Genesis 7:4

For seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living thing I have made."

Study Bible

For in seven days
The phrase "seven days" is significant throughout the Bible, often symbolizing completeness or divine perfection. In the Hebrew context, the number seven is associated with God's creation week, where He created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. Here, it indicates a period of divine preparation and finality before the onset of judgment. This time frame allowed Noah and his family to make final preparations, emphasizing God's mercy and patience even in judgment.

I will send rain
The Hebrew word for "rain" here is "מָטָר" (matar), which signifies a heavy downpour. This is not just a natural occurrence but a divine act of judgment. Rain, typically a blessing for growth and sustenance, is transformed into an instrument of God's righteous wrath. This duality highlights God's sovereignty over creation, where He can use the elements for both blessing and judgment.

on the earth
The term "earth" (אֶרֶץ, erets) in Hebrew can refer to the land, ground, or the entire world. In this context, it underscores the universality of the impending flood. The judgment is not localized but global, affecting all of creation. This reflects the pervasive nature of sin and the necessity of a comprehensive divine response.

for forty days and forty nights
The number forty in the Bible often represents a period of testing, trial, or judgment. Examples include the Israelites' forty years in the wilderness and Jesus' forty days of fasting. Here, it signifies a complete and thorough judgment, a time sufficient to cleanse the earth of its corruption. The dual mention of "days and nights" emphasizes the unrelenting nature of the flood, with no respite from the divine deluge.

and every living thing
This phrase underscores the totality of the judgment. The Hebrew word for "living thing" is "חַי" (chai), which encompasses all forms of life. It reflects the gravity of sin's impact on creation, necessitating a reset of the created order. This also foreshadows the new beginning that will follow, as God preserves a remnant through Noah.

that I have made
The phrase "I have made" highlights God's role as the Creator. It is a reminder of His authority over all life and His right to judge His creation. This divine ownership underscores the seriousness of humanity's rebellion, as it is against the very One who gave them life.

I will blot out
The Hebrew word "מָחָה" (machah) means to wipe out or erase. This conveys the thoroughness of God's judgment, akin to erasing a slate. It is a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin, yet it also points to God's ability to renew and restore, as He will later do with Noah and his descendants.

from the face of the earth
This phrase emphasizes the complete removal of life from the earth's surface. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and the holiness of God, who cannot tolerate iniquity. Yet, it also sets the stage for redemption and renewal, as God will establish a covenant with Noah, ensuring the continuation of life and the promise of salvation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The sovereign Creator who communicates His plan to Noah, demonstrating His authority and judgment.

2. Noah
A righteous man chosen by God to preserve life through obedience and faithfulness.

3. The Earth
The stage for God's judgment, where the flood will occur, affecting all living creatures.

4. The Flood
A divine act of judgment and cleansing, lasting forty days and nights, symbolizing both destruction and renewal.

5. The Ark
The vessel of salvation, built by Noah according to God's instructions, representing God's provision and mercy.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
God's decision to send the flood underscores His authority over creation and His right to judge sin.

Obedience and Faith
Noah's response to God's warning exemplifies the importance of obedience and faith in the face of impending judgment.

The Significance of Time
The seven-day warning period reflects God's patience and the opportunity for repentance, while the forty days of rain signify a period of testing and transformation.

Salvation through Divine Provision
The ark serves as a symbol of God's provision for salvation, pointing to the ultimate salvation through Jesus Christ.

The Reality of Judgment and Mercy
The flood account reminds us of the reality of God's judgment but also His mercy in providing a way of escape for those who trust in Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the seven-day warning period before the flood reflect God's character and His desire for repentance?

2. In what ways does Noah's obedience to God's instructions serve as a model for our own faith journey?

3. How can the account of the flood and the ark deepen our understanding of salvation through Jesus Christ?

4. What parallels can we draw between the flood account and the teachings of Jesus regarding the end times?

5. How does the concept of divine judgment in Genesis 7:4 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and mercy?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 6:13-22
Provides the context of God's instructions to Noah, emphasizing obedience and faith.

Matthew 24:37-39
Jesus references the days of Noah, drawing a parallel to the coming of the Son of Man and the unexpected nature of divine judgment.

Hebrews 11:7
Highlights Noah's faith, which led him to build the ark and become an heir of righteousness.

1 Peter 3:20-21
Discusses the flood as a prefiguration of baptism, symbolizing salvation through water.