1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that [are] not clean by two, the male and his female.
3 Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.
4 For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.
5 And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him.
6 And Noah [was] six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth.
7 And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.
8 Of clean beasts, and of beasts that [are] not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth,
9 There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah.
10 And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth.
11 In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
12 And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.
13 In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah’s wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark;
14 They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort.
15 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein [is] the breath of life.
16 And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.
17 And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth.
18 And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.
19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that [were] under the whole heaven, were covered.
20 Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.
21 And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:
22 All in whose nostrils [was] the breath of life, of all that [was] in the dry [land], died.
23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained [alive], and they that [were] with him in the ark.
24 And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.
Overview of Genesis Chapter 7
Genesis Chapter 7 is a pivotal segment in the biblical narrative that describes the Great Flood, a significant event in the story of Noah and the covenant between God and humanity. This chapter details the culmination of God’s judgment on a corrupt world and the preservation of Noah, his family, and the animals. The chapter is rich in themes of obedience, divine judgment, and salvation.
Key Themes
- Divine Judgment: The chapter emphasizes God’s decision to cleanse the earth of its wickedness through the Flood.
- Obedience and Faith: Noah’s unwavering obedience to God’s commands serves as a model of faithfulness.
- Preservation of Life: The chapter highlights God’s mercy in preserving Noah, his family, and various animal species.
- Covenant and Promise: The narrative sets the stage for the covenant that God will establish with Noah after the Flood.
Summary of Events
- God’s Command to Noah (Verses 1-4):
God instructs Noah to enter the ark along with his family and the animals, emphasizing the impending flood that will last for 40 days and nights.
- Noah’s Obedience (Verse 5):
Noah follows God’s commands without hesitation, demonstrating his faith and trust in God’s plan.
- Gathering of Animals (Verses 6-9):
Noah collects the specified animals, both clean and unclean, as instructed by God, ensuring the survival of each species.
- The Onset of the Flood (Verses 10-12):
After Noah and the animals enter the ark, the Flood begins, with rain falling for 40 days and nights, and the earth’s waters rising.
- Destruction of All Living Things (Verses 13-24):
The chapter describes the overwhelming nature of the Flood, which destroys all life outside the ark. The waters prevail for 150 days, marking the severity of God’s judgment.
Character Analysis
- Noah:
Noah is portrayed as a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time. His character exemplifies faithfulness and obedience to God, serving as a central figure in the narrative of salvation.
- God:
This chapter reveals God’s nature as both just and merciful. He executes judgment on human wickedness while providing a means of salvation for Noah and the animals.
Symbolism and Imagery
- The Ark:
The ark symbolizes salvation and refuge amidst judgment, representing God’s provision for those who obey Him.
- Water:
The floodwaters symbolize chaos and destruction, contrasting with the order and life that God intends for creation.
Theological Implications
Genesis Chapter 7 raises significant theological questions regarding the nature of sin, judgment, and redemption. It underscores the belief in God’s sovereignty over creation and His ability to enact justice. Furthermore, it foreshadows the concept of covenant, which will be further developed in subsequent chapters, establishing a framework for understanding God’s relationship with humanity.
Conclusion
Genesis Chapter 7 serves as a critical turning point in the biblical narrative, illustrating the themes of judgment and mercy through the story of Noah and the Flood. It invites readers to reflect on their own faith and obedience in the face of divine commands, as well as the overarching narrative of salvation that unfolds throughout the scriptures.
