cycle, just as it did in the early stages of creation.

Conclusion

Grass, though humble and often overlooked, played a critical role in the creation of the world. Its shallow roots allowed it to survive on mist, and its ability to stabilize soil and enrich it with organic matter prepared the way for deeper-rooted plants like trees and herbs. Grass’s contribution to the water cycle and its ability to increase rainfall through photosynthesis and transpiration further underscore its foundational importance in God’s creation plan.

By examining the creation story, we see how grass serves as both a practical and symbolic element in the divine sequence of events. Its early creation reflects God’s wisdom and meticulous planning, using simple yet powerful elements to prepare the earth for life.

Grass plays a crucial role in our environment by supporting ecological balance, promoting water conservation, and combating the effects of climate change. Through processes like transpiration and evapotranspiration, grass helps regulate local temperatures, reduce urban heat islands, and encourage rainfall, replenishing vital water sources. Its extensive root systems prevent soil erosion, improve water infiltration, and reduce runoff, ensuring groundwater supplies are recharged. Grass also acts as a natural air purifier, trapping dust and pollutants while producing oxygen, which is essential for maintaining air quality in both urban and rural areas. Furthermore, grass supports biodiversity by providing habitats for pollinators, insects, and small wildlife, creating a healthier, more balanced ecosystem. By fostering green landscapes, we not only enhance property values and community aesthetics but also contribute to a sustainable future for our planet.

Grass remains a testament to the importance of small and humble beginnings in fulfilling great purposes, both in creation and in our lives today.

"And God said: Let the earth bring forth grass"-Why Grass Was Created First: A Biblical and Ecological Perspective that sheds important light on why we need to increase grass in our environment NOT reduce it.