Commentaries on the Old Testament: Genesis to Second Samuel

A facsimile of a Syriac manuscript page containing a commentary on Genesis 1:2-5. The text is written in a clear Serto script. There is a marginal note on the right side of the manuscript. A small number '3' is visible at the bottom center of the manuscript image.

Like the existence of the earth; and that it was something and unintelligible? in name.
Just as the Spirit of God exists, which is named over the waters,
named as one of the Trinity; or rather, a power one of the angels
from its proximity. And as it is said, it is named. Or rather,
the surface of the spirit, invisible, the surface of God, as if moving
like a threat of creation. God, who through His Word brought the whole universe into being. And it is named as a surface that exists, something distinct from the existence of the earth; and it is fitting for it, too, to be distinguished from it.
For it is said as if? As the holy chief priest Athanasius said.
And in that which it says, "God said, let there be light," this is said: that out of nothing
the invisible God brought light, and this is visible.
Let there be light, for the salvation of creation from darkness. And the earth, however,
if this is light, it is given from above, to the earth, from its knowledge.
And he said, "Let there be light." And as in that which light happened, he saw it. And he divided
the light and the darkness, as if in darkness they should know that light exists.
For it is said of light, that it is named from nothing. It is distinct from all of them,
from the light of the sun, above the surface that exists, and the light
of the sun is distinct, as it is not from nothing. "Let there be light,"
it was said to it therefore, it was said that God should divide between the light,
and between the darkness. Just as God should divide between an unrefined existence
and a refined existence. And it is said that God should divide between the light,
and also it is distinct, it is named from before the light is seen. He limited
for us light from darkness, and it is distinct from darkness.
One for the time of the day it is named, and as it is named. It was said that God should divide
between the light, and between the darkness, as God should divide between all of them
things that exist. And one light is named from darkness, and in the distinction of darkness
it is named, when light is seen, it is named as if it is not seen. It was said
it is named, "And God saw the light, that it was good." And he saw, indeed
he knew what was for him to enlighten, while God, who is ineffable,
is ineffable. This God, [saw] the light that it was good, and he called
the light Day, and the darkness he called Night, as it repeats its existence and it is named
that God should divide between the light and darkness; for it was said that God should divide