If the entire argument boils down to what sense of the word "Elohim" is invoked in v1, it is a weak argument. So, it is not unreasonable to conclude the Angels were involved with Creation in some way.
"In the beginning" Bereshith (BDB 912) is the Hebrew title of the book. We get the name Genesis from the Septuagint translation. This is the beginning of history but not of God's activity (cf. Matt. 25:34; John 17:5,25; Eph. 1:4; Titus 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:9; 1 Pet. 1:19-20; Rev. 13:8). R. K. Harrison says it should be translated "by way of beginning" (Introduction to the Old Testament, p. 542 footnote 3). John H. Walton, The Lost World of Genesis One says it introduces a period of time (p. 45).
Then he will say to the ones on his right, Come! Baruchei Avi (Blessed of my Father), receive the bechorah (inheritance), the Malchut prepared for you from before Hivvased HaOlam (the establishing of the world).
And now give me kavod, Avi, along with Yourself with the kavod which I was having with You before HaOlam came to be [Yn 1:1 3; Prov 8:30; 30:4].
Avi HaTzaddik, indeed the world did not have da'as of You, but I knew You, and these ones knew that You sent me.
Just as He picked us out to be part of Hashem's Bechirim (Chosen Ones) before the hivvased tevel (foundation of the world), that we should be Kadoshim and without mum (defect, VAYIKRA 22:20) before Him in ahavah: [VAYIKRA 11:44; 20:7; SHMUEL BAIS 22:24; TEHILLIM 15:2]
Verse one tells us what God will do in vv. 3-31. Verse 2 tells us what the earth was like before it was ordered. Notice that the planet with its water was already in existence. This is not an account of the beginning of water but the organization of this planet for human life.
"God" Elohim (BDB 43) is a PLURAL form of the general name for God in the Ancient Near East, El (BDB 42).
When referring to the God of Israel the verb is usually (6 exceptions) SINGULAR.
The rabbis say that it speaks of God as creator, provider and sustainer of all life on planet earth (cf. Ps. 19:1-6; 104). Notice how often this name for Deity is used in chapter 1. The ANE's worldview was spiritual not material. These nations shared a worldview that is alien to modern, western, materialistic, cause-and-effect naturalism.
I believe that this verse is an independent clause: Ibn Ezra says that it is a dependent clause with the emphasis on Gen. 1:2 while Rashi says that Gen. 1:2 is a parenthesis and the emphasis is on Gen. 1:3. Modern dispensational commentators say that Gen. 1:1 is a dependent clause in order to support their view of a previous fall (the gap theory). See a good brief discussion in NIDOTTE, vol. 3, pp. 1025-1026, #2.
The Bible does not discuss or reveal the origin of God. He has always existed (cf. Ps. 90:2). There is surely mystery here. Mankind simply cannot grasp the fullness of God!
"created" Bara (cf. Gen. 1:1,21,27; 2:3,4) is the Hebrew VERB (BDB 135 I, KB 153, Qal PERFECT) used exclusively for God's creative activity (used most in Isaiah 40-66). Its basic meaning is to fashion by cutting (BDB 135 III, in the Piel stem). God willed into being everything but Himself by a process of dividing, separating, or cutting.
Psalm 33:6,9; Heb. 11:3 and 2 Pet. 3:5 present original creation (cosmology) by God's spoken word (fiat) from nothing (ex nihilo, cf. 2 Macc. 7:28). Whatever bara (Qal and Niphal) implies, it accentuates God's activity and purpose! See John H. Walton, The Lost World of Adam and Eve, pp. 29-34.
The Bible asserts that creation has a beginning point. Twenty-first century science would characterize this as the "big bang." Naturalism can now not assert an unlimited regression back in time. However, it is probable that Genesis 1 refers to the beginning of a functioning earth, not the material beginning of matter (see John H. Walton, The Lost World of Genesis One and Genesis 1 As Ancient Cosmology).
"the heavens" The word "heavens" (BDB 1029) may be used in several senses:
it refers to the atmosphere of the earth as in Gen. 1:8 and 20
it may refer to the entire cosmos (i.e., all material existence)
it may refer to the creation of all things visible (material) and invisible (angels, heaven as God's throne)
If option three is true then a parallel would be Col. 1:16. If not, then Genesis 1 focuses only on the organization of this planet. The Bible emphasizes a geocentric perspective (i.e., creation seen as a spectator on this planet would have observed it).
Utley.
That is your assumption @Wrangler-
In the beginning Elohim created hashomayim (the heavens, Himel) and haaretz (the earth).
And the earth was tohu vavohu (without form, and void); and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Ruach Elohim was hovering upon the face of the waters.
And Elohim said, Let there be light: and there was light [Tehillim 33:6,9].
Nowhere-in the text do I see involvement of "angels" as agents in the creation account.
Johann.