◄ Genesis 8 ►
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The Ark Rests on Ararat 1But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark. And God sent a wind over the earth, and the waters began to subside. 2The springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained. 3The waters receded steadily from the earth, and after 150 days the waters had gone down. 4On the seventeenth day of the seventh month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. 5And the waters continued to recede until the tenth month, and on the first day of the tenth month the tops of the mountains became visible. Noah Sends a Raven and a Dove 6After forty days Noah opened the window he had made in the ark 7and sent out a raven. It kept flying back and forth until the waters had dried up from the earth. 8Then Noah sent outa a dove to see if the waters had receded from the surface of the ground. 9But the dove found no place to rest her foot, and she returned to him in the ark, because the waters were still covering the surface of all the earth. So he reached out his hand and brought her back inside the ark. 10Noah waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. 11And behold, the dove returned to him in the evening with a freshly plucked olive leaf in her beak. So Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth. 12And Noah waited seven more days and sent out the dove again, but this time she did not return to him. Exiting the Ark 13In Noah’s six hundred and first year, on the first day of the first month, the waters had dried up from the earth. So Noah removed the covering from the ark and saw that the surface of the ground was dry. 14By the twenty-seventh day of the second month, the earth was fully dry. 15Then God said to Noah, 16“Come out of the ark, you and your wife, along with your sons and their wives. 17Bring out all the living creatures that are with you—birds, livestock, and everything that crawls upon the ground—so that they can spread out over the earth and be fruitful and multiply upon it.” 18So Noah came out, along with his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives. 19Every living creature, every creeping thing, and every bird—everything that moves upon the earth—came out of the ark, kind by kind. Noah Builds an Altar 20Then Noah built an altar to the LORD. And taking from every kind of clean animal and clean bird, he offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21When the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, He said in His heart, “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures as I have done. 22As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall never cease.” Footnotes: 8 a Literally sent out from him or sent out from it Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Genesis 8 Summary The Ark Rests on Ararat Verses 1–5 – God Remembers Noah The flood’s climax now behind, “God remembered Noah, and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark” (v. 1). A divine wind drove the waters to retreat, the subterranean fountains closed, and the torrential rain stopped. By the seventeenth day of the seventh month the ark grounded on the mountains of Ararat. The waters continued to recede until the mountaintops became visible. Verses 6–12 – Birds Sent Forth After forty more days Noah tested the earth’s condition. A raven went “to and fro until the waters were dried up” (v. 7). A dove returned to him twice, the second time clutching a fresh olive leaf—clear proof that life had re-emerged. A week later, the dove’s failure to return confirmed that the land was habitable. Verses 13–19 – Noah Leaves the Ark In Noah’s six-hundred-first year, on the first day of the first month, he removed the ark’s covering and saw dry ground. Yet he waited for God’s command before exiting. On the twenty-seventh day of the second month the family and every creature finally stepped out to repopulate the planet. Verses 20–22 – Offering and Divine Promise Noah built an altar and presented burnt offerings from every clean animal and bird. “The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma” (v. 21) and resolved never again to destroy all life by flood. Seedtime, harvest, cold, heat, summer, winter, day, and night were set in stable rhythm for as long as the earth endures. This chapter marks a turning point in the narrative of Noah's ark, featuring God's mercy in remembering Noah and all the inhabitants of the ark. It narrates the gradual receding of floodwaters, the resting of the ark, the sending out of birds to gauge the earth's condition, and finally, the re-emergence of life on earth, paving the way for a renewed covenant between God and His creation. Chronology of the Flood • Year 600, 2nd month, 17th day – Flood begins (7:11). • 150 days – Waters prevail (7:24; 8:3). • Year 600, 7th month, 17th day – Ark rests (8:4). • Year 600, 10th month, 1st day – Tops of mountains appear (8:5). • 40 days later – Birds released (8:6). • Year 601, 1st month, 1st day – Surface dry (8:13). • Year 601, 2nd month, 27th day – Earth completely dry; departure (8:14). God’s Remembrance: Covenant Faithfulness “God remembered” does not mean He had forgotten; it marks the moment He moves to fulfill His promise (6:18). Similar language appears in Exodus 2:24 when He “remembered” His covenant with the patriarchs. Divine remembrance signals action on behalf of His people. Wind and Waters: Echoes of Creation The “wind” (Hebrew ruach) that moved over receding waters mirrors the Spirit’s movement over the primordial deep in Genesis 1:2. The flood is a cosmic reset, followed by a new world and a fresh command to “be fruitful and multiply” (8:17; cf. 1:28). Mountains of Ararat: Geographic Setting Ararat refers to a region in ancient Urartu, modern eastern Turkey and western Armenia. Sightings and expeditions have sought remains of the ark on Mount Ararat (Ağrı Dağı), though none are conclusive. The term “mountains” allows for a range rather than one peak. The Raven and the Dove • Raven: a hardy scavenger able to settle on floating carcasses, explaining why it did not return. • Dove: a symbol of peace and purity; its olive leaf (v. 11) still denotes reconciliation today. Matthew 3:16 later shows the Holy Spirit descending “like a dove” upon Jesus, another emblem of new beginnings. Clean and Unclean Before Sinai Genesis 7:2–3 had distinguished clean animals long before the Law was given. Noah’s sacrifice shows that worship and atonement are foundational human instincts, not merely later Mosaic regulations. The First Post-Flood Altar Noah’s altar sets the pattern: divine rescue elicits worship. Later patriarchs—Abram (12:7–8), Isaac (26:25), Jacob (35:1)—follow suit. Hebrews 11:7 highlights Noah’s faith, connecting obedience, salvation, and righteousness. Pleasing Aroma The phrase reappears in Leviticus (e.g., 1:9) describing sacrifices that delight the LORD. It conveys acceptance and favor, contrasting with God’s earlier grief over human violence (6:6). Seedtime and Harvest: Guaranteed Stability God’s promise (v. 22) is echoed in Jeremiah 33:20–21,25; the reliability of nature underwrites His faithfulness. Paul appeals to this order in Acts 14:17, where consistent seasons testify to God’s kindness toward all nations. Flood Traditions in World Cultures Accounts such as the Epic of Gilgamesh (Mesopotamia), the Akkadian Atrahasis, and accounts from India, China, and the Americas echo a catastrophic deluge and a surviving family. These parallels lend cultural memory support to the Genesis record. Archaeological Clues Sedimentary layers spanning continents, marine fossils atop high elevations, and widespread flood narratives are cited by many researchers as physical pointers to a massive hydrological event, although interpretations vary. Typology: Flood and Baptism 1 Peter 3:20–21 draws a parallel: as eight souls were brought safely through water, baptism now symbolizes salvation through Christ’s resurrection. The flood judges sin yet preserves the faithful, foreshadowing the gospel. Obedience and Waiting Noah waited for God’s word before disembarking, modeling patient trust. Compare the Israelites’ wilderness journey (Numbers 9:17–23) where movement hinged on the cloud’s prompting. Active faith often includes disciplined waiting. Family and Dominion Restored God’s command to the animals to “multiply on the earth” (8:17) anticipates human dominion re-established in chapter 9. Even after judgment, God’s plan for fruitful stewardship stands. Rainbow Covenant Preview The promise never again to curse the ground prepares for the rainbow sign in 9:13–16. Both underscore mercy overriding judgment. From Altar to Cross Noah’s costly offering points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus (Ephesians 5:2), whose self-giving was “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” The pattern—judgment, salvation, worship—finds its climax at Calvary. Key Takeaways • God remembers and acts on His promises. • Creation’s order is preserved by divine decree. • Sacrifice is the proper response to deliverance. • Obedience includes patient waiting for God’s timing. • The flood foreshadows redemption through Christ. Connections to Additional Scriptures God's Faithfulness Lamentations 3:22-23 - Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! Patience and Trust Psalm 27:14 - Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD! Obedience to God Hebrews 11:7 - By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. God's Promises 2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Teaching Points God's Remembrance But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark, and He sent a wind over the earth, and the waters began to subside. (Genesis 8:1). God's remembrance signifies His faithfulness and care for His creation. The Gradual Receding of Waters The process of the waters receding was gradual, teaching us about God's timing and the importance of patience (Genesis 8:3-5). Noah's Obedience and Faith Noah's release of the raven and the dove (Genesis 8:6-12) demonstrates his active faith and reliance on God's guidance. The Altar and Sacrifice Upon leaving the ark, Noah builds an altar and offers sacrifices to God, showing gratitude and worship (Genesis 8:20). God's Promise Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done. (Genesis 8:21). This promise highlights God's mercy and the establishment of a new covenant. Practical Applications Trust in God's Timing Just as Noah waited for the right moment to leave the ark, we should trust in God's perfect timing in our lives. Active Faith Like Noah, we should actively seek God's guidance and be obedient to His instructions. Gratitude and Worship We are called to express gratitude to God for His faithfulness and provision, just as Noah did through his sacrifices. Embrace New Beginnings Recognize and embrace the new beginnings God provides, trusting in His promises for the future. People 1. Noah Noah is the central human figure in Genesis 8. He is described as a righteous man chosen by God to survive the flood and repopulate the earth. In Genesis 8, Noah is responsible for building the ark, releasing the birds to check for dry land, and offering sacrifices to God after the floodwaters recede. The Hebrew name "Noah" (נֹחַ, Noach) means "rest" or "comfort." 2. Noah's Sons While not named individually in Genesis 8, Noah's sons are implied as part of the group that exits the ark with him. They are Shem, Ham, and Japheth, who are mentioned earlier in Genesis 6:10. They play a crucial role in repopulating the earth after the flood. 3. Noah's Wife Like Noah's sons, Noah's wife is not named in Genesis 8, but she is mentioned as part of the family that exits the ark. Her presence signifies the continuation of human life and family structure post-flood. 4. The Wives of Noah's Sons These women are also not named in Genesis 8, but they are included in the group that leaves the ark. They are essential for the repopulation of the earth, as they are the mothers of the next generation. Genesis 8 does not introduce new characters beyond those already mentioned in the context of the flood narrative. The focus remains on Noah and his immediate family as they begin life anew on a cleansed earth. Places 1. Ararat Genesis 8:4: "On the seventeenth day of the seventh month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat." Description: Ararat refers to a mountainous region where Noah's ark came to rest after the floodwaters receded. The term "Ararat" is derived from the Hebrew "אֲרָרָט" (Ararat), which is traditionally associated with a region in present-day eastern Turkey. 2. The Earth Genesis 8:13: "In Noah’s six hundred and first year, on the first day of the first month, the waters had dried up from the earth." Description: While not a specific location, "the earth" is mentioned as the place where the floodwaters receded, allowing Noah and his family to disembark from the ark. The Hebrew word for earth is "אֶרֶץ" (erets), which can mean land, country, or the whole world, depending on the context. Events 1. The Waters Recede "But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark, and He sent a wind over the earth, and the waters began to subside." (Genesis 8:1) The Hebrew word for "remembered" (זָכַר, zakar) implies God's active attention and care for Noah and the creatures. 2. The Ark Rests on Ararat "On the seventeenth day of the seventh month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat." (Genesis 8:4) The term "rest" (נוּחַ, nuach) is significant, as it denotes a cessation of movement, symbolizing safety and stability. 3. The Waters Continue to Recede "The waters continued to recede until the tenth month, and on the first day of the tenth month, the tops of the mountains became visible." (Genesis 8:5) This gradual recession marks the beginning of the earth's restoration. 4. Noah Sends Out a Raven "Then Noah sent out a raven, which kept flying back and forth until the waters had dried up from the earth." (Genesis 8:7) The raven, an unclean bird, symbolizes the ongoing search for dry land. 5. Noah Sends Out a Dove "Then he sent out a dove to see if the waters had receded from the surface of the ground." (Genesis 8:8) The dove, often a symbol of peace, returns with no place to rest, indicating the earth is not yet ready. 6. The Dove Returns with an Olive Leaf "When the dove returned to him in the evening, there was a freshly plucked olive leaf in its beak. So Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth." (Genesis 8:11) The olive leaf is a sign of new life and hope. 7. The Dove Does Not Return "But the dove did not return to him again." (Genesis 8:12) This indicates that the earth is habitable once more. 8. Noah Removes the Covering of the Ark "By the first day of the first month of Noah’s six hundred and first year, the waters had dried up from the earth. So Noah removed the covering of the ark and saw that the surface of the ground was dry." (Genesis 8:13) Noah's action signifies a new beginning and the readiness to leave the ark. 9. God Commands Noah to Leave the Ark "Then God said to Noah, 'Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives.'" (Genesis 8:15-16) This command marks the transition from survival to renewal and repopulation. 10. Noah Builds an Altar "Then Noah built an altar to the LORD. Taking from every kind of clean animal and clean bird, he offered burnt offerings on the altar." (Genesis 8:20) The Hebrew word for altar (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach) is related to sacrifice, indicating worship and thanksgiving. 11. God's Promise "And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, He said in His heart, 'Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.'" (Genesis 8:21) This promise establishes a covenant of mercy and the continuity of life. 12. The Cycle of Seasons Established "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall never cease." (Genesis 8:22) This declaration ensures the regularity of natural cycles, reflecting God's order and faithfulness. Lessons from Genesis 8 1. The Power of Obedience In Genesis 8, we see Noah's unwavering obedience to God. After the floodwaters receded, Noah waited for God's command before leaving the ark. This teaches us the importance of listening to God's voice and following His guidance. As it says in Genesis 8:15-16, "Then God said to Noah, 'Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives.'" Obedience to God leads to blessings and fulfillment in our lives. 2. The Promise of Renewal The flood was a reset for the earth, a chance for renewal and new beginnings. Genesis 8:11 tells us, "And behold, in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf." This olive leaf was a symbol of hope and renewal, reminding us that God is always ready to give us a fresh start. No matter how chaotic life gets, God’s promise of renewal is ever-present. 3. The Importance of Patience Noah's patience is a testament to trusting God's timing. He waited for the waters to recede and for God's instruction before stepping out of the ark. Genesis 8:10 says, "He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark." Patience is a virtue that allows us to align our lives with God's perfect timing. 4. The Significance of Sacrifice Upon leaving the ark, Noah built an altar and offered sacrifices to God. Genesis 8:20 states, "Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and, taking from every kind of clean animal and clean bird, he offered burnt offerings on the altar." This act of worship and gratitude highlights the importance of acknowledging God's provision and grace in our lives. 5. The Assurance of God's Covenant God's covenant with Noah is a powerful reminder of His faithfulness. Genesis 8:21-22 reveals God's promise: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth." This assurance of God's covenant encourages us to trust in His promises, knowing He is always faithful. 6. The Role of Family Noah's family played a crucial role in the preservation and continuation of humanity. Genesis 8:18 says, "So Noah came out, along with his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives." This highlights the importance of family unity and support in fulfilling God's purposes. Our families are a gift from God, meant to be cherished and nurtured. 7. The Beauty of Creation As the earth dried and life began anew, the beauty of God's creation was evident. Genesis 8:17 instructs, "Bring out every kind of living creature that is with you—the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that move along the ground—so they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase in number." This reminds us to appreciate and care for the world God has entrusted to us. 8. The Necessity of Faith Noah's journey was one of faith, trusting in God's plan even when the future was uncertain. Genesis 8:1 reassures us, "But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark." This teaches us that faith in God’s remembrance and care is essential, even when we feel forgotten. 9. The Joy of New Beginnings The end of the flood marked a new beginning for Noah and his family. Genesis 8:19 describes, "Every living thing that moves on the earth came out of the ark, one kind after another." This joy of new beginnings is a reminder that God is always working to bring about new opportunities and blessings in our lives. 10. The Call to Worship Noah's first act upon leaving the ark was to worship God. Genesis 8:20 emphasizes this, "Then Noah built an altar to the LORD." Worship is a vital response to God's faithfulness and provision. It centers our hearts on Him and acknowledges His sovereignty over our lives. Let us make worship a priority, celebrating God's goodness and grace every day. Topics 1. The Waters Recede (Genesis 8:1-5) God remembers Noah and all the animals in the ark, causing a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters begin to recede. The ark comes to rest on the mountains of Ararat. The Hebrew word for "remembered" (זָכַר, zakar) implies God's faithful attention and action towards Noah and the creatures. 2. The Raven and the Dove (Genesis 8:6-12) Noah sends out a raven and then a dove to see if the waters have receded from the earth. The dove returns with an olive leaf, indicating that the waters have subsided. The Hebrew word for "dove" (יוֹנָה, yonah) symbolizes peace and hope. 3. Noah Leaves the Ark (Genesis 8:13-19) After the earth dries, God commands Noah to leave the ark with his family and all the animals. This marks a new beginning for creation. The Hebrew term for "dry" (יָבֵשׁ, yabesh) signifies the complete removal of water, allowing life to flourish again. 4. Noah's Sacrifice and God's Promise (Genesis 8:20-22) Noah builds an altar and offers burnt offerings to the Lord, who promises never to curse the ground again or destroy all living creatures as He had done. The Hebrew word for "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach) is associated with sacrifice and worship, highlighting Noah's gratitude and reverence. Themes 1. Divine Remembrance and Mercy In Genesis 8:1, it states, "But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark." The Hebrew word for "remembered" is "זָכַר" (zakar), which implies not just recalling but also acting upon a promise. This theme highlights God's faithfulness and mercy in fulfilling His covenant with Noah and the creatures, ensuring their survival and the continuation of life on earth. 2. Renewal and Restoration Verses 2-3 describe the receding of the floodwaters: "The springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained. The waters receded steadily from the earth." This theme of renewal is underscored by the Hebrew concept of "תְּשׁוּבָה" (teshuvah), meaning return or restoration, as the earth is gradually restored to its pre-flood state, symbolizing new beginnings. 3. Patience and Obedience Noah's patience is evident as he waits for God's command to leave the ark, as seen in verses 10-12, where he sends out the dove multiple times. This theme emphasizes the importance of obedience and trust in God's timing, reflecting the Hebrew understanding of "קָוָה" (qavah), meaning to wait or hope with expectation. 4. Covenant and Promise In verse 21, God makes a promise: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth." The theme of covenant is central here, as God establishes a new relationship with humanity, marked by His promise not to destroy the earth with a flood again, highlighting His grace and commitment to creation. 5. Sacrifice and Worship Noah's first act upon leaving the ark is to build an altar and offer sacrifices to God (verse 20). This theme underscores the importance of worship and gratitude, as Noah acknowledges God's deliverance. The Hebrew word for altar, "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach), signifies a place of sacrifice and communion with God, reflecting the centrality of worship in the believer's life. 6. Divine Providence and Order Verse 22 states, "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall never cease." This theme highlights God's providential care and the established order of creation, ensuring the continuity of natural cycles. The Hebrew concept of "סֵדֶר" (seder), meaning order or arrangement, is evident in the predictable patterns of nature ordained by God. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God's Faithfulness Pray for a heart of gratitude for God's constant faithfulness and provision in our lives. Patience in Waiting Ask God for patience and trust in His perfect timing, especially in challenging situations. Obedience and Guidance Seek God's guidance in our daily decisions and the strength to obey His will. Embracing New Beginnings Pray for the courage to embrace new beginnings and trust in God's promises for our future. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Genesis 8:2–3, how did the floodwaters recede so rapidly over the entire Earth without leaving extensive geologic evidence? 2. In Genesis 8:4, what evidence supports the ark’s reported resting place on Mount Ararat, and why is there no definitive archaeological trace? 3. In Genesis 8:7–9, how do ravens and doves survive and find food and rest if the land was still mostly flooded? 4. In Genesis 8:17–19, how did all animals disperse worldwide from a single landing site, and why do we see no traces of this mass migration? 5. In Genesis 8:22, what do modern scientific findings say about Earth's climate cycles compared to the guarantee of seasons continuing unchanged? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does God "remembering" Noah imply about His relationship with humanity? 2. How does the gradual receding of the waters reflect God's control over nature? 3. What can we learn from Noah's patience as he waits for the floodwaters to recede? 4. What does the dove returning with an olive leaf symbolize? 5. What does God's command to Noah and the creatures to multiply reflect about His intentions for earth's restoration? 6. How does Noah's first act after exiting the ark demonstrate his faith and thanksgiving? 7. How does God's covenant after the flood redefine His relationship with humanity and all living creatures? 8. What can the cycle of "seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night" teach us about God's unchanging promises? 9. How does the story of Noah's ark inspire you to deal with adversity in your life? 10. In the face of overwhelming difficulties, how can we emulate Noah's obedience and patience? 11. How can you apply the concept of renewal and restoration in your own life? 12. In our modern context, what can Noah's story teach us about care for the environment? 13. What is the significance of sacrifice and thanksgiving in your relationship with God? 14. How does God's covenant with Noah assure us about His unchanging love and mercy? 15. How does the story of Noah encourage us to keep faith during challenging times? 16. How might the story of Noah's ark inspire us to anticipate new beginnings in the midst of seemingly insurmountable challenges? 17. How does God's promise "never again will I destroy all living creatures" affect your understanding of God's relationship with the world? 18. How does Noah's faithfulness inspire you in your walk with God? 19. What steps can you take to show gratitude for God's mercy in your life, similar to Noah's sacrifices? 20. How can the story of Noah's ark influence our responsibility and stewardship towards all of God's creation in today's world? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions