11 Then God said , "Let the earth sprout [1] vegetation : [2]plants yielding seed , and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after [3]their kind [4]with seed in them"; and it was so . 12 The earth brought forth [5]vegetation , [6]plants yielding seed after [7]their kind , and trees bearing fruit [8]with seed in them, after [7]their kind ; and God saw that it was good .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 1:11-12
Commentary on Genesis 1:6-13
(Read Genesis 1:6-13)
The earth was emptiness, but by a word spoken, it became full of God's riches, and his they are still. Though the use of them is allowed to man, they are from God, and to his service and honour they must be used. The earth, at his command, brings forth grass, herbs, and fruits. God must have the glory of all the benefit we receive from the produce of the earth. If we have, through grace, an interest in Him who is the Fountain, we may rejoice in him when the streams of temporal mercies are dried up.