v.1-14
1. Repeated words:
a. the waters receded v.1,3, 5, 8, 11
Actually, in v.3 and 5, Scriptures said, "the waters kept receding steadily, " and "the waters kept on receding" That means it kept going.
b. Noah sent out the raven, sent out a dove to see if the waters had receded..., He waited...and sent out the dove again...Noah knew the waters had receded, he waited another 7 days and sent the dove out again, Noah saw...the ground was dry...Then God spoke to Noah and Said, "Come out of the ark..."
(EBC) With this picture of God at work as background, the author turns his attention to Noah inside the ark. The narrative now focuses on the patience of Noah as he waited on God’s deliverance.... But even then Noah could only open the window to look out of the ark. He still had to wait for God’s command to go out before leaving the ark (vv.15–17).
Summary and reflection: When God was at work and making the water to recede, Noah might or might not know about that. He might have felt that and therefore he sent out the raven, but he was not sure. "Then Noah sent out a dove to see if the waters had receded from the surface of the ground."
Even God is at work I may not be able to see it. I would like to know more about it. But silence did not mean God did not do anything. He is at work even when I cannot see!
Noah kept sending the bird out was probably because he wanted to find out more. I can relate to that. After the last bird not coming back he could see with his own eyes, but he did not step out of the ark until God told him to.
Waiting was tough, and attempts were made, but answers might not be what I want. The result is: more waiting needed to be done. Noah pleased God not only by his godly character, but his obedience, especially in waiting.
Am I obedience during waiting? Am I willing to wait?
2. Why Noah and the animals do not need to live in the ark forever?
v.1 But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and domestic animals that were with him in the ark. God caused a wind to blow over the earth and the waters receded
remembered-BDB remember persons: a. individuals, with kindness, granting requests, protecting, delivering etc
Out of His promise and His mercy God caused the waters receded.
Reflection: In the Bible, God does not promise for me not to have any disease or I wont die "young" . He allows that to happen to many faithful Christians. He did not owe me anything, but out of His kindness He granted me the early stage status (curable). I prayed that He will remember me again today and cause me to be healed.
v.15-22
1. God told Noah what to do v.15-17, and that was what Noah did v.18-19. Note: the language of v.17, "swarm 1:21, fruitful 1:22, and multiple 1:22" are exactly what God said in the creation account. This is a second chance for mankind, living creatures, and the earth.
Interesting word in v.19, "19 Every living creature, every creeping thing, every bird, and everything that moves on the earth went out of the ark in their groups."
in their "group" is NOT the same word as what Gen 1 said, "according to their kind". (BDB) it is commonly used to describe a family clan and here it means species, kind, which is not a common use of the word. Back in ch 7, there are also some descriptions of mankind used on animals. Does it mean that all living creatures were cursed because of mankind and we all waiting for the redemption in the future??
2. How did Noah respond to this second chance given by God?
He worshipped God through the burnt offerings with the clean animals v.20
- He worshipped God in the way that is pleasing to Him with the animals that He called "clean." And God was so pleased that He gave mankind and the earth a promise v.21-22. Grace that mankind with evil inclination did not deserved.
- the burnt offering (NET) The whole burnt offering, according to Leviticus 1, represented the worshiper’s complete surrender and dedication to the LORD. After the flood Noah could see that God was not only a God of wrath, but a God of redemption and restoration. The one who escaped the catastrophe could best express his gratitude and submission through sacrificial worship, acknowledging God as the sovereign of the universe.
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