Genesis 7
The Flood
Overview
God's judgement comes through the flood, but He faithfully protects Noah's family and the animals in the ark. The door is shut by God Himself.
Introduction
Genesis 7 teaches us that God is both just in punishing sin and faithful to protect those who trust Him, highlighting the necessity of obedience and preparation. It reveals God's sovereignty over creation, His mercy in providing a way of salvation, and that He alone shuts the door to safety.
Why Did Noah Build the Ark?
[1-5] Noah built the ark because God told him to, as an act of faith and obedience to survive the global flood. God destroyed the earth due to widespread wickedness, but spared righteous Noah and his family, along with pairs of every animal, to preserve life.
- Divine Command and Obedience: [5] God instructed Noah, and as a faithful man, he obeyed.
- Protection from Judgement: The ark served as a vessel of safety for Noah's family and the animals.
- Preservation of Life: It was designed to keep humans and land animals alive for repopulating the earth.
- Faith and Warning: Noah spent years building it, acting as a warning to others.
Key Events of the Flood
- [7] Entry into the Ark: Noah, his family, and the animals entered the ark as commanded.
- [10] The Rain Begins: After seven days, the flood waters came upon the earth.
- [11-12] The Great Deluge: The fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of heaven were opened. It rained for forty days and forty nights.
- [16] God Shuts the Door: "The LORD shut him in"—God Himself sealed the ark, indicating salvation is in His hands.
- [17-20] The Waters Prevail: The waters increased and covered all the high mountains.
- [21-24] Total Destruction: All flesh died that moved on the earth. Only Noah and those with him in the ark remained alive.
Key Takeaways from Genesis 7
- Absolute Obedience and Trust: [5] Noah did everything the Lord commanded, showing that faith requires action, even when God's instructions seem unusual or difficult.
- God's Righteous Judgement: The flood demonstrates that God takes sin seriously and will punish wickedness.
- God as Saviour and Protector: God ensures the survival of Noah's family, providing a "safe space" (the ark) amidst destruction.
- The Exclusivity of Salvation: Only those inside the ark were saved, serving as a type of judgement and redemption.
- Divine Sovereignty: [16] God shuts the door of the ark, indicating that salvation and safety are ultimately in His hands.
- Preparedness: Noah's preparedness to enter the ark when instructed is a reminder to be ready for God's timing.
Waiting on God
Noah doesn't hear from God for at least 150 days. Living in the ark for over 150 days without direct communication from God would bring profound isolation and tested faith.
- Profound Isolation: The overwhelming silence after such a monumental event would be challenging.
- Physical and Emotional Exhaustion: Feeding thousands of animals and maintaining sanitation for over a year would lead to extreme fatigue.
- Testing of Faith: Without daily affirmation, Noah had to rely entirely on his memory of God's promise.
- The Weight of Responsibility: Carrying the responsibility of saving humanity and the animal kingdom.
However, this silence also offers a space to trust, demonstrating that faith is in God's promises, not just in hearing His voice every day.
Why Does God Get Quiet Sometimes?
The "silence" of God is often not an absence, but a temporary, purposeful, and loving pause designed to deepen faith, trust, and character:
- Building Faith and Trust: God's silence teaches us to trust Him rather than just His immediate actions.
- A "Wait" Instead of a "No": Silence often signifies "not yet" rather than a refusal.
- An Invitation to Draw Closer: God sometimes uses silence to prompt a deeper pursuit of Him.
- Removing Idolatry: His silence helps us avoid creating a false image of God that only exists to satisfy our demands.
- The Need for Growth: God may be silent to teach us to use the wisdom He has already given us.
Reflection Questions
- How do you feel when you go through trials and God doesn't speak?
- What situations in your life require patient waiting on God?
- How can you demonstrate faith through obedience today?