Genesis 9
BSB1 And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. 2 The fear and dread of you will fall on every living creature on the earth, every bird of the air, every creature that crawls on the ground, and all the fish of the sea. They are delivered into your hand. 3 Everything that lives and moves will be food for you; just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things. 4 But you must not eat meat with its lifeblood still in it. 5 And surely I will require the life of any man or beast by whose hand your lifeblood is shed. I will demand an accounting from anyone who takes the life of his fellow man: 6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. 7 But as for you, be fruitful and multiply; spread out across the earth and multiply upon it." 8 Then God said to Noah and his sons with him, 9 “Behold, I now establish My covenant with you and your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth—every living thing that came out of the ark. 11 And I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth." 12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: 13 I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. 14 Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember My covenant between Me and you and every living creature of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 And whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of every kind that is on the earth." 17 So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between Me and every creature on the earth." 18 The sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And Ham was the father of Canaan. 19 These three were the sons of Noah, and from them the whole earth was populated. 20 Now Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. 21 But when he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and uncovered himself inside his tent. 22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father’s nakedness and told his two brothers outside. 23 Then Shem and Japheth took a garment and placed it across their shoulders, and walking backward, they covered their father’s nakedness. Their faces were turned away so that they did not see their father’s nakedness. 24 When Noah awoke from his drunkenness and learned what his youngest son had done to him, 25 he said, “Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers." 26 He also declared: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem. 27 May God expand the territory of Japheth; may he dwell in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his servant." 28 After the flood, Noah lived 350 years. 29 So Noah lived a total of 950 years, and then he died.
Study Notes — Genesis 9
- 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 9
- Themes from Genesis 9
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Genesis 9
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Genesis 9 begins with God's blessing of Noah and his sons, commanding them to be fruitful and multiply, and to fill the earth (Genesis 9:1). God then establishes a covenant with Noah, promising to never again destroy the earth with a flood, and sets the rainbow in the sky as a sign of this covenant (Genesis 9:8-17). The chapter also outlines the new rules for human society after the flood, including the allowance for humans to eat meat, but with the prohibition against eating blood (Genesis 9:3-4). Additionally, God establishes the principle of capital punishment for murder, stating that whoever sheds human blood will be punished by God (Genesis 9:5-6). The chapter concludes with the story of Noah's drunkenness and the curse of Canaan (Genesis 9:18-29).
Context for the Chapter
Genesis 9 is situated in the early chapters of the book of Genesis, which describe the creation of the world and the early history of humanity. This chapter follows the story of the flood, which is a pivotal event in the book of Genesis. The covenant established in Genesis 9 serves as a turning point in the book, marking a new beginning for humanity and establishing the principles that will guide human society. The chapter is also significant in the larger biblical narrative, as it foreshadows the covenant that God will establish with humanity through Jesus Christ.
Heart Application
The principles established in Genesis 9 have significant implications for our lives today. We are reminded of the importance of respecting human life and the sanctity of blood. We are also encouraged to trust in God's mercy and grace, knowing that he has promised to never again destroy the earth with a flood. As we reflect on the covenant established in Genesis 9, we are reminded of the significance of our own covenant with God through Jesus Christ, and we are encouraged to live in accordance with the principles of this covenant.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Genesis 9 is about God's covenant with Noah after the flood. God promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood and sets the rainbow as a sign of this covenant. The chapter also outlines the new rules for human society after the flood, including the allowance for humans to eat meat and the prohibition against murder. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of God's mercy and grace towards humanity, and we are encouraged to trust in his promises (Genesis 9:8-17).
Voices from the Church
“The covenant which God made with Noah was not only a covenant of preservation, but also a covenant of salvation. For God did not only promise to preserve the earth, but also to save his people from the flood of sin and death.”
— John Calvin
“The rainbow is a beautiful symbol of God's mercy and grace. It reminds us of the covenant which God has established with us, and it encourages us to trust in his promises.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- God's Covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:1-17) — This section describes God's covenant with Noah, including the promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood and the establishment of the rainbow as a sign of this covenant.
- The New Rules for Human Society (Genesis 9:1-7) — This section outlines the new rules for human society after the flood, including the allowance for humans to eat meat and the prohibition against murder.
- The Story of Noah's Drunkenness (Genesis 9:18-29) — This section describes the story of Noah's drunkenness and the curse of Canaan.
- The Significance of the Covenant (Genesis 9:8-17) — This section highlights the significance of the covenant established in Genesis 9, including its foreshadowing of the covenant that God would establish with humanity through Jesus Christ.
- The Importance of Human Life (Genesis 9:5-6) — This section emphasizes the importance of respecting human life, as God establishes the principle of capital punishment for murder and prohibits the eating of blood.
Core Doctrines
- Covenant Theology
- Genesis 9 teaches us about the concept of covenant, which is a central theme in the Bible. The covenant established in this chapter serves as a foreshadowing of the covenant that God would establish with humanity through Jesus Christ.
- Sanctity of Human Life
- Genesis 9 emphasizes the importance of respecting human life, as God establishes the principle of capital punishment for murder and prohibits the eating of blood.
- God's Mercy and Grace
- Genesis 9 demonstrates God's mercy and grace towards humanity, as he chooses to establish a covenant with Noah and promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood.
- The Significance of the Rainbow
- The rainbow is a significant symbol in Genesis 9, serving as a reminder of God's covenant with Noah and representing God's mercy and grace towards humanity.
Lessons from Genesis 9
- The Importance of Covenant — Genesis 9 teaches us about the importance of covenant, which is a central theme in the Bible. We learn about the significance of the covenant established with Noah and how it relates to our lives today.
- The Significance of the Rainbow — The rainbow is a significant symbol in Genesis 9, serving as a reminder of God's covenant with Noah and representing God's mercy and grace towards humanity.
- The Sanctity of Human Life — Genesis 9 emphasizes the importance of respecting human life, as God establishes the principle of capital punishment for murder and prohibits the eating of blood.
- God's Mercy and Grace — Genesis 9 demonstrates God's mercy and grace towards humanity, as he chooses to establish a covenant with Noah and promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood.
- The Practical Applications of Genesis 9 — The principles established in Genesis 9 have significant implications for our lives today, including the importance of respecting human life and the significance of covenant.
Themes from Genesis 9
- Covenant — The concept of covenant is a central theme in Genesis 9, as God establishes a covenant with Noah and sets the rainbow as a sign of this covenant.
- Sanctity of Human Life — Genesis 9 emphasizes the importance of respecting human life, as God establishes the principle of capital punishment for murder and prohibits the eating of blood.
- God's Mercy and Grace — Genesis 9 demonstrates God's mercy and grace towards humanity, as he chooses to establish a covenant with Noah and promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood.
- The Significance of the Rainbow — The rainbow is a significant symbol in Genesis 9, serving as a reminder of God's covenant with Noah and representing God's mercy and grace towards humanity.
- The Practical Applications of Genesis 9 — The principles established in Genesis 9 have significant implications for our lives today, including the importance of respecting human life and the significance of covenant.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the covenant established in Genesis 9, and how does it relate to our lives today?
- How does the story of Noah's drunkenness and the curse of Canaan relate to the larger biblical narrative?
- What are the implications of the principle of capital punishment for murder, as established in Genesis 9:5-6?
- How does the concept of covenant in Genesis 9 relate to the concept of covenant in the New Testament?
- What are the practical applications of the principles established in Genesis 9 for our lives today?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. God's Covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:1-17)
| Genesis 9:1 | God blesses Noah and his sons, commanding them to be fruitful and multiply, and to fill the earth. |
| Genesis 9:2 | God establishes the fear of humanity over the animals, and allows humans to eat meat. |
| Genesis 9:3 | God prohibits the eating of blood, emphasizing the importance of respecting human life. |
| Genesis 9:4 | God establishes the principle of capital punishment for murder, stating that whoever sheds human blood will be punished by God. |
| Genesis 9:5 | God establishes the principle of capital punishment for murder, stating that whoever sheds human blood will be punished by God. |
| Genesis 9:6 | God prohibits the eating of blood, emphasizing the importance of respecting human life. |
| Genesis 9:7 | God commands Noah and his sons to be fruitful and multiply, and to fill the earth. |
| Genesis 9:8 | God establishes a covenant with Noah, promising to never again destroy the earth with a flood. |
| Genesis 9:9 | God sets the rainbow in the sky as a sign of this covenant. |
| Genesis 9:10 | God promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood, and sets the rainbow as a sign of this covenant. |
| Genesis 9:11 | God establishes the covenant with Noah and his sons, and with every living creature. |
| Genesis 9:12 | God sets the rainbow in the sky as a sign of this covenant. |
| Genesis 9:13 | God sets the rainbow in the sky as a sign of this covenant, and promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood. |
| Genesis 9:14 | God promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood, and sets the rainbow as a sign of this covenant. |
| Genesis 9:15 | God remembers his covenant with Noah, and promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood. |
| Genesis 9:16 | God sees the rainbow in the sky, and remembers his covenant with Noah. |
| Genesis 9:17 | God sets the rainbow in the sky as a sign of this covenant, and promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood. |
2. The Story of Noah's Drunkenness (Genesis 9:18-29)
| Genesis 9:18 | Noah's sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, come out of the ark with their father. |
| Genesis 9:19 | Noah plants a vineyard, and becomes drunk from the wine. |
| Genesis 9:20 | Noah becomes drunk, and lies uncovered in his tent. |
| Genesis 9:21 | Ham sees his father's nakedness, and tells his brothers. |
| Genesis 9:22 | Shem and Japheth cover their father's nakedness, without looking at him. |
| Genesis 9:23 | Noah wakes up from his wine, and knows what his youngest son has done to him. |
| Genesis 9:24 | Noah curses Canaan, the son of Ham, and blesses Shem and Japheth. |
| Genesis 9:25 | Noah says that Canaan will be a servant to his brothers. |
| Genesis 9:26 | Noah blesses God, and says that God will enlarge Japheth. |
| Genesis 9:27 | Noah says that God will dwell in the tents of Shem, and that Canaan will be his servant. |
| Genesis 9:28 | Noah lives for 350 years after the flood, and has a total of 950 years. |
| Genesis 9:29 | Noah dies, and his sons bury him. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the covenant established in Genesis 9?
The covenant established in Genesis 9 is significant because it serves as a foreshadowing of the covenant that God would establish with humanity through Jesus Christ. It also emphasizes the importance of respecting human life, and establishes the principle of capital punishment for murder (Genesis 9:5-6).
What is the meaning of the rainbow in Genesis 9?
The rainbow in Genesis 9 is a symbol of God's mercy and grace towards humanity. It serves as a reminder of God's covenant with Noah, and represents God's promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood (Genesis 9:13-17).
What are the implications of the principle of capital punishment for murder, as established in Genesis 9:5-6?
The principle of capital punishment for murder, as established in Genesis 9:5-6, emphasizes the importance of respecting human life. It also serves as a reminder of the seriousness of murder, and the need for justice and accountability in human society.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 9:1 → Psalm 8:6-8 | The blessing of Noah and his sons in Genesis 9:1 is similar to the blessing of humanity in Psalm 8:6-8, where God gives humans dominion over the earth. |
| 2 | Genesis 9:3 → Leviticus 17:10-14 | The prohibition against eating blood in Genesis 9:3 is similar to the prohibition in Leviticus 17:10-14, where God prohibits the eating of blood and establishes the principle of substitutionary atonement. |
| 3 | Genesis 9:5 → Exodus 21:12-14 | The principle of capital punishment for murder in Genesis 9:5 is similar to the principle established in Exodus 21:12-14, where God prohibits murder and establishes the principle of justice and accountability. |
| 4 | Genesis 9:8 → Hebrews 11:7 | The covenant established in Genesis 9:8 is similar to the covenant established in Hebrews 11:7, where God promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood, and establishes the principle of faith and trust in God. |
| 5 | Genesis 9:13 → Ezekiel 1:28 | The rainbow in Genesis 9:13 is similar to the rainbow in Ezekiel 1:28, where God appears to Ezekiel in a vision, and the rainbow serves as a symbol of God's mercy and grace towards humanity. |
| 6 | Genesis 9:15 → 1 Peter 3:20 | The covenant established in Genesis 9:15 is similar to the covenant established in 1 Peter 3:20, where God promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood, and establishes the principle of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. |
| 7 | Genesis 9:17 → Revelation 4:3 | The rainbow in Genesis 9:17 is similar to the rainbow in Revelation 4:3, where God appears to John in a vision, and the rainbow serves as a symbol of God's mercy and grace towards humanity. |
| 8 | Genesis 9:25 → Galatians 3:8 | The curse of Canaan in Genesis 9:25 is similar to the curse of the law in Galatians 3:8, where God curses those who do not obey the law, and establishes the principle of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. |
| 9 | Genesis 9:26 → Psalm 72:17 | The blessing of Shem in Genesis 9:26 is similar to the blessing of the Messiah in Psalm 72:17, where God promises to bless the Messiah and establish his kingdom. |
| 10 | Genesis 9:29 → Deuteronomy 34:5 | The death of Noah in Genesis 9:29 is similar to the death of Moses in Deuteronomy 34:5, where God takes Moses to himself, and establishes the principle of the transfer of leadership from one generation to the next. |
Sermons on Genesis 9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Genesis #10 Ch. 9:20-11 by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Misler continues his study of the book of Genesis, focusing on chapters 9 through 11. He begins by praying for understanding and guidance from God's Holy Spir |
|
What Kind of Being Is Man - Part 1 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the nature of God and highlights several characteristics of God mentioned in the scripture. He emphasizes that God is right, truth, light, li |
|
Jehovah Rapha by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the experience of soldiers being cast into the sea and their subsequent celebration. He emphasizes that there is something of God that will |
|
When the Godly Fall by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on James 4, emphasizing the urgency of getting right with God. He appeals to the listeners to take action immediately and not delay. He shares |
|
The Tent of Shem by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a radical message he gave as a young believer at a Full Gospel Businessmen's Conference. Despite facing backlash and criticism, the message |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 10 Intro by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Noah and his sin of getting drunk. The purpose of this story being recorded is to show the weakness of the flesh and to encourag |
|
|
Honor Your Father - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of our actions in unexpected moments. He uses the story of Shem, Ham, and Canaan from the book of Genesis to illustrate his po |
|
|
(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 |
|
The Power of Faith - Alone With God by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher expresses a desire for manifestations of God that cannot be logically explained, particularly in prison cells in Russia and other countries. He critici |
|
|
(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 |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 9
Matthew Henry's commentary on Genesis 9 emphasizes the significance of the covenant established between God and Noah. Henry notes that this covenant is a foreshadowing of the covenant that God would establish with humanity through Jesus Christ, and that it serves as a reminder of God's mercy and grace towards humanity. Henry also emphasizes the importance of respecting human life, and notes that the principle of capital punishment for murder is established in Genesis 9:5-6. Additionally, Henry highlights the significance of the rainbow as a symbol of God's covenant with Noah, and notes that it serves as a reminder of God's promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood. Overall, Henry's commentary on Genesis 9 provides a thorough and insightful analysis of the chapter, and helps readers to understand the significance of the events and themes described in the chapter. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Mercy
One of the most striking aspects of Genesis 9 is God's mercy towards humanity. Despite the wickedness of humanity before the flood, God chooses to establish a covenant with Noah and promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood. This demonstrates God's gracious and merciful character.
The Significance of the Rainbow
The rainbow is a significant symbol in Genesis 9, serving as a reminder of God's covenant with Noah. It is also a symbol of God's promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood, and it represents God's mercy and grace towards humanity.
The Importance of Human Life
Genesis 9 emphasizes the importance of respecting human life, as God establishes the principle of capital punishment for murder and prohibits the eating of blood. This highlights the sanctity of human life and the need to respect and protect it.