Number two of the first part entitled “Im Anfange schuf Gott Himmel und Erde”, also known as “In the Beginning”, introduces the narrators of the oratorio as Raphael and Uriel in the tenor voices. Both of them are part of the four head archangels (Singer). Raphael is not mentioned directly in the Bible but rather he is found in the “Book of Tobia”. He is also referred to as and St. Raphael (Discoll). Uriel is the archangel of earthquakes and thunder and is also referred to as the “Glory of God” or the “Light of God”. Ultimately he is the divine messenger that warns the end of the world (Singer).

This is also another landmark in the piece for it is the first time that the chorus is presented. They exclaim “And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of water: and God said, :et there be light, and there was,” and as they all approach the next word the orchestra and chorus presents, “light,” in fortissimo.