So, possibly, if Vishnu preserves what is already created, then creation must have preceded, and Vishnu is a later development. Brahman is the Ultimate, but is that the creator?

Brahma lives only for the duration of one breath, so is therefore only a temporary manifestation of Brahman. That would seem to be in line with the text I'm discussing – Ihoah is a temporary manifestation of Elohim for the purpose of creation. What do you think?