In the book of Genesis, Moses is reminding the Israelites in Genesis of who they are, where they came from and most importantly of who God is. Moses wrote Genesis for the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness. They’d left Egypt by God’s hand and were waiting to enter a new land. The passage here (Gen 8:20-9:17) focuses on God, what He has done and would do within the story of the Flood. It gives us insight into God’s character.
This passage comes close on the heels of the Creation narrative and the story of Eden. Humanity has fallen in the garden and depravity has overtaken the earth. This section takes place after God’s righteous judgement pours out on the earth in the form of a flood and He saves a remnant of humanity through Noah.
We’re going to look at how this passage shows us God who provides, a God who promises, and a God who protects.
A God Who Provides
There are mulitiple ways we see God’s provision in this story and some of them are even before this text. For example we see a God of provision right away simply in seeing Noah and his family walking safely out of the ark when the rest of the living world has been literally washed away in a flood. We’ve also seen God’s providing opportunity- the ark took a very long time to build and was not a smile hiding project. Noah’s community could have expressed interest, could have asked, could possibly even have turned from their sin and been saved. It is God Himself who shuts the door of the ark, not Noah’s hand, and the door is shut only when Noah, family and zoo are safely inside and the rain of judgement begins. Until then, the door is open.
We even see God’s provision in His judgement. This can feel like a statement we want to resist , but it can help us understand the flood and the rest of the Bible. Justice is a provision where injustice has occurred. We tend to read this narrative and feel for the people of the earth as innocents but consider this; If we were watching a superhero movie and a group of people is being held hostage by the baddie in the film, we want the baddie taken out and justice served by the Iron Man, Super Man or Spiderman of the film. We root for the baddie to be taken down and order restored by the hero.
When we read the flood narrative and other passages of God’s judgement and wrath, we tend to read ourselves as the innocent hostages. It’s important to see that the population of earth were acting as the ‘baddies’ and if we were watching this like a movie, God’s justice is what we would be rooting for. The earth was full of injustice and wickedness as humans rejected God’s way and chose their own way.. Yes, even judgement is a provision of the Lord.
Here in these verses we also see God’s provision of a sacrifice. Noah steps off the ark onto a traumatized earth and his first action is to offer a sacrifice (Gen 8:20). The creatures of earth have been carefully preserved, kept as male and female to continue on the earth. We often think of the animals in their tidy little pairs, but in Genesis 7 we see that of clean animals and birds, seven pairs are to come onto the ark.
Even before God sends the flood, He has made provision for a sacrifice.
God ensures that Noah has what will be needed after the flood to make a sacrifice to God.
We even see God’s provision in His judgement. This can feel like a statement we want to resist , but it can help us understand the flood and the rest of the Bible. Justice is a provision where injustice has occurred. We tend to read this narrative and feel for the people of the earth as innocents but consider this; If we were watching a superhero movie and a group of people is being held hostage by the baddie in the film, we want the baddie taken out and justice served by the Iron Man, Super Man or Spiderman of the film. We root for the baddie to be taken down and order restored by the hero.
When we read the flood narrative and other passages of God’s judgement and wrath, we tend to read ourselves as the innocent hostages. It’s important to see that the population of earth were acting as the ‘baddies’ and if we were watching this like a movie, God’s justice is what we would be rooting for. The earth was full of injustice and wickedness as humans rejected God’s way and chose their own way.. Yes, even judgement is a provision of the Lord.
Here in these verses we also see God’s provision of a sacrifice. Noah steps off the ark onto a traumatized earth and his first action is to offer a sacrifice (Gen 8:20). The creatures of earth have been carefully preserved, kept as male and female to continue on the earth. We often think of the animals in their tidy little pairs, but in Genesis 7 we see that of clean animals and birds, seven pairs are to come onto the ark.
Even before God sends the flood, He has made provision for a sacrifice.
God ensures that Noah has what will be needed after the flood to make a sacrifice to God.
In Chapter 9 we see God provide again by giving man purpose and order. God repeats the words that he spoke to Adam and Eve at the beginning of creation “be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.” (Gen 1:28) In repeating this mandate, we see the order and purpose of man has not massively shifted with the state of the world. God’s original design stands though marred by human sinfulness. God responded to sin in judgement, but He still provides order and purpose to humanity. He does not move on to “humanity plan b”. Man’s sin deserved God’s wrath, but it has not caught God by surprise.
Another way we see God provide in this chapter is through the provision of a sign, a sign of His promise, but we will look more at this in our third point. For now, let’s look at that promise.
Another way we see God provide in this chapter is through the provision of a sign, a sign of His promise, but we will look more at this in our third point. For now, let’s look at that promise.
A God Who Promises
In 9:9 we see God begin a covenant with Noah and with every living thing. He promises that He will never again flood the whole earth. There are some significant things about this covenant that can be easy to miss as modern people. We don’t tend to live in fear of an all-consuming, global flood wiping out every living thing. Noah however has just lived through God’s power and judgement on the world displayed in this way. Every time a raincloud rolls in or a thunderstorm starts Noah is going to remember this flood of judgement. When he messes up, which he’ll do before this chapter even ends, raindrops would be enough to start a full-fledged panic attack were it not for this promise. Living in Scotland would have been a nightmare for post-flood Noah. But God’s promise offers Noah reassurance. When the world and man go astray again, rain clouds will not mean God’s wrath is bringing it to an end. God has said so.
This leads us to another important part of God’s promise. This promise is not the cause of man’s righteousness. In 8:21, as God decides to never again curse the ground because of man He says, “FOR the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth”. God has no delusions about man’s righteousness when He makes a promise to never flood the earth. Noah has been preserved but he will fail, and God knows that. God sees evil, not just in man’s choices and actions, but in the very intention of their heart, and God makes this promise anyway.
This directly connects to the third thing we see about God’s promise. Not only does God see the condition of man’s heart when He makes this promise, He also makes the promise independent of man’s actions. Humans don’t bring anything to this covenant. This promise isn’t made because of them and it is not dependent on them. God says, “Behold I establish MY covenant with you.” (emphasis added) and the passage is full of “I will” statements from God.
This covenant does not rely on the righteousness of men and it does not require anything from the side of man. It rests fully, entirely and completely on God. And what does God promise to do? This leads us to our third and final point.
This directly connects to the third thing we see about God’s promise. Not only does God see the condition of man’s heart when He makes this promise, He also makes the promise independent of man’s actions. Humans don’t bring anything to this covenant. This promise isn’t made because of them and it is not dependent on them. God says, “Behold I establish MY covenant with you.” (emphasis added) and the passage is full of “I will” statements from God.
This covenant does not rely on the righteousness of men and it does not require anything from the side of man. It rests fully, entirely and completely on God. And what does God promise to do? This leads us to our third and final point.
A God Who Protects
God’s covenant with Noah, Noah’s offspring and all flesh is to never again flood the whole earth. This is a picture of what Christians would call “common grace”. Everyone receives this protection of the Lord on earth; Whether they have faith in God and are saved eternally or have no faith and don’t follow God. This particular protection extends to all humanity. Everyone receives the protection from this particular expression of God’s wrath.
But it is vital to remember that the flood came because of God’s righteous wrath. The flood was a judgement. We have already seen that man hasn’t changed, man is still inclined in his heart to evil, and that evil has always brought the judgement of God. Though God is protecting the whole of earth through time from the literal flood of His wrath, it does not mean that He will not judge wickedness and sin. He is not dismissing sin but enduring it for a time. The ark of Noah’s salvation took time to build and the door stood open until judgement came, but judgement did come. Sin always has a cost.
But it is vital to remember that the flood came because of God’s righteous wrath. The flood was a judgement. We have already seen that man hasn’t changed, man is still inclined in his heart to evil, and that evil has always brought the judgement of God. Though God is protecting the whole of earth through time from the literal flood of His wrath, it does not mean that He will not judge wickedness and sin. He is not dismissing sin but enduring it for a time. The ark of Noah’s salvation took time to build and the door stood open until judgement came, but judgement did come. Sin always has a cost.
In 2 Peter 2:5 & 9 we’re told that the flood shows us the reality of God’s judgement. The language is bold and says:: “If He [God] did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly… 9then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgement.” Here we see the seriousness of sin, the reality of God’s judgement of sin and the particular salvation extended to Noah.
The world was condemned in ungodliness, but Noah was saved because his faith in God was his righteousness. Hebrews 11:7 tells us “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and become an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” Here we see Noah’s righteousness is in his faith in God. In the same way God protected Noah from the flood of His wrath, God continues to protect from His wrath those who put their faith in Him.
We saw earlier that God provided a sign with His promise to Noah. Humans forget things and we quickly forget God’s faithfulness. God gives a forgetful humanity not only the promise but a tangible sign of His promise in the rainbow. A rainbow would have been a brand-new creation, something never before seen, a brilliant spectacle of light and colour. Through this sign God not only gives evidence of the promise at hand, but also points ahead to the coming provision and promise of Jesus.
In Genesis 9:13 we read that God will “set His bow” in the sky. We may immediately translate bow into the word we now use, ‘rainbow’, but the text says ‘bow’ and says it for a reason. A bow is a weapon and in this sign the God of creation sets it down. The God who provides, promises, and protects sets His bow down & pointed directly at heaven. God Himself will provide the sacrifice needed to bear the cost of His wrath. Jesus Christ will be the necessary sacrifice for baddies who don’t deserve it and we are all baddies. (Romans 3:10 )
Just as God provided a sacrifice for Noah, He also provides a sacrifice for those who put their trust in Him. Just as Noah brought nothing to God’s promise after the flood, we bring nothing to God’s work of salvation. God’s wrath still had to be poured out, but God provided Jesus as a necessary sacrifice and poured His wrath out on Him instead of sinners. The wrath we deserved was deluged on perfect Jesus.
Two things are required for God’s covenant sign to be seen, rainfall and sunlight. In John 8:12, Jesus says “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The light of Jesus shines through the rain that once threatened judgement and reveals God’s promised sign. Jesus Christ is the provision of God’s ultimate protection. When we trust in Jesus to take the wrath we deserved, God takes us from baddies and adopts us into His family and under His eternal protection.
The world was condemned in ungodliness, but Noah was saved because his faith in God was his righteousness. Hebrews 11:7 tells us “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and become an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” Here we see Noah’s righteousness is in his faith in God. In the same way God protected Noah from the flood of His wrath, God continues to protect from His wrath those who put their faith in Him.
We saw earlier that God provided a sign with His promise to Noah. Humans forget things and we quickly forget God’s faithfulness. God gives a forgetful humanity not only the promise but a tangible sign of His promise in the rainbow. A rainbow would have been a brand-new creation, something never before seen, a brilliant spectacle of light and colour. Through this sign God not only gives evidence of the promise at hand, but also points ahead to the coming provision and promise of Jesus.
In Genesis 9:13 we read that God will “set His bow” in the sky. We may immediately translate bow into the word we now use, ‘rainbow’, but the text says ‘bow’ and says it for a reason. A bow is a weapon and in this sign the God of creation sets it down. The God who provides, promises, and protects sets His bow down & pointed directly at heaven. God Himself will provide the sacrifice needed to bear the cost of His wrath. Jesus Christ will be the necessary sacrifice for baddies who don’t deserve it and we are all baddies. (Romans 3:10 )
Just as God provided a sacrifice for Noah, He also provides a sacrifice for those who put their trust in Him. Just as Noah brought nothing to God’s promise after the flood, we bring nothing to God’s work of salvation. God’s wrath still had to be poured out, but God provided Jesus as a necessary sacrifice and poured His wrath out on Him instead of sinners. The wrath we deserved was deluged on perfect Jesus.
Two things are required for God’s covenant sign to be seen, rainfall and sunlight. In John 8:12, Jesus says “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The light of Jesus shines through the rain that once threatened judgement and reveals God’s promised sign. Jesus Christ is the provision of God’s ultimate protection. When we trust in Jesus to take the wrath we deserved, God takes us from baddies and adopts us into His family and under His eternal protection.
Application
So how do we apply these things today?
For Christians, rejoice and take comfort in the fact that God has pointed His bow at heaven and given Jesus to take the wrath we deserved! We serve a God of provision, promise and protection. Be comforted that God’s promise of salvation in Jesus is not because of us or dependent on us. We bring nothing to the table and God says, “I WILL.” His promise relies fully on Himself. Romans 8 tells us “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies…Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” and he ends saying he is convinced that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Secondly Christians, tell others of this hope in Jesus. 2 Peter 3 talks again about the flood of ancient days and the reality of God’s coming judgement now. Peter then gives us a hopeful word in verse 8 & 9 “But do not overlook this one fact beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfil His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” We serve a patient God. Let us share the hope we have in Jesus with those who are perishing while there is still time.
Secondly Christians, tell others of this hope in Jesus. 2 Peter 3 talks again about the flood of ancient days and the reality of God’s coming judgement now. Peter then gives us a hopeful word in verse 8 & 9 “But do not overlook this one fact beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfil His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” We serve a patient God. Let us share the hope we have in Jesus with those who are perishing while there is still time.
For those who do not yet know Jesus. God’s patience and kindness is waiting, but it will not last forever. We were the baddies in the story, and we deserve God’s righteous judgement. God provided a way of protection through the promise of His very own Son. Pointing the bow of His wrath to heaven, God gave Jesus to take judgement for His children.
Salvation in Jesus is not based on our merit but on God, so don’t wait to clean yourself up. This salvation must be received in faith. Our sin and its consequence must be dealt with and has the cost of God’s wrath. Someone bears that cost and it should be us. When we trust in Jesus, He bears the cost for us. Put your trust in Jesus and turn from sin. God is patient and God provides protection, but the time will not last forever to enter that protection. Enter through the door and be safe in Jesus.
~
Salvation in Jesus is not based on our merit but on God, so don’t wait to clean yourself up. This salvation must be received in faith. Our sin and its consequence must be dealt with and has the cost of God’s wrath. Someone bears that cost and it should be us. When we trust in Jesus, He bears the cost for us. Put your trust in Jesus and turn from sin. God is patient and God provides protection, but the time will not last forever to enter that protection. Enter through the door and be safe in Jesus.
~
Genesis 8:20-9:17 English Standard Version (ESV)
20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21 And when the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma, the Lord said in his heart, “I will never again curse[a] the ground because of man, for the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. 22 While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”
9 And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. 2 The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth and upon every bird of the heavens, upon everything that creeps on the ground and all the fish of the sea. Into your hand they are delivered. 3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. 4 But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. 5 And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man.
6 “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed,
for God made man in his own image.
for God made man in his own image.
8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. 11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”
Thanks to Unsplash.com for the rainbow image and to Jen Wilken's God of Creation study for helping me delve into this text.
Comments