The words, “he made,” have been supplied. As to the origin of the stars two principal views have been set forth:

 (1) The stars were brought into existence during creation week, along with the sun and moon.

 (2) The “stars,” though created earlier, are here mentioned, in passing, by Moses, inasmuch as he is discussing the luminaries of the heavens.

The first view necessitates the conclusion that prior to creation week the vast universe was an empty void. This conclusion seems unwarranted.

However, on this as on many other cryptic declarations of Scripture regarding God’s mysterious acts, we should be slow to dogmatize. We should not forget that the primary truth Moses sought to present in regard to the origin of the sun, moon, and stars is that all are the result of God’s creative power. Here is a further refutation of the ancient but everrecurring heresy of the eternity of matter.