“For who is a great nation that has God near it, as is the Lord our God in all of our calling to Him.” The heretics asked Rabbi Simlai: ‘How many authorities created the world?’ He said to them: ‘Let you and me inquire into the six days of Creation.’ They said to him: ‘Is it written: “In the beginning God [Elo’ah]20Singular created”?
It is written: “In the beginning God [Elohim]21Plural created”’ (Genesis 1:1). He said to them: ‘Is created [baru]”22Plural written? “Created [bara]”23Singular is written. And is it written: “God said [vayomeru]24Plural let there be a firmament” (Genesis 1:7); “[God said:] Let the water…be gathered” (Genesis 1:9); “[God said:] Let there be lights” (Genesis 1:14)?
“Said [vayomer]”25Singular is written.’ When they reached the action of the sixth day, they rejoiced. They said to him: ‘But is it not written: “Let us make man in our image” (Genesis 1:26)?’ He said to them: ‘It is not written here, “They created man in their images,” but rather, “God created man in His image”’ (Genesis 1:27).
They said to him: ‘But is it not written: “For who is a great nation that has God near [kerovim]26Plural it”?’ He said to them: ‘But is it written: “As is the Lord our God in all of our calling to them”? It is written, “[As is the Lord our God] in all of our calling to Him.”’