Genesis 7
BSB1 Then the LORD said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your family, because I have found you righteous in this generation. 2 You are to take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate; a pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate; 3 and seven pairs of every kind of bird of the air, male and female, to preserve their offspring on the face of all the earth. 4 For 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 thing I have made." 5 And Noah did all that the LORD had commanded him. 6 Now Noah was 600 years old when the floodwaters came upon the earth. 7 And Noah and his wife, with his sons and their wives, entered the ark to escape the waters of the flood. 8 The clean and unclean animals, the birds, and everything that crawls along the ground 9 came to Noah to enter the ark, two by two, male and female, as God had commanded Noah. 10 And after seven days the floodwaters came upon the earth. 11 In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. 12 And the rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights. 13 On that very day Noah entered the ark, along with his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and his wife, and the three wives of his sons— 14 they and every kind of wild animal, livestock, crawling creature, bird, and winged creature. 15 They came to Noah to enter the ark, two by two of every creature with the breath of life. 16 And they entered, the 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 the waters rose and lifted the ark high above the earth. 18 So the waters continued to surge and rise greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the waters. 19 Finally, the waters completely inundated the earth, so that all the high mountains under all the heavens were covered. 20 The waters rose and covered the mountaintops to a depth of fifteen cubits. 21 And every living thing that moved upon the earth perished—birds, livestock, animals, every creature that swarms upon the earth, and all mankind. 22 Of all that was on dry land, everything that had the breath of life in its nostrils died. 23 And every living thing on the face of the earth was destroyed—man and livestock, crawling creatures and birds of the air; they were blotted out from the earth, and only Noah and those with him in the ark remained. 24 And the waters prevailed upon the earth for 150 days.
Study Notes — Genesis 7
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Genesis 7
- Themes from Genesis 7
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Genesis 7
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Genesis chapter 7 begins with God instructing Noah to enter the ark with his family and two of every kind of animal, as He is about to send a flood to destroy the earth due to its wickedness (Genesis 7:1-5). The chapter then describes the flood's arrival, the destruction it brings, and the salvation of those inside the ark (Genesis 7:6-24). The flood lasts for 150 days, and then the waters recede, allowing the ark to come to rest on the mountains of Ararat (Genesis 7:24-8:5). This event serves as a reminder of God's power and His commitment to saving those who are faithful to Him.
Context for the Chapter
Genesis chapter 7 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Genesis, which tells the story of creation and the early history of humanity. This chapter follows the story of Noah, who is introduced in Genesis chapter 5 as a righteous man who walks with God. The flood serves as a turning point in the narrative, marking a new beginning for humanity and setting the stage for the rest of the biblical story. The chapter also connects to the larger biblical narrative, foreshadowing the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ and the new covenant that God establishes with humanity.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Genesis chapter 7, we are reminded of the importance of faith and obedience in the face of God's commands. We are also encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, knowing that He is a righteous Judge who rewards those who are faithful to Him. May we be like Noah, trusting in God's promises and living a life that is pleasing to Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Genesis chapter 7 tells the story of a great flood that God sent to destroy the earth because of its wickedness. However, God saved Noah and his family, along with two of every kind of animal, by having them enter an ark. This event serves as a reminder of God's power and His commitment to saving those who are faithful to Him, as seen in Genesis 7:1 and Genesis 7:23.
Voices from the Church
“The ark was a type of Christ, and those who were saved in it were saved by faith, just as we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The flood was a judgment upon the world, but it was also a display of God's mercy and salvation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and obedience in the face of God's commands.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Command to Enter the Ark (Genesis 7:1-5) — God instructs Noah to enter the ark with his family and two of every kind of animal, as He is about to send a flood to destroy the earth.
- The Flood Arrives (Genesis 7:6-12) — The flood comes, and Noah, his family, and the animals enter the ark, while the rest of humanity is destroyed.
- The Flood Lasts for 150 Days (Genesis 7:13-24) — The flood lasts for 150 days, and then the waters recede, allowing the ark to come to rest on the mountains of Ararat.
- The Ark Comes to Rest (Genesis 7:24-8:5) — The ark comes to rest on the mountains of Ararat, and Noah releases a dove, a raven, and a swallow to determine if the floodwaters have receded.
- God's Covenant with Noah (Genesis 8:20-9:17) — God establishes a covenant with Noah, promising never again to destroy the earth with a flood, and sets a rainbow in the sky as a sign of this covenant.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- Genesis chapter 7 demonstrates God's sovereignty over all creation, as He brings judgment upon the earth and saves those who are faithful to Him.
- The Importance of Faith
- Noah's faith and obedience are highlighted in this chapter, demonstrating the importance of trusting in God's commands and promises.
- The Theme of Salvation
- The story of Noah's ark and the flood serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire to save those who are faithful to Him, foreshadowing the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ.
- The Covenant
- The covenant that God establishes with Noah after the flood serves as a reminder of God's commitment to His people and His promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood.
Lessons from Genesis 7
- The Importance of Faith — Noah's faith and obedience are highlighted in this chapter, demonstrating the importance of trusting in God's commands and promises.
- The Sovereignty of God — Genesis chapter 7 demonstrates God's sovereignty over all creation, as He brings judgment upon the earth and saves those who are faithful to Him.
- The Theme of Salvation — The story of Noah's ark and the flood serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire to save those who are faithful to Him, foreshadowing the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ.
- The Covenant — The covenant that God establishes with Noah after the flood serves as a reminder of God's commitment to His people and His promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood.
- The Importance of Obedience — Noah's obedience to God's commands is highlighted in this chapter, demonstrating the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.
Themes from Genesis 7
- God's Sovereignty — Genesis chapter 7 demonstrates God's sovereignty over all creation, as He brings judgment upon the earth and saves those who are faithful to Him.
- The Importance of Faith — Noah's faith and obedience are highlighted in this chapter, demonstrating the importance of trusting in God's commands and promises.
- The Theme of Salvation — The story of Noah's ark and the flood serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire to save those who are faithful to Him, foreshadowing the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ.
- The Covenant — The covenant that God establishes with Noah after the flood serves as a reminder of God's commitment to His people and His promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood.
- The Importance of Obedience — Noah's obedience to God's commands is highlighted in this chapter, demonstrating the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the story of Noah's ark and the flood teach us about God's character?
- How does the theme of salvation in Genesis chapter 7 relate to the rest of the biblical narrative?
- What is the significance of the ark as a symbol of salvation?
- How does the covenant that God establishes with Noah after the flood foreshadow the new covenant that God establishes with humanity through Jesus Christ?
- What lessons can we learn from Noah's faith and obedience in the face of God's commands?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Command to Enter the Ark (Genesis 7:1-5)
| 7:1 | God instructs Noah to enter the ark with his family and two of every kind of animal, as He is about to send a flood to destroy the earth. |
| 7:2 | God commands Noah to take seven pairs of every clean animal and two of every unclean animal into the ark with him. |
| 7:3 | God also commands Noah to take seven pairs of every bird into the ark, to keep their kinds alive on the earth. |
| 7:4 | God tells Noah that He will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and every living thing on the earth will perish. |
| 7:5 | Noah does all that God commands him to do, demonstrating his faith and obedience. |
2. The Flood Arrives (Genesis 7:6-12)
| 7:6 | Noah is six hundred years old when the flood comes, and he enters the ark with his family and the animals. |
| 7:7 | Noah's family enters the ark with him, including his wife, his three sons, and their wives. |
| 7:8 | Two of every kind of animal, male and female, enter the ark with Noah, as God has commanded. |
| 7:9 | Seven pairs of every clean animal and two of every unclean animal enter the ark with Noah, as God has commanded. |
| 7:10 | Seven days pass, and then the flood comes, and the waters increase, covering the earth. |
| 7:11 | The fountains of the deep are broken up, and the windows of heaven are opened, bringing rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights. |
| 7:12 | The flood lasts for forty days and forty nights, and every living thing on the earth perishes, except for those in the ark. |
3. The Flood Lasts for 150 Days (Genesis 7:13-24)
| 7:13 | The flood comes, and Noah, his family, and the animals enter the ark, while the rest of humanity is destroyed. |
| 7:14 | Every kind of animal, every kind of livestock, every kind of creeping thing, and every kind of bird enter the ark with Noah. |
| 7:15 | Two of every kind of animal enter the ark with Noah, male and female, as God has commanded. |
| 7:16 | The Lord shuts Noah in the ark, and the flood comes, bringing destruction on the earth. |
| 7:17 | The flood lasts for forty days and forty nights, and the waters increase, covering the earth. |
| 7:18 | The waters prevail, and all the high mountains under the whole heaven are covered, and the mountains are covered. |
| 7:19 | The waters prevail exceedingly on the earth, and all the high mountains under the whole heaven are covered. |
| 7:20 | The waters prevail fifteen cubits upward, and the mountains are covered. |
| 7:21 | And all flesh dies that moves on the earth, birds, livestock, beasts, and every swarming thing that swarms on the earth, and every man. |
| 7:22 | Everything on the dry land, in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, dies. |
| 7:23 | And every living thing on the face of the earth was destroyed, man, animals, creeping things, and birds of the air, and they were destroyed from the earth. |
| 7:24 | And the waters prevailed on the earth one hundred and fifty days. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the flood in Genesis chapter 7?
The purpose of the flood was to destroy the earth and all its inhabitants, except for Noah and his family, due to the wickedness of humanity, as seen in Genesis 7:1-5. This event serves as a reminder of God's judgment and salvation.
How long did the flood last?
The flood lasted for 150 days, as stated in Genesis 7:24. This period of time allowed for the destruction of the earth and the salvation of those in the ark.
What was the significance of the ark in the story of the flood?
The ark was a symbol of salvation and safety, representing God's provision for those who are faithful to Him. It was also a picture of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of salvation for all humanity, as seen in 1 Peter 3:20.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 7:1 → 1 Peter 3:20 | The story of Noah's ark and the flood serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire to save those who are faithful to Him, foreshadowing the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ. |
| 2 | Genesis 7:4 → Matthew 24:37-39 | The flood serves as a warning of the coming judgment, and the importance of being prepared and faithful to God's commands. |
| 3 | Genesis 7:11 → 2 Peter 3:5-7 | The flood serves as a reminder of God's power and authority over all creation, and the importance of trusting in His sovereignty. |
| 4 | Genesis 7:16 → Hebrews 11:7 | Noah's faith and obedience are highlighted in this chapter, demonstrating the importance of trusting in God's commands and promises. |
| 5 | Genesis 7:23 → Romans 5:12-19 | The story of the flood serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of faith and obedience in the face of God's commands. |
| 6 | Genesis 7:1 → Isaiah 54:9-10 | The covenant that God establishes with Noah after the flood serves as a reminder of God's commitment to His people and His promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood. |
| 7 | Genesis 7:4 → Jeremiah 29:11 | The flood serves as a warning of the coming judgment, and the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision. |
| 8 | Genesis 7:11 → Psalm 104:6-9 | The flood serves as a reminder of God's power and authority over all creation, and the importance of trusting in His sovereignty. |
| 9 | Genesis 7:16 → Acts 3:21 | Noah's faith and obedience are highlighted in this chapter, demonstrating the importance of trusting in God's commands and promises. |
| 10 | Genesis 7:23 → 1 Corinthians 10:11 | The story of the flood serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of faith and obedience in the face of God's commands. |
Sermons on Genesis 7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Pure Heart - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares various stories and examples to emphasize the importance of being careful with our actions and choices. He highlights the concept of reaping wha |
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The End Times (Luke 17-26) - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker highlights the excessive focus on entertainment and pleasure in today's society. He emphasizes the negative impact of television, which he believes is d |
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The Dove of Noah's Ark by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher uses vivid imagery to describe the world as God saw and judged it. He compares it to a dark and desolate place, satisfied with its own corruption and e |
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(Genesis) Genesis 7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the flood as described in the Bible. He dismisses the Babylonian version of the flood as ridiculous and emphasizes that the floo |
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(Genesis) Genesis 6:17-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Noah and the flood from the Bible. He emphasizes that Noah did not have to go out and hunt the animals for the ark, but rather th |
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How Did Noah's Flood Happen? a Theory by Kent Hovind | The video covers various topics related to the preaching of the word of God. It starts by encouraging individuals to take action in spreading the message of Christ, even if they fe |
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The Danger of Doubting by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the doubts and fears that can arise in times of trouble. He encourages the audience to trust in God's purposes and not to doubt His faithfulne |
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The Word "All" Makes Noahs Flood Global by Ken Ham | In this video, Ken Ham discusses the extent of Noah's flood as described in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of the word "all" in understanding the global nature of the floo |
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Deformation of Image - Inalienable Aspects - Moral Agency by John Murray | In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for discernment and guidance from the Holy Spirit and the Holy Word. They express a concern about losing contact with the committee an |
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Prophecy of Jesus by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the decline and fall of the Roman Empire and draws parallels to the current state of society. He identifies five factors that contributed to t |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 7
In Genesis chapter 7, we see the fulfillment of God's warning to Noah, as the flood comes and destroys the earth. This event serves as a powerful reminder of God's judgment and salvation, and the importance of faith and obedience in the face of God's commands. As Matthew Henry notes, the flood was a 'universal judgment' that 'extended to all the creatures that lived upon the earth.' However, God's mercy and salvation are also on display, as He saves Noah and his family, and establishes a covenant with them, promising never again to destroy the earth with a flood. This covenant serves as a reminder of God's commitment to His people, and His promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, and living a life that is pleasing to Him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereignty
Throughout this chapter, God's sovereignty is on full display as He brings judgment upon the earth and saves those who are faithful to Him. This serves as a reminder of God's power and authority over all creation.
The Importance of Faith
Noah's faith and obedience are highlighted in this chapter, demonstrating the importance of trusting in God's commands and promises. This serves as a reminder of the need for faith and obedience in the Christian life.
The Theme of Salvation
The story of Noah's ark and the flood serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire to save those who are faithful to Him. This theme is repeated throughout the Bible, culminating in the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ.