Genesis 8:6-8 And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:… We observe: I. THAT NOAH DID NOT EXHIBIT AN IMPETUOUS HASTE TO GET OUT OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH GOD HAD PLACED HIM. 1. We see that God does sometimes place men in unwelcome positions. 2. That when God does place men in unwelcome positions, it is that their own moral welfare may be enhanced. 3. That when men are placed in unwelcome positions they should not remove from them without a Divine intimation. II. THAT NOAH WAS THOUGHTFUL AND JUDICIOUS IN ENDEAVOURING TO ASCERTAIN THE WILL OF GOD IN REFERENCE TO HIS POSITION IN ITS RELATION TO THE CHANGING CONDITION OF THINGS. 1. Noah felt that the time was advancing for a change in his position, and that it would be necessitated by the new facts of life. 2. Noah recognized the fact that the change in his position should be preceded by devout thought and precaution. III. THAT NOAH EMPLOYED VARIED AND CONTINUOUS METHODS OF ASCERTAINING THE FACTS OF HIS POSITION AND HIS DUTY IN RELATION THERETO. 1. These methods were varied. 2. Continuous. 3. Appropriate. IV. THAT NOAH YIELDED A PATIENT OBEDIENCE TO THE TEST OF CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH HE HAD EMPLOYED. V. THAT INDICATIONS OF DUTY ARE ALWAYS GIVEN TO THOSE WHO SEEK THEM DEVOUTLY. The dove returned to Noah with the olive leaf. Men who seek prayerfully to know their duty in the events of life, will surely have given to them the plain indications of Providence. Lessons: — 1. That men should not trust their own reason alone to guide them in the events of life. 2. That men who wish to know the right path of life should employ the best talents God has given them. 3. That honest souls are divinely led. (J. S. Exell, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:WEB: It happened at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ship which he had made, |
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