Genesis 7
“The Lord then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation. 2 Take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and one pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate, 3 and also seven pairs of every kind of bird, male and female, to keep their various kinds alive throughout the earth. 4 Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made.”
5 And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him.
6 Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters came on the earth. 7 And Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives entered the ark to escape the waters of the flood. 8 Pairs of clean and unclean animals, of birds and of all creatures that move along the ground, 9 male and female, came to Noah and entered the ark, as God had commanded Noah. 10 And after the seven days the floodwaters came on the earth.
11 In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. 12 And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights.
13 On that very day Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, together with his wife and the wives of his three sons, entered the ark. 14 They had with them every wild animal according to its kind, all livestock according to their kinds, every creature that moves along the ground according to its kind and every bird according to its kind, everything with wings. 15 Pairs of all creatures that have the breath of life in them came to Noah and entered the ark. 16 The animals going in were male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the Lord shut him in.
17 For forty days the flood kept coming on the earth, and as the waters increased they lifted the ark high above the earth. 18 The waters rose and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. 19 They rose greatly on the earth, and all the high mountains under the entire heavens were covered. 20 The waters rose and covered the mountains to a depth of more than fifteen cubits. 21 Every living thing that moved on land perished—birds, livestock, wild animals, all the creatures that swarm over the earth, and all mankind. 22 Everything on dry land that had the breath of life in its nostrils died. 23 Every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out; people and animals and the creatures that move along the ground and the birds were wiped from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those with him in the ark.
24 The waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days.”
Genesis 7 Meaning
In Genesis 7, we read about the great flood that God sent upon the earth. God saw that the wickedness of mankind had become so great that He regretted creating them. However, Noah found favor in God’s eyes. God instructed Noah to build an ark and to bring his family and a pair of every kind of living creature into the ark. The floodwaters came upon the earth, destroying everything outside the ark. Only Noah and those with him in the ark were saved.
In these verses, we learn about God’s justice and mercy. He judged the wickedness of mankind with a flood, but He also provided a way of escape for Noah and his family. It teaches us about the consequences of sin and the importance of obedience to God.
Genesis 7 Commentary and Explanation
Genesis 7 is rich in symbolism and carries profound theological significance, offering insights into divine judgment, human obedience, and the enduring promise of God’s covenant.
As the chapter unfolds, we witness Noah and his family entering the ark, along with pairs of every kind of animal, as commanded by God. This act of obedience by Noah exemplifies his righteousness and faithfulness amidst a world consumed by wickedness. It underscores the importance of heeding God’s word even in the face of skepticism and ridicule from others.
The meticulous detail in the instructions for the ark’s construction and the gathering of the animals demonstrates God’s sovereignty and concern for order and preservation. It also highlights the importance of preparation and obedience in fulfilling God’s plans. Just as Noah diligently followed God’s instructions, we are reminded of the necessity of obedience in our own lives, trusting in God’s wisdom and providence.
The floodwaters themselves symbolize both judgment and purification. They serve as a means of divine punishment for the rampant sinfulness of humanity, yet they also represent a cleansing of the earth, foreshadowing the purification from sin brought about by baptism (1 Peter 3:20-21). In this way, the flood becomes a type of baptism, signaling a new beginning for creation and humanity.
Throughout the flood narrative, we see God’s faithfulness to His promises. Despite the devastation wrought by the flood, God remembers Noah and preserves him and his family, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness (Genesis 6:18). This echoes the broader biblical theme of God’s steadfast love and commitment to His people, even in the midst of judgment (Psalm 136:1).
As the floodwaters subside and the ark comes to rest on the mountains of Ararat, we witness the beginning of a new era for humanity. God’s covenant with Noah, symbolized by the rainbow, serves as a reminder of His commitment to never again destroy the earth with a flood (Genesis 9:12-17). This covenant underscores God’s mercy and grace, offering hope for the future despite humanity’s ongoing propensity for sin.
In reflecting on Genesis 7, we are challenged to consider our own response to God’s word and His call to obedience. Like Noah, we are called to trust in God’s promises and faithfully follow His commands, even when they seem difficult or impractical to human understanding. We are reminded of the certainty of God’s judgment on sin and the importance of repentance, yet also of His abundant mercy and grace extended to all who turn to Him in faith. As we navigate the challenges of life, may we find inspiration and encouragement in the example of Noah, who remained steadfast in his obedience amidst the storm, trusting in the faithfulness of the One who holds all things in His hands.
Also Read: Genesis 7 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Genesis 7
The story of Noah and the flood is found in the book of Genesis, which tells the account of creation and the early history of humanity. At this point in the narrative, sin had become rampant on the earth. God, seeing the wickedness of mankind, decided to send a flood to cleanse the earth of its corruption. However, He found one righteous man, Noah, and chose to save him and his family.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 7
Noah found favor in God’s eyes: Despite the wickedness around him, Noah was righteous in God’s sight. His faithfulness and obedience to God earned him favor and saved him and his family from destruction.
God instructed Noah to build an ark: God gave Noah specific instructions on how to build the ark, including its size, materials, and design. Noah followed these instructions meticulously, showing his trust and obedience to God.
Noah brought a pair of every kind of living creature: God commanded Noah to bring two of every kind of animal into the ark, ensuring the preservation of life and the continuation of each species.
The floodwaters came upon the earth: The flood came as a result of God’s judgment upon the wickedness of mankind. It rained for forty days and forty nights, covering the entire earth and wiping out all life outside the ark.
Only Noah and those in the ark were saved: Because of Noah’s faith and obedience, he and his family were saved from the flood. They found refuge in the ark and were protected by God’s grace.
Lessons From Genesis 7
The story of Noah and the flood teaches us several important lessons:
1. The consequences of sin: God’s judgment upon the earth shows us the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. Sin leads to destruction and separation from God.
2. The importance of obedience: Noah’s obedience to God’s instructions saved him and his family. Obedience to God’s commands is essential for our own salvation and blessings.
3. God’s mercy and grace: Despite the judgment, God provided a way of escape for Noah. It demonstrates God’s willingness to save those who trust in Him and follow His ways.
4. The faithfulness of God: God kept His promise to Noah, protecting him and his family. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness in our own lives and His willingness to fulfill His promises.
5. The power of faith: Noah’s faith in God’s word led him to build the ark and trust in God’s provision. Our faith in God can enable us to overcome challenges and find refuge in Him.
Final Thoughts
The story of Noah and the flood is a powerful reminder of God’s justice, mercy, and faithfulness. It highlights the consequences of sin but also provides hope and salvation for those who trust in God. May we learn from Noah’s example of obedience and faith, and may we seek to live righteous lives in accordance with God’s commands. Through faith, we can find refuge in God and experience His grace and salvation.