This is the most intellectually challenging post I have come across during my short time here on steemit that has forced me to delve deeper into the content to uncover a possible answer. The first two verses of Genesis I believe offer a solution to the conundrum
Both the New International Version and the older Scofield Reference Bible suggest that the expression “the earth was without form and void” (Genesis 1:2) can be rendered “the earth became without form and void.” In other words, something spoiled the original creation described in Genesis 1:1 and made it necessary for God to restore order out of chaos—which He did during six 24-hour periods followed by a Sabbath rest.
These two passages imply that original creation in Genesis 1:1 was halted by something, possibly by Satan when he rebelled against God (Revelation 12:4). Subsequently, God accomplished a full restoration during six 24-hour days (Exodus 20:11).
The time gap between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2 is an unspecified period that could encompass an untold span of years, accounting for the “deep time” that geologists and other scientists have discovered in the last two centuries. So the Bible itself solves the enigma. We do not need to artificially lengthen the seven 24-hour creation days to resolve the problem.