Genesis 7:7

And Noah and his wife, with his sons and their wives, entered the ark to escape the waters of the flood.

Study Bible

And Noah
The name "Noah" is derived from the Hebrew root "נח" (nach), meaning "rest" or "comfort." This is significant as Noah is seen as a figure of rest amidst the chaos of the flood. In a world filled with corruption and violence, Noah stands as a beacon of righteousness and obedience to God. His life exemplifies faith and trust in God's promises, serving as a model for believers to find rest in God's provision and plan.

and his wife
The mention of Noah's wife, though unnamed in the text, highlights the importance of family unity and support in fulfilling God's commands. In the patriarchal society of the time, the inclusion of Noah's wife underscores the role of women in God's salvific plan. It also reflects the biblical principle of partnership in marriage, where both husband and wife work together in obedience to God.

and his sons
Noah's sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—are integral to the continuation of humanity post-flood. Their inclusion signifies the importance of generational faithfulness and the transmission of God's covenant promises. The family unit is central to God's plan, and Noah's sons represent the hope of a renewed creation, tasked with repopulating and stewarding the earth.

and their wives
The mention of the sons' wives further emphasizes the theme of family and continuity. These women are crucial for the propagation of the human race and the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28). Their presence in the ark signifies the inclusivity of God's salvation, extending beyond Noah to his entire family.

entered the ark
The act of entering the ark is a profound demonstration of faith and obedience. The ark, a vessel of salvation, symbolizes God's protection and deliverance from judgment. By entering the ark, Noah and his family place their trust in God's provision, foreshadowing the ultimate salvation found in Christ. The ark serves as a type of Christ, offering refuge and safety from the wrath to come.

to escape the waters of the flood
The floodwaters represent God's judgment on a sinful world, a cleansing of the earth from its corruption. The phrase "to escape" underscores the urgency and necessity of seeking refuge in God's appointed means of salvation. It serves as a reminder of the reality of divine judgment and the grace extended to those who heed God's warnings. The flood narrative calls believers to live in reverence and obedience, trusting in God's promises of redemption and restoration.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Noah
A righteous man chosen by God to survive the flood and preserve human and animal life. His obedience and faith are central to this account.

2. Noah's Sons
Shem, Ham, and Japheth, who, along with their wives, were part of God's plan to repopulate the earth after the flood.

3. Noah's Wife and Sons' Wives
These women are part of the family unit that God preserved, highlighting the importance of family in God's plan.

4. The Ark
A massive vessel built according to God's specifications, serving as a means of salvation from the floodwaters.

5. The Flood
A cataclysmic event sent by God to cleanse the earth of its widespread wickedness, sparing only Noah and his family.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Command
Noah's entry into the ark demonstrates his obedience to God's command. Believers are called to trust and obey God's instructions, even when they may not fully understand His plans.

Family as a Unit of Salvation
The inclusion of Noah's family in the ark underscores the importance of family in God's redemptive plan. Christians are encouraged to lead their families in faith and righteousness.

God's Provision and Protection
The ark symbolizes God's provision and protection for those who are faithful. Believers can trust that God will provide a way through life's challenges.

Judgment and Mercy
The flood represents God's judgment on sin, but also His mercy in providing a means of salvation. This duality is a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the grace available through Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Noah's obedience to God's command to enter the ark challenge us in our daily walk with God?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our families are aligned with God's will, as Noah's family was?

3. How does the account of the flood and the ark encourage us to trust in God's provision during difficult times?

4. What parallels can we draw between the salvation offered through the ark and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ?

5. How can we prepare ourselves and others for the coming judgment, as Jesus referenced the days of Noah in Matthew 24?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 11:7
This verse highlights Noah's faith, which led him to build the ark in reverent fear, saving his family and becoming an heir of righteousness.

1 Peter 3:20-21
Peter draws a parallel between the salvation through the ark and baptism, symbolizing salvation through Jesus Christ.

Matthew 24:37-39
Jesus compares the days of Noah to the coming of the Son of Man, emphasizing the suddenness and unexpected nature of God's judgment.