The Elements and Their Creator

1 "I say this: 2 The fire is more worthy of honor than everything that has been made because even what cannot otherwise be subdued is subdued by it, and its flames mock things that are easily destroyed. 3 But I do not call that fire god, because it is subject to water. 4 But water is even more worthy of honor, because it conquers the fire and waters the earth.⁠a 5 But I do not call even it God, because it is subject to the earth, beneath which the water flows. 6 But I call the earth much more worthy of honor, because it overpowers the nature (and the fullness) of the water. 7 Even so, I do not call it (viz. the earth) god, [because] it, too, is dried up by the sun, [and] is assigned to people to farm. 8 [I call the sun more worthy of honor than the earth,] because its rays light up the whole world and the different atmospheres. 9 [But] I do not call even it god, because its path is hidden at night and by clouds." 10 And I do not call the moon or the stars god, because they too sometimes hide [their] light at night.⁠b 11 [But] listen to [this], my father Terah; for I will tell you about the God who has made everything, rather than these we consider gods. 12 Who is He, then? Or what is He? Who has colored the heavens red, and made the sun golden, And the moon shine, and with it the stars; And has made the earth dry in the midst of many waters, And set you among the created things [and tested me in the confusion of my thoughts] "Yet may God reveal Himself to us by Himself!"