Genesis 7
The Lord said to Noah, “Go into the ark with your whole household, because among this generation I’ve seen that you are a moral man. 2 From every clean animal, take seven pairs, a male and his mate; and from every unclean animal, take one pair, a male and his mate; 3 and from the birds in the sky as well, take seven pairs, male and female, so that their offspring will survive throughout the earth. 4 In seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights. I will wipe off from the fertile land every living thing that I have made.”
5 Noah did everything the Lord commanded him.
6 Noah was 600 years old when the floodwaters arrived on earth. 7 Noah, his sons, his wife, and his sons’ wives with him entered the ark to escape the floodwaters. 8 From the clean and unclean animals, from the birds and everything crawling on the ground, 9 two of each, male and female, went into the ark with Noah, just as God commanded Noah. 10 After seven days, the floodwaters arrived on the earth. 11 In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day—on that day all the springs of the deep sea erupted, and the windows in the skies opened. 12 It rained on the earth forty days and forty nights. 13 That same day Noah, with his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, Noah’s wife, and his sons’ three wives, went into the ark. 14 They and every kind of animal—every kind of livestock, every kind that crawls on the ground, every kind of bird— 15 they came to Noah and entered the ark, two of every creature that breathes. 16 Male and female of every creature went in, just as God had commanded him. Then the Lord closed the door behind them.
17 The flood remained on the earth for forty days. The waters rose, lifted the ark, and it rode high above the earth. 18 The waters rose and spread out over the earth. The ark floated on the surface of the waters. 19 The waters rose even higher over the earth; they covered all of the highest mountains under the sky. 20 The waters rose twenty-three feet high, covering the mountains. 21 Every creature took its last breath: the things crawling on the ground, birds, livestock, wild animals, everything swarming on the ground, and every human being. 22 Everything on dry land with life’s breath in its nostrils died. 23 God wiped away every living thing that was on the fertile land—from human beings to livestock to crawling things to birds in the sky. They were wiped off the earth. Only Noah and those with him in the ark were left. 24 The waters rose over the earth for one hundred fifty days.
Genesis 7 Meaning
In Genesis 7, we find the account of Noah and the great flood. This passage teaches us about God’s judgment against the wickedness of humanity and His faithfulness to those who follow Him. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and trust in God’s instructions, as well as the consequences of disobedience.
Genesis 7 Commentary and Explanation
Genesis 7 recounts the pivotal moment when God commands Noah to enter the ark along with his family and a selection of animals, marking the onset of the great flood. The chapter opens with God instructing Noah to take with him seven pairs of clean animals and one pair of unclean animals, as well as food to sustain them during their time in the ark.
As we delve into this chapter, it’s crucial to acknowledge the symbolism and significance within the story. The flood itself is a profound demonstration of God’s judgment upon a corrupt and sinful world, yet it also represents the possibility of redemption and salvation through obedience and faithfulness.
Noah’s obedience is exemplary. He follows God’s instructions meticulously, illustrating unwavering faith and trust in God’s word. In doing so, Noah showcases the essence of righteousness, standing out as a righteous figure in a generation marred by wickedness. His commitment to God’s commands parallels the importance of obedience in our own lives, underscoring the significance of faith and trust in God’s guidance even when facing adversity or seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The concept of the flood, a catastrophic event intended to cleanse the earth, echoes themes found throughout the Bible. In the New Testament, the flood is referenced as a warning and a metaphor for the final judgment (Matthew 24:37-39, Luke 17:26-27, 1 Peter 3:20-21). This emphasizes the necessity of repentance and the importance of being prepared for the ultimate judgment.
God’s provision for Noah and his family within the ark mirrors His care and faithfulness towards His faithful followers. Just as God protected Noah and ensured his safety during the flood, we can find assurance in God’s promises of protection and provision in our lives, especially during times of trial and upheaval.
Furthermore, the ark itself serves as a symbol of salvation. Just as those who entered the ark were saved from the destruction of the floodwaters, believers today find salvation in Jesus Christ (John 10:9, Acts 4:12). The ark being the means of salvation from physical destruction parallels Jesus as the means of salvation from spiritual destruction.
The timing and duration of the flood, lasting for forty days and forty nights, carry biblical significance. The number forty often represents a period of testing, preparation, or transition (Matthew 4:1-2, Exodus 24:18, Deuteronomy 9:9). In this context, it underscores the time of purification and transition from an old way of life to a new beginning for humanity.
Overall, Genesis 7 encapsulates not only the historical account of the great flood but also conveys timeless truths about obedience, faith, redemption, and God’s faithfulness. Through Noah’s obedience and God’s provision, the chapter speaks to us about the importance of trust in God’s guidance, the need for repentance, and the assurance of salvation through faith, echoing throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Context of Genesis 7
Genesis 7 is the continuation of the story of Noah, which begins in Genesis 6. In the previous chapter, God declared that He would bring a flood to destroy the earth because of the wickedness and corruption that had consumed humanity. However, He found favor in Noah, who was righteous and blameless among his contemporaries.
In Genesis 7, God gives Noah specific instructions to build an ark and gather the animals to preserve life during the flood. He tells Noah that the rain will last for forty days and forty nights, and everything on the earth will be destroyed. Noah obeys God faithfully, and God seals them inside the ark, beginning the judgment upon mankind.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 7
“Then the Lord said to Noah, ‘Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.'” (Genesis 7:1)
This verse highlights God’s recognition of Noah’s righteousness. Despite the wickedness surrounding him, Noah found favor in God’s eyes. It demonstrates that God always sees and rewards faithfulness, even in the midst of a corrupt world.
“For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.” (Genesis 7:4)
God gives Noah a specific timeframe before the flood will commence. This shows God’s mercy and gives Noah time to prepare. It also serves as a reminder that God is patient in giving people an opportunity to repent before His judgment comes.
“Noah did all that the Lord had commanded him.” (Genesis 7:5)
Noah’s obedience and faithfulness are highlighted in this verse. It demonstrates his trust in God’s plan and his commitment to following God’s instructions despite the challenges and ridicule he may have faced.
Bible Study on Genesis 7
The story of Noah and the flood offers several lessons for us as believers. Firstly, it teaches us about the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Just as Noah listened and followed God’s instructions, we should seek to be obedient to His word in our lives. Obedience opens the door for blessings and protection from God.
Secondly, the story reminds us of God’s judgment against sin. While God is patient, there comes a time when He will not tolerate unrepentant wickedness. We must be mindful of this and strive to live righteous lives, fleeing from sin and following God’s ways.
Lastly, the story of Noah and the flood points to the ultimate salvation found in Jesus Christ. Just as Noah and his family were saved from destruction by entering the ark, we are saved from the eternal consequences of sin by placing our faith in Jesus. He is the ultimate ark of salvation, and through Him, we find forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life.
Final Thoughts
Genesis 7 and the account of Noah and the flood serve as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, judgment against sin, and the importance of obedience.
As believers, let us strive to be like Noah, obedient to God’s commands, trusting in His promises, and living righteous lives. May we also share the message of salvation found in Jesus Christ, the true ark of safety, with those around us.