Genesis 6:14
Verse
Context
Preparing the Ark
13Then God said to Noah, “The end of all living creatures has come before Me, because through them the earth is full of violence. Now behold, I will destroy both them and the earth. 14Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15And this is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high.
Sermons
Art Katz
Chuck Smith
Denny Kenaston
Zac Poonen
Paris Reidhead
Jim CymbalaSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Make thee an ark - תבת tebath, a word which is used only to express this vessel, and that in which Moses was preserved, Exo 2:3, Exo 2:5. It signifies no more than our word vessel in its common acceptation - a hollow place capable of containing persons, goods, etc., without any particular reference to shape or form. Gopher wood - Some think the cedar is meant; others, the cypress. Bochart renders this probable, 1. From the appellation, supposing the Greek word κυπαρισσος, cypress, was formed from the Hebrew גפר, gopher; for take away the termination ισσος, and then gopher and κυπαρ will have a near resemblance. 2. Because the cypress is not liable to rot, nor to be injured by worms. 3. The cypress was anciently used for ship-building. 4. This wood abounded in Assyria, where it is probable Noah built the ark. After all, the word is of doubtful signification, and occurs nowhere else in the Scriptures. The Septuagint render the place, εκ ξυλων τετραγωνων, "of square timber;" and the Vulgate, de lignis laevigatis, "of planed timber;" so it is evident that these translators knew not what kind of wood was intended by the original. The Syriac and Arabic trifle with the passage, rendering it wicker work, as if the ark had been a great basket! Both the Targums render it cedar; and the Persian, pine or fir.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Make thee an ark--ark, a hollow chest (Exo 2:3). gopher wood--probably cypress, remarkable for its durability and abounding on the Armenian mountains. rooms--cabins or small cells. pitch it within and without--mineral pitch, asphalt, naphtha, or some bituminous substance, which, when smeared over and become hardened, would make it perfectly watertight.
John Gill Bible Commentary
A window shalt thou make to the ark,.... Or a "light", such as is that at noon, for which the word in the dual number is used; and therefore Junius and Tremellius translate it a "clear light". The Jewish writers (s) will have it to be a precious stone, a pearl which Noah fetched from the river Pison, and hung up in the ark, and it gave light to all the creatures, like a large chandelier; but a window no doubt it was to let light into the several apartments, and to look out at on occasion, since Noah is afterwards said to open it; but what it was made of is difficult to say, since it does not appear that as yet glass was invented. Some think it was made of crystal, which would let in light, and keep off the water. A very learned (t) man is of opinion, that Noah understanding chemistry, prepared a fine subtle fragrant spirit, of an oily nature and luminous, which he put into vessels made of crystal or glass, and hung them up in every room in the ark, and which was both illuminating and refreshing; and this he thinks is what is meant by the "Zohar", or "light", which we translate a "window"; but this is afterward said to be opened by Noah, to send forth the raven and the dove, which will not agree with such a vessel of spirituous liquor: and in a cubit shall thou finish it above; not the window, as some think, which they place at top of the ark, and suppose to be a cubit in length, but the ark itself, which was finished with a roof raised up a cubit high in the middle: and the door of the ark shall thou set in the side thereof; on which it is not said; an Arabic writer (u) places it on the east side of it, on which side he supposes Noah and his sons dwelt, and on the west side his wife and his sons' wives. How large this door was is not said; it is reasonably supposed (w) to be ten cubits high and eight broad, that there might be room enough for an elephant to enter in by it; and it seems it was so large, that Noah, and those with him, could not shut it, but it was done by the Lord, Gen 7:16. with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it: the above Arabic writer (x) makes the lower story to be for the beasts, the second for the birds, and the third for Noah and his children; and with him agrees a Jewish writer (y): but as by this distribution no place is left for provisions, they seem most correct who place the beasts in the lower story, and the birds with Noah and his family in the uppermost, and the provisions for all in the middle. This ark was a type of the church of God. As to the form and pattern of it, it was of God, so the separation of men from the world in a church state is of God; it is by his appointment, and it is his will, that when any numbers of men are converted in a place, that they should be incorporated together in a church state, the form of which is given by him, its officers appointed, and the laws and ordinances of it fixed by him: and as to the matter of it, "Gopher wood", a lasting and incorruptible wood, denoting the duration of the church; God ever had, and ever will have a church in the world: as to the parts of it, and rooms in it, the rooms may point at particular churches, of which there have been many; or may signify, that there is always room enough in the church of God to receive saints. The ark had three stories in it, as the tabernacle and temple had three divisions, which were types of the same also; and may have respect to the visible church, consisting of believers and unbelievers, the invisible church, or general assembly of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven, and the church triumphant. The door into the ark may signify Christ, who, and faith in him, may be said to be the door into the church, and to all the ordinances of it: the window may either typify the glorious light of the Gospel, held forth in the church, or the ordinances of it, to which sensible souls betake themselves, as doves to their windows, Isa 60:8. Into this ark not only Noah and his family, but creatures of all sorts were admitted, as sinners of all sorts called by grace, and become peaceable, are received into the church of God; yea, even good and bad have a place here, though the latter under the notion and character of the former, but are hypocrites in Zion: here also were plenty of provisions for all in it, as there are in the church of God fulness of spiritual provisions for all the people of God. The ark was of the use of a ship, and was the means of saving a few men, even Noah and his family; so the church of God has the nature and use of a ship, of which Christ is the pilot, and conducts it through the sea of this world, in which it is often tossed with tempests, and distressed; but at last brought to its haven, in which a few are saved, not as the cause, which alone is Christ, but as the means. The Apostle Peter makes baptism its antitype, Pe1 3:21 which is God's ordinance, and not man's, of his appointing; as to the form and manner of it, is the object of the world's scorn, when rightly administered, as Noah's ark was; represents a burial, as that did when Noah entered into it; and was an emblem of Christ's resurrection and ours, when he came out of it: it was a type of baptism in its salutary effect, it saves by water, as that does by leading to the resurrection of Christ; it saves not as a cause, but as a means of directing to Christ, the author of salvation; and saves not all in the water, only those that are in the ark, that is, truly and rightly in the church, and real members of it, or that are in Christ; and so many make the ark also a type of Christ. (s) Targum Jonathan in loc. Pirke Eliezer, c. 23. (t) Dickinson. Physic. vet & vera, c. 20. p. 324, 325. (u) Patricides, apud Hottinger. p. 248, 250. (w) Scbeuchzer. Physica Sacra, vol. 1. p. 40. (x) Patricides, apud Hottinger. p. 248, 250. (y) Pirke Eliezer, c. 23.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:14 The large boat (traditionally rendered ark) was a long rectangular barge designed for survival, not for navigation. The Hebrew word tebah is used again only of the basket in which the baby Moses was floated on the Nile (Exod 2:3, 5). • cypress wood: It is not clear what kind of wood this was. It was possibly from a conifer, such as cypress.
Genesis 6:14
Preparing the Ark
13Then God said to Noah, “The end of all living creatures has come before Me, because through them the earth is full of violence. Now behold, I will destroy both them and the earth. 14Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15And this is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Are You Holding Hands With Satan or Jesus
By Zac Poonen2.0K16:37Christian LifeGEN 6:14JOS 1:91SA 30:62SA 6:231CH 15:29PRO 2:6ZEC 3:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that godly men are often targeted by Satan's attacks. He also highlights that the families of godly men, particularly their children, are also targets of Satan's attacks. The preacher advises against criticizing or judging the trials and sufferings faced by godly families, as they may be a result of Satan's attacks. The sermon also touches on the importance of worship and praise, emphasizing that different forms of expression are acceptable as long as they come from a genuine heart. The preacher encourages believers to have wisdom and discernment, and to not focus on minor defects in the lives of leaders, as even the greatest leaders can have imperfections.
Christ Our Life - Part 1
By Art Katz1.9K59:27ChristGEN 6:14EXO 20:3ISA 63:10MAT 16:24JHN 15:4COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of preparing for a speaking engagement. He describes how he fasted for five days in order to seek God's guidance and inspiration for his message. Despite feeling inadequate and haunted by past criticisms, he ultimately learns to trust in God's enablement. The speaker emphasizes the importance of availing oneself of God's power and not relying solely on human effort.
(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:23:21ExpositionalGEN 50:26EXO 2:15EXO 4:1EXO 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The preacher also highlights the importance of not getting too attached to material possessions, as they can easily be taken away. Instead, our focus should be on the things of the Spirit and God's eternal kingdom. The sermon references the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt, where they faced oppression and hardship, but ultimately God delivered them.
(Early Anabaptism) the Anabaptist Vision
By Denny Kenaston1.8K1:17:57AnabaptismGEN 6:141SA 3:1PRO 29:18ROM 8:4REV 3:14In this sermon, Peter references the words of the Prophet Joel to explain why it appears that the men are drunk at 9am. He emphasizes the importance of receiving the vision from God and getting serious with Him. Peter challenges the audience to examine their own vision and what is consuming their hearts and lives. He urges them to respond to God's call, whether it be to accept Jesus as their Savior or to recommit themselves to Him.
(Genesis) - Part 9
By Zac Poonen1.7K56:51GenesisGEN 6:14GEN 19:24MAT 5:20MAT 5:27JUD 1:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preserving our families from the evil influences of the world. He highlights the sins of Noah's day, which were sexual sin and violence, and compares them to the sins prevalent in society today, particularly in movies and media. The preacher encourages believers to judge these sins in their own lives and stand against them, so that they can be a righteous influence in a corrupt world. He also reminds listeners that God delights in righteousness and calls them to be a source of delight to God amidst the evil in the world.
Every Knee Shall Bow
By Paris Reidhead1.6K45:48WorshipGEN 1:26GEN 3:8GEN 6:14GEN 12:1EXO 3:10ROM 2:14PHP 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving Jesus Christ the worship, love, adoration, and obedience that he deserves. The preacher highlights the sins committed by humanity, including trampling underfoot the blood of the everlasting covenant. The sermon warns of the consequences of sin and the weight of guilt, stating that only God's loving protection keeps us from the pit. The preacher also emphasizes the incredible act of God's love in sending his Son to become flesh and dwell among us, taking on our form and experiencing temptation without sinning.
One Special Moment
By Jim Cymbala1.2K16:47Christian LifeGEN 6:14EXO 2:3PSA 46:1MAT 6:33ACT 4:122TI 1:12HEB 4:16In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his daughter's rebellion and how he tried various methods to help her, but nothing worked. Eventually, God spoke to him and told him to build a basket and give it to Him, letting go of control. The speaker emphasizes the importance of fully committing to God and letting go of our burdens, trusting that He will take care of them. He encourages the audience to have faith and believe that God will work on their behalf, giving Him all the glory.
Man's Malady-God's Remedy 01 gen.3:1
By J. Henry Brown1.0K44:14RemedyGEN 6:2GEN 6:5GEN 6:14GEN 6:22GEN 9:20GEN 9:24In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing a previous discussion on the book of Genesis, focusing on man's malady of sin and God's remedy through sacrifice. The speaker emphasizes the need for suffering, bloodshed, and death to provide a covering for sin and make atonement. They highlight God's mercy and offer of salvation through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes with a powerful story of a man covered in blood who, after hearing the gospel, believed in Jesus.
The Heavenly Vision
By Stephen Kaung8961:09:38GEN 4:4GEN 6:14EXO 25:82SA 7:13ISA 6:1DAN 7:13ZEC 4:2JHN 1:14ACT 10:11ACT 26:19EPH 1:22HEB 11:10HEB 11:26In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a heavenly vision in the spiritual realm. He explains that without a vision, people become directionless and lack purpose. The speaker references Proverbs 29:18, which states that without vision, people perish. He highlights the transformative power of the heavenly vision, stating that it kills the natural man and uplifts believers from their earthly mindset. The speaker also shares the example of Watchman Nee, who abandoned his own plans and ambitions after encountering the gospel and receiving the heavenly vision.
Christ Establishes Righteousness
By H. Robb French82541:53GEN 6:14MAT 5:28MAT 6:33MAT 10:10MAT 25:34JHN 8:11REV 21:21In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of Christian parents losing their families and identifies various factors that are causing this problem, such as worldly influences like picture shows, pool rooms, dance halls, and evolution. The preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto the promises of God and instilling discipline in children to ensure they stay on the right path. The sermon also touches on the topic of judgment, drawing on the preacher's personal experience with his father being a lawyer and witnessing the devastating scenes in the courtroom. The preacher highlights the eternal consequences of sin and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ.
Balanced Christianity 5. Holiness and Fellowship
By Zac Poonen7231:12:52GEN 6:14MAL 1:11MAT 18:20JHN 15:51CO 12:27EPH 4:16HEB 10:241PE 2:5
This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a balanced Christian life, focusing on the need for fellowship within a local church. It highlights the significance of falling into the ground and dying to self to bear much fruit, the necessity of being part of a body of believers to reflect the image of Christ, and the safety found in being cemented into the church as opposed to being a loose brick. The speaker encourages listeners to seek fellowship, manifest grace and truth, and engage in evangelism and discipleship within the context of a local church.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 173
By Don Courville29825:35Radio ShowGEN 4:8GEN 5:24GEN 5:27GEN 6:14NUM 12:3PRO 14:34JER 44:4MAT 11:28JHN 3:3ACT 7:59In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for individuals, families, churches, and communities to turn back to God and bring about a revival. He encourages listeners to approach their city fathers and local authorities to address the violation of God's principles in their communities. The speaker highlights the importance of repentance and acknowledges that America is in a desperate situation due to turning away from God and accepting unbiblical teachings and doctrines. He shares a powerful story of a man who was protected by God in battle, illustrating the significance of American history intertwined with faith.
1 Peter 3:20
By John Gill0God's LongsufferingSalvation through FaithGEN 6:14MAT 7:131PE 3:20John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 3:20, discussing the disobedience of those in the days of Noah who ignored God's warnings and the preaching of Noah, leading to their destruction in the flood. He emphasizes God's longsuffering during the 120 years of ark preparation, where only eight souls were saved, illustrating the narrow path to salvation through faith in Christ, akin to entering the ark. Gill draws parallels between the flood's waters that saved Noah and his family and the Gospel's dual nature of salvation and judgment, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst trials.
The Ark
By D.L. Moody0SalvationSecurity in ChristGEN 6:14GEN 8:41KI 6:21KI 6:4EZK 41:16JHN 10:28ROM 6:4EPH 2:6HEB 9:241PE 3:20D.L. Moody's sermon 'The Ark' draws parallels between Noah's Ark and the Ark of the Covenant, emphasizing their symbolic representation of Christ's humanity and atoning work. He highlights the construction details of both Arks, illustrating how they reflect divine design and glory, and how Noah's Ark provided safety during judgment, akin to the security believers find in Christ. Moody points out the significance of the Ark resting on Ararat, linking it to the resurrection of Jesus, and emphasizes the believer's current position of safety and security in Him. The sermon encourages reflection on the spiritual implications of being 'shut in' with Christ, as well as the contrasting natures of the Raven and the Dove representing our thoughts and desires.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Make thee an ark - תבת tebath, a word which is used only to express this vessel, and that in which Moses was preserved, Exo 2:3, Exo 2:5. It signifies no more than our word vessel in its common acceptation - a hollow place capable of containing persons, goods, etc., without any particular reference to shape or form. Gopher wood - Some think the cedar is meant; others, the cypress. Bochart renders this probable, 1. From the appellation, supposing the Greek word κυπαρισσος, cypress, was formed from the Hebrew גפר, gopher; for take away the termination ισσος, and then gopher and κυπαρ will have a near resemblance. 2. Because the cypress is not liable to rot, nor to be injured by worms. 3. The cypress was anciently used for ship-building. 4. This wood abounded in Assyria, where it is probable Noah built the ark. After all, the word is of doubtful signification, and occurs nowhere else in the Scriptures. The Septuagint render the place, εκ ξυλων τετραγωνων, "of square timber;" and the Vulgate, de lignis laevigatis, "of planed timber;" so it is evident that these translators knew not what kind of wood was intended by the original. The Syriac and Arabic trifle with the passage, rendering it wicker work, as if the ark had been a great basket! Both the Targums render it cedar; and the Persian, pine or fir.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Make thee an ark--ark, a hollow chest (Exo 2:3). gopher wood--probably cypress, remarkable for its durability and abounding on the Armenian mountains. rooms--cabins or small cells. pitch it within and without--mineral pitch, asphalt, naphtha, or some bituminous substance, which, when smeared over and become hardened, would make it perfectly watertight.
John Gill Bible Commentary
A window shalt thou make to the ark,.... Or a "light", such as is that at noon, for which the word in the dual number is used; and therefore Junius and Tremellius translate it a "clear light". The Jewish writers (s) will have it to be a precious stone, a pearl which Noah fetched from the river Pison, and hung up in the ark, and it gave light to all the creatures, like a large chandelier; but a window no doubt it was to let light into the several apartments, and to look out at on occasion, since Noah is afterwards said to open it; but what it was made of is difficult to say, since it does not appear that as yet glass was invented. Some think it was made of crystal, which would let in light, and keep off the water. A very learned (t) man is of opinion, that Noah understanding chemistry, prepared a fine subtle fragrant spirit, of an oily nature and luminous, which he put into vessels made of crystal or glass, and hung them up in every room in the ark, and which was both illuminating and refreshing; and this he thinks is what is meant by the "Zohar", or "light", which we translate a "window"; but this is afterward said to be opened by Noah, to send forth the raven and the dove, which will not agree with such a vessel of spirituous liquor: and in a cubit shall thou finish it above; not the window, as some think, which they place at top of the ark, and suppose to be a cubit in length, but the ark itself, which was finished with a roof raised up a cubit high in the middle: and the door of the ark shall thou set in the side thereof; on which it is not said; an Arabic writer (u) places it on the east side of it, on which side he supposes Noah and his sons dwelt, and on the west side his wife and his sons' wives. How large this door was is not said; it is reasonably supposed (w) to be ten cubits high and eight broad, that there might be room enough for an elephant to enter in by it; and it seems it was so large, that Noah, and those with him, could not shut it, but it was done by the Lord, Gen 7:16. with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it: the above Arabic writer (x) makes the lower story to be for the beasts, the second for the birds, and the third for Noah and his children; and with him agrees a Jewish writer (y): but as by this distribution no place is left for provisions, they seem most correct who place the beasts in the lower story, and the birds with Noah and his family in the uppermost, and the provisions for all in the middle. This ark was a type of the church of God. As to the form and pattern of it, it was of God, so the separation of men from the world in a church state is of God; it is by his appointment, and it is his will, that when any numbers of men are converted in a place, that they should be incorporated together in a church state, the form of which is given by him, its officers appointed, and the laws and ordinances of it fixed by him: and as to the matter of it, "Gopher wood", a lasting and incorruptible wood, denoting the duration of the church; God ever had, and ever will have a church in the world: as to the parts of it, and rooms in it, the rooms may point at particular churches, of which there have been many; or may signify, that there is always room enough in the church of God to receive saints. The ark had three stories in it, as the tabernacle and temple had three divisions, which were types of the same also; and may have respect to the visible church, consisting of believers and unbelievers, the invisible church, or general assembly of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven, and the church triumphant. The door into the ark may signify Christ, who, and faith in him, may be said to be the door into the church, and to all the ordinances of it: the window may either typify the glorious light of the Gospel, held forth in the church, or the ordinances of it, to which sensible souls betake themselves, as doves to their windows, Isa 60:8. Into this ark not only Noah and his family, but creatures of all sorts were admitted, as sinners of all sorts called by grace, and become peaceable, are received into the church of God; yea, even good and bad have a place here, though the latter under the notion and character of the former, but are hypocrites in Zion: here also were plenty of provisions for all in it, as there are in the church of God fulness of spiritual provisions for all the people of God. The ark was of the use of a ship, and was the means of saving a few men, even Noah and his family; so the church of God has the nature and use of a ship, of which Christ is the pilot, and conducts it through the sea of this world, in which it is often tossed with tempests, and distressed; but at last brought to its haven, in which a few are saved, not as the cause, which alone is Christ, but as the means. The Apostle Peter makes baptism its antitype, Pe1 3:21 which is God's ordinance, and not man's, of his appointing; as to the form and manner of it, is the object of the world's scorn, when rightly administered, as Noah's ark was; represents a burial, as that did when Noah entered into it; and was an emblem of Christ's resurrection and ours, when he came out of it: it was a type of baptism in its salutary effect, it saves by water, as that does by leading to the resurrection of Christ; it saves not as a cause, but as a means of directing to Christ, the author of salvation; and saves not all in the water, only those that are in the ark, that is, truly and rightly in the church, and real members of it, or that are in Christ; and so many make the ark also a type of Christ. (s) Targum Jonathan in loc. Pirke Eliezer, c. 23. (t) Dickinson. Physic. vet & vera, c. 20. p. 324, 325. (u) Patricides, apud Hottinger. p. 248, 250. (w) Scbeuchzer. Physica Sacra, vol. 1. p. 40. (x) Patricides, apud Hottinger. p. 248, 250. (y) Pirke Eliezer, c. 23.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:14 The large boat (traditionally rendered ark) was a long rectangular barge designed for survival, not for navigation. The Hebrew word tebah is used again only of the basket in which the baby Moses was floated on the Nile (Exod 2:3, 5). • cypress wood: It is not clear what kind of wood this was. It was possibly from a conifer, such as cypress.