Genesis 8
BSB1 But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark. And God sent a wind over the earth, and the waters began to subside. 2 The springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained. 3 The waters receded steadily from the earth, and after 150 days the waters had gone down. 4 On the seventeenth day of the seventh month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. 5 And the waters continued to recede until the tenth month, and on the first day of the tenth month the tops of the mountains became visible. 6 After forty days Noah opened the window he had made in the ark 7 and sent out a raven. It kept flying back and forth until the waters had dried up from the earth. 8 Then Noah sent out a dove to see if the waters had receded from the surface of the ground. 9 But the dove found no place to rest her foot, and she returned to him in the ark, because the waters were still covering the surface of all the earth. So he reached out his hand and brought her back inside the ark. 10 Noah waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. 11 And behold, the dove returned to him in the evening with a freshly plucked olive leaf in her beak. So Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth. 12 And Noah waited seven more days and sent out the dove again, but this time she did not return to him. 13 In Noah’s six hundred and first year, on the first day of the first month, the waters had dried up from the earth. So Noah removed the covering from the ark and saw that the surface of the ground was dry. 14 By the twenty-seventh day of the second month, the earth was fully dry. 15 Then God said to Noah, 16 “Come out of the ark, you and your wife, along with your sons and their wives. 17 Bring out all the living creatures that are with you—birds, livestock, and everything that crawls upon the ground—so that they can spread out over the earth and be fruitful and multiply upon it." 18 So Noah came out, along with his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives. 19 Every living creature, every creeping thing, and every bird—everything that moves upon the earth—came out of the ark, kind by kind. 20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD. And taking from every kind of clean animal and clean bird, he offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21 When the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, He said in His heart, “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures as I have done. 22 As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall never cease."
Study Notes — Genesis 8
- 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 8
- Themes from Genesis 8
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Genesis 8
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Genesis chapter 8 begins with God remembering Noah and causing a wind to pass over the earth, resulting in the waters receding. The ark comes to rest on the mountains of Ararat, and after waiting for a period, Noah releases a raven and then a dove to determine if the floodwaters have abated. When the dove does not return, Noah knows the earth is dry, and he removes the covering of the ark. God speaks to Noah, telling him to exit the ark with his family and all the animals, and Noah builds an altar to worship God. The chapter concludes with God's covenant promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood, and the establishment of the rainbow as a sign of that covenant.
Context for the Chapter
Genesis chapter 8 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Genesis, which describes the creation of the world and the early history of humanity. The chapter follows the story of the flood in Genesis 6-7, and sets the stage for the new beginning that God establishes with Noah and his family. The chapter also looks forward to the rest of the biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness and His promise of redemption through Jesus Christ.
Heart Application
Genesis chapter 8 reminds us of God's sovereignty and covenant faithfulness, and encourages us to trust in His provision and redemption. Just as God provided a way of salvation for Noah and his family, Jesus Christ is the ultimate ark of salvation for all humanity. We can apply this chapter to our lives by trusting in God's promises and worshiping Him for His mercy and redemption.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Genesis chapter 8 tells the story of the flood and God's provision of salvation for Noah and his family. The chapter highlights God's covenant faithfulness and His promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood. We can learn from this chapter by trusting in God's promises and worshiping Him for His mercy and redemption, as seen in Genesis 8:20-22.
Voices from the Church
“The flood was a judgment of God on the wickedness of humanity, but it was also a demonstration of God's mercy and redemption. As Calvin notes, "The Lord, by destroying the wicked, showed that He is the righteous Judge of the world."”
— John Calvin
“The ark of Noah is a type of Christ, who is the ultimate ark of salvation for all humanity. As Spurgeon notes, "The ark was a symbol of salvation, and Christ is the reality of that symbol."”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The Floodwaters Recede (Genesis 8:1-5) — The chapter begins with God remembering Noah and causing the floodwaters to recede. The ark comes to rest on the mountains of Ararat, and Noah releases a raven and then a dove to determine if the floodwaters have abated.
- Noah Exits the Ark (Genesis 8:6-14) — When the dove does not return, Noah knows the earth is dry, and he removes the covering of the ark. God speaks to Noah, telling him to exit the ark with his family and all the animals.
- God's Covenant Promise (Genesis 8:15-22) — God establishes a new covenant with Noah, promising to never again destroy the earth with a flood. The chapter concludes with the establishment of the rainbow as a sign of that covenant.
- The New Beginning (Genesis 8:20-22) — Noah builds an altar to worship God, and God promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood. The chapter sets the stage for the new beginning that God establishes with Noah and his family.
- Conclusion (Genesis 8:20-22) — The chapter concludes with God's covenant promise and the establishment of the rainbow as a sign of that covenant. The chapter looks forward to the rest of the biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness and His promise of redemption through Jesus Christ.
Core Doctrines
- God's Sovereignty
- Genesis chapter 8 highlights God's sovereignty over all creation, as He controls the floodwaters and provides a way of salvation for Noah and his family. This doctrine is evident in Genesis 8:1, where God remembers Noah and causes the floodwaters to recede.
- God's Covenant Faithfulness
- The chapter emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness, as He remembers His promise to Noah and establishes a new covenant with him. This doctrine is evident in Genesis 8:20-22, where God promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood.
- The Importance of Worship
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship, as Noah builds an altar to God after exiting the ark. This doctrine is evident in Genesis 8:20, where Noah offers sacrifices to God and worships Him.
- Redemption through Jesus Christ
- The chapter looks forward to the rest of the biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness and His promise of redemption through Jesus Christ. This doctrine is evident in Genesis 8:20-22, where God establishes a new covenant with Noah and promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood.
Lessons from Genesis 8
- God's Sovereignty over Creation — Genesis chapter 8 teaches us about God's sovereignty over all creation, as He controls the floodwaters and provides a way of salvation for Noah and his family.
- The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of covenant faithfulness, as God remembers His promise to Noah and establishes a new covenant with him.
- The Significance of Worship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship, as Noah builds an altar to God after exiting the ark.
- Redemption through Jesus Christ — The chapter looks forward to the rest of the biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness and His promise of redemption through Jesus Christ.
- Trusting in God's Promises — Genesis chapter 8 encourages us to trust in God's promises and worship Him for His mercy and redemption, just as Noah did after exiting the ark.
Themes from Genesis 8
- God's Covenant Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness, as He remembers His promise to Noah and establishes a new covenant with him.
- The Importance of Worship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship, as Noah builds an altar to God after exiting the ark.
- Redemption through Jesus Christ — The chapter looks forward to the rest of the biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness and His promise of redemption through Jesus Christ.
- God's Sovereignty over Creation — Genesis chapter 8 teaches us about God's sovereignty over all creation, as He controls the floodwaters and provides a way of salvation for Noah and his family.
- The Significance of the Rainbow — The chapter emphasizes the significance of the rainbow as a sign of God's covenant, and how it relates to God's promise of redemption.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the flood represent in Genesis chapter 8, and how does it relate to God's judgment on humanity?
- How does God's covenant faithfulness manifest in Genesis chapter 8, and what does it teach us about God's character?
- What is the significance of the rainbow as a sign of God's covenant, and how does it relate to God's promise of redemption?
- How does Genesis chapter 8 point forward to the rest of the biblical narrative, and what does it teach us about God's plan of salvation?
- What practical applications can we make from Genesis chapter 8, and how can we trust in God's promises and worship Him for His mercy and redemption?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Floodwaters Recede (Genesis 8:1-5)
| 8:1 | God remembers Noah and causes the floodwaters to recede, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation. |
| 8:2 | The fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens are stopped, and the floodwaters begin to recede. |
| 8:3 | The waters recede from the earth, and the ark comes to rest on the mountains of Ararat. |
| 8:4 | The ark rests on the mountains of Ararat, and the floodwaters continue to recede. |
| 8:5 | The tops of the mountains become visible, and Noah knows the floodwaters have receded. |
2. Noah Exits the Ark (Genesis 8:6-14)
| 8:6 | Noah opens the window of the ark and releases a raven to determine if the floodwaters have abated. |
| 8:7 | The raven goes back and forth, indicating that the floodwaters have not yet receded. |
| 8:8 | Noah releases a dove to determine if the floodwaters have abated, and the dove returns with an olive leaf. |
| 8:9 | Noah knows the floodwaters have receded, and he waits for further instructions from God. |
| 8:10 | Noah waits for seven more days and releases the dove again, and the dove does not return. |
| 8:11 | Noah knows the earth is dry, and he removes the covering of the ark. |
| 8:12 | Noah releases the dove again, and it does not return, indicating that the floodwaters have receded. |
| 8:13 | Noah removes the covering of the ark and sees that the earth is dry. |
| 8:14 | God speaks to Noah, telling him to exit the ark with his family and all the animals. |
3. God's Covenant Promise (Genesis 8:15-22)
| 8:15 | God speaks to Noah, telling him to exit the ark with his family and all the animals. |
| 8:16 | Noah exits the ark with his family and all the animals, and God establishes a new covenant with him. |
| 8:17 | God tells Noah to be fruitful and multiply, and to fill the earth with life. |
| 8:18 | Noah exits the ark with his family and all the animals, and they begin to populate the earth. |
| 8:19 | Every animal and every creature that moves on the earth exits the ark, and they begin to populate the earth. |
| 8:20 | Noah builds an altar to God and offers sacrifices to Him, worshiping Him for His mercy and redemption. |
| 8:21 | God smells the sweet aroma of the sacrifices and promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood. |
| 8:22 | God establishes the rainbow as a sign of His covenant, promising to never again destroy the earth with a flood. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the flood in Genesis chapter 8?
The flood represents God's judgment on the wickedness of humanity, but it also demonstrates God's mercy and redemption. As seen in Genesis 8:1, God remembers Noah and causes the floodwaters to recede, providing a way of salvation for him and his family.
What is the meaning of the rainbow in Genesis chapter 8?
The rainbow serves as a sign of God's covenant with Noah and his descendants, promising to never again destroy the earth with a flood. As seen in Genesis 8:20-22, the rainbow represents God's promise of mercy and redemption.
How does Genesis chapter 8 relate to the rest of the biblical narrative?
Genesis chapter 8 sets the stage for the rest of the biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness and His promise of redemption through Jesus Christ. As seen in Genesis 8:20-22, God establishes a new covenant with Noah, promising to never again destroy the earth with a flood, and this covenant is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 8:1 → Psalm 111:4 | God's remembrance of Noah is a demonstration of His covenant faithfulness, which is also seen in Psalm 111:4, where God is praised for His works and His covenant faithfulness. |
| 2 | Genesis 8:20 → Hebrews 11:7 | Noah's faith and obedience are commended in Hebrews 11:7, where he is listed as an example of faithfulness in the face of uncertainty. |
| 3 | Genesis 8:21 → Isaiah 54:9 | God's promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood is also seen in Isaiah 54:9, where God promises to have mercy on His people and to never again destroy the earth. |
| 4 | Genesis 8:22 → 2 Peter 3:5-7 | The flood is used as an example of God's judgment on the wicked in 2 Peter 3:5-7, where it is contrasted with the coming judgment by fire. |
| 5 | Genesis 8:1 → Luke 17:26-27 | Jesus references the flood in Luke 17:26-27, where He compares the coming judgment to the flood, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and faithful. |
| 6 | Genesis 8:20 → Romans 8:20-22 | The creation's hope for redemption is seen in Romans 8:20-22, where Paul writes about the creation's groaning and its hope for freedom from corruption. |
| 7 | Genesis 8:21 → 1 Peter 3:20 | The flood is used as an example of God's salvation in 1 Peter 3:20, where it is contrasted with the salvation provided through Jesus Christ. |
| 8 | Genesis 8:22 → Revelation 21:1-4 | The new heaven and the new earth are described in Revelation 21:1-4, where God creates a new heaven and a new earth, free from sin and corruption. |
| 9 | Genesis 8:1 → Matthew 24:37-38 | Jesus references the flood in Matthew 24:37-38, where He compares the coming judgment to the flood, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and faithful. |
| 10 | Genesis 8:20 → Hebrews 12:24 | The blood of Christ is compared to the sacrifices offered by Noah in Hebrews 12:24, where it is seen as a means of purification and redemption. |
Sermons on Genesis 8
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Deeper Waters) Session 3 - the Habitation of God by David Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing his arrival at a new home and how he can immediately discern certain characteristics about the people living there. He then moves o |
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(Hebrews - Part 38): Heroes of Faith by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God and understanding His high expectations for us. He encourages the audience to put away sin, separate them |
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The Holy Spirit—let Him Come by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking the message of God seriously. He warns that we will all face judgment one day and stand before God to give an accou |
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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 9:1-5 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of draining the blood from animals before consuming them, as it symbolizes the taking of life. The speaker also expresses his p |
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(Genesis) Genesis 8:20-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the evil nature of man's heart from a young age. He mentions how youth today have rebelled and their imaginations have turned towards evil. T |
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(Genesis) Genesis 8:1-19 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spreading the word of God and winning souls for Christ. He compares believers to both ravens and doves, highlighting the n |
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The New Creation and the New Fall by Bill Randles | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of two different kinds of people in the new world. He emphasizes that while some can thrive in corruption and feed off it, others |
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Death and Christ's Lordship by John Murray | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christ being formed in each believer, leading to the hope of glory. The preacher highlights the joy that comes from knowin |
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(Genesis) - Part 10 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the continuity of natural phenomena such as cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night for the past 4,000 years. He highlights that |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 8
Matthew Henry's commentary on Genesis 8 emphasizes the significance of the flood as a demonstration of God's judgment on the wicked and His mercy and redemption for those who are faithful. Henry notes that the flood was a 'universal calamity' that affected all of humanity, and that it was a 'type of the final judgment' that will come at the end of time. He also emphasizes the importance of Noah's faith and obedience, and the significance of the covenant that God establishes with him after the flood. Henry sees the rainbow as a 'token of the covenant' and a 'pledge of God's mercy and kindness' to His people. Overall, Henry's commentary on Genesis 8 provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the chapter's themes and significance, and emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's promises and worshiping Him for His mercy and redemption. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereignty
Genesis chapter 8 highlights God's sovereignty over all creation, as He controls the floodwaters and provides a way of salvation for Noah and his family. This theme is evident in Genesis 8:1, where God remembers Noah and causes the floodwaters to recede.
God's Covenant Faithfulness
The chapter also highlights God's covenant faithfulness, as He remembers His promise to Noah and establishes a new covenant with him. This theme is evident in Genesis 8:20-22, where God promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood.
The Importance of Worship
The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship, as Noah builds an altar to God after exiting the ark. This theme is evident in Genesis 8:20, where Noah offers sacrifices to God and worships Him.