Genesis 8:18
So Noah came out, along with his sons and his wife and his sons' wives.
So Noah came out
The phrase "So Noah came out" marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Flood. The Hebrew root for "came out" is יָצָא (yatsa), which means to go out, come out, or exit. This action signifies a transition from a period of divine judgment and isolation to a new beginning and restoration. Noah's emergence from the ark is symbolic of obedience and faithfulness, as he waited for God's command to leave the ark. This act of stepping out into a renewed world reflects a fresh start for humanity, emphasizing themes of redemption and hope.

along with his sons
The inclusion of Noah's sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—highlights the continuation of the human family and the preservation of God's creation. The Hebrew word for "sons" is בָּנִים (banim), which not only refers to male offspring but also signifies builders of the family name. This phrase underscores the importance of family unity and the role of Noah's sons in repopulating and stewarding the earth. It also points to the generational blessings and responsibilities that follow obedience to God.

and his wife
Noah's wife, though unnamed in the text, plays a crucial role in the narrative. Her presence signifies partnership and support in fulfilling God's command to be fruitful and multiply. The Hebrew term for "wife" is אִשָּׁה (ishah), which can also mean woman or female. This highlights the complementary relationship between man and woman as ordained by God. Her inclusion in this verse emphasizes the importance of family and the foundational role of marriage in God's plan for humanity.

and his sons’ wives
The mention of Noah's sons' wives completes the family unit and ensures the propagation of the human race. The Hebrew word for "wives" is נָשִׁים (nashim), which is the plural form of woman or wife. This phrase underscores the significance of women in God's redemptive plan and the continuation of life on earth. The presence of these women alongside their husbands reflects the collaborative effort required to fulfill God's mandate to fill and steward the earth, highlighting the value of partnership and community in God's design.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Noah
A righteous man chosen by God to survive the flood and repopulate the earth. His obedience and faith are central to this account.

2. Noah's Sons
Shem, Ham, and Japheth, who play a crucial role in the repopulation and diversification of humanity post-flood.

3. Noah's Wife and Sons' Wives
These women are essential for the continuation of human life and the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply."

4. The Ark
The vessel built by Noah under God's instruction, which served as a means of salvation for Noah's family and the animal kingdom.

5. The Flood
A divine judgment on a corrupt world, symbolizing both destruction and a new beginning.
Teaching Points
Obedience and Faith
Noah's exit from the ark is a testament to his continued obedience and faith in God's promises. Believers are called to trust and obey God, even when the path is uncertain.

New Beginnings
The emergence from the ark symbolizes a fresh start. In Christ, believers are offered new beginnings, leaving behind the old life and embracing the new.

Family and Community
The inclusion of Noah's family highlights the importance of family and community in God's plan. Believers are encouraged to nurture and support their families in faith.

God's Faithfulness
The safe exit from the ark is a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises. Believers can trust in God's unwavering commitment to His word.

Stewardship of Creation
As Noah and his family step into a renewed world, they are tasked with stewardship. Believers are called to care for God's creation responsibly.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Noah's obedience in exiting the ark reflect his faith, and how can we apply this obedience in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the account of Noah and the flood parallel the concept of baptism as described in 1 Peter 3:20-21?

3. How can we, like Noah, prepare for the "new beginnings" God offers us, and what steps can we take to embrace them fully?

4. What role does family play in God's plan for humanity, and how can we strengthen our family bonds in faith?

5. How can we practice stewardship of God's creation in our current context, and what specific actions can we take to fulfill this responsibility?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1:28
The command to "be fruitful and multiply" is reiterated post-flood, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan for humanity.

Hebrews 11:7
Highlights Noah's faith and obedience, which are exemplified in his actions throughout the flood account.

1 Peter 3:20-21
Draws a parallel between the salvation through the ark and the salvation offered through baptism, symbolizing a new beginning.

Matthew 24:37-39
Jesus references the days of Noah to illustrate the suddenness of His return, emphasizing vigilance and preparedness.
Rest and RestorationR.A. Redford Genesis 8:13-19
Man's Going Forth After the Judgments of GodJ. S. Exell, M. A.Genesis 8:15-19
People
Noah
Places
Mount Ararat
Topics
Forth, Noah, Sons, Wife, Wives
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 8:1-19

     7203   ark, Noah's

Genesis 8:15-19

     4604   animals, nature of
     7227   flood, the

Genesis 8:15-22

     5106   Noah

Genesis 8:17-20

     4612   birds

Library
December 27. "He Sent Forth the Dove which Returned not Again unto Him" (Gen. viii. 12).
"He sent forth the dove which returned not again unto him" (Gen. viii. 12). First, we have the dove going forth from the ark, and finding no rest upon the wild and drifting waste of sin and judgment. This represents the Old Testament period, perhaps, when the Holy Ghost visited this sinful world, but could find no resting-place, and went back to the bosom of God. Next, we have the dove going forth and returning with the olive leaf in her mouth, the symbol and the pledge of peace and reconciliation,
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

'Clear Shining after Rain'
'And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged; The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained; And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated. And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Sermon of the Seasons
"Oh, the long and dreary Winter! Oh, the cold and cruel Winter!" We say to ourselves, Will spring-time never come? In addition to this, trade and commerce continue in a state of stagnation; crowds are out of employment, and where business is carried on, it yields little profit. Our watchmen are asked if they discern any signs of returning day, and they answer, "No." Thus we bow our heads in a common affliction, and ask each man comfort of his fellow; for as yet we see not our signs, neither does
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

The Best of the Best
"I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys."--Song of Solomon 2:1. THE time of flowers has come, and as they are in some faint degree emblems of our Lord, it is well, when God thus calls, that we should seek to learn what he desires to teach us by them. If nature now spreads out her roses and her lilies, or prepares to do so, let us try, not only to see them, but to see Christ as he is shadowed forth in them. "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys." If these are the words
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896

The Unchangeable One
Psalm cxix. 89-96. For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. Unless thy law had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine affliction. I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts. The wicked have waited for me to destroy me:
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons

On Gen. viii. I
On Gen. viii. I Hippolytus, the expositor of the Targum, and my master, Jacobus Rohaviensis, have said: On the twenty-seventh day of the month Jiar, which is the second Hebrew month, the ark rose from the base of the holy mount; and already the waters bore it, and it was carried upon them round about towards the four cardinal points of the world. The ark accordingly held off from the holy mount towards the east, then returned towards the west, then turned to the south, and finally, bearing off eastwards,
Hippolytus—The Extant Works and Fragments of Hippolytus

The Song of the Three Children
DANIEL iii. 16, 17, 18. O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. We read this morning, instead of the Te Deum, the Song of the Three Children, beginning, 'Oh all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation,
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

That it is Profitable to Communicate Often
The Voice of the Disciple Behold I come unto Thee, O Lord, that I may be blessed through Thy gift, and be made joyful in Thy holy feast which Thou, O God, of Thy goodness hast prepared for the poor.(1) Behold in Thee is all that I can and ought to desire, Thou art my salvation and redemption, my hope and strength, my honour and glory. Therefore rejoice the soul of Thy servant this day, for unto Thee, O Lord Jesus, do I lift up my soul.(2) I long now to receive Thee devoutly and reverently, I desire
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
To declare emphatically that the people of God are a covenant people, various signs were in sovereignty vouchsafed. The lights in the firmament of heaven were appointed to be for signs, affording direction to the mariner, the husbandman, and others. Miracles wrought on memorable occasions, were constituted signs or tokens of God's universal government. The gracious grant of covenant signs was made in order to proclaim the truth of the existence of God's covenant with his people, to urge the performance
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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