Bring 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." Bring outThe Hebrew root for "bring out" is יָצָא (yatsa), which means to go out, come out, or lead out. This command from God to Noah signifies a new beginning, a fresh start for creation after the flood. It echoes the divine initiative in Genesis 1, where God brings forth life. The act of bringing out is not just a physical movement but a symbolic release into a renewed world, emphasizing God's sovereignty in orchestrating the renewal of life. all the living creatures
The phrase underscores the inclusivity of God's covenant with all living beings, not just humanity. The Hebrew word for "living creatures" is נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה (nephesh chayyah), which refers to all forms of life that have breath. This highlights the sanctity and value of all life forms in God's creation, reminding us of our responsibility to care for and steward the earth and its inhabitants. that are with you
This phrase indicates the close relationship and responsibility Noah has with the creatures. It suggests a sense of community and shared destiny between humans and animals. The ark was a microcosm of creation, and Noah's role as caretaker reflects humanity's role as stewards of God's creation, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. birds, livestock, and creatures that move along the ground
This enumeration of creatures mirrors the order of creation in Genesis 1. The Hebrew words עוֹף (oph) for birds, בְּהֵמָה (behemah) for livestock, and רֶמֶשׂ (remes) for creatures that move along the ground, emphasize the diversity and richness of life. Each category represents a vital part of the ecosystem, and their release signifies the restoration of ecological balance and harmony. so that they can spread out over the earth
The command to "spread out" is a directive for dispersion and repopulation. The Hebrew verb פָּרַץ (parats) means to break through or burst forth, suggesting a dynamic and vigorous expansion. This reflects God's intention for life to flourish abundantly across the earth, filling it with His glory and presence. and be fruitful and multiply
This phrase is a reiteration of the blessing given in Genesis 1:28. The Hebrew words פָּרָה (parah) for fruitful and רָבָה (rabah) for multiply convey the idea of growth and abundance. It is a divine mandate for procreation and the continuation of life, underscoring the importance of family, community, and the perpetuation of God's creation. upon it
The phrase "upon it" refers to the earth, the stage for God's unfolding plan of redemption. The earth is not just a physical space but a sacred arena where God's purposes are realized. This highlights the interconnectedness of all creation and the divine plan for humanity to live in harmony with the earth, fulfilling God's original design for a world teeming with life and reflecting His glory. Persons / Places / Events 1. NoahThe righteous man chosen by God to survive the flood and repopulate the earth. He is tasked with releasing the animals from the ark. 2. The ArkThe vessel built by Noah under God's instructions to save his family and pairs of every kind of animal from the flood. 3. The AnimalsVarious species of birds, livestock, and creatures that move along the ground, preserved by God to repopulate the earth. 4. The EarthThe renewed land after the flood, ready to be repopulated by Noah, his family, and the animals. 5. GodThe Creator who orchestrates the events of the flood and the subsequent renewal of life on earth. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in CreationGod orchestrates the preservation and renewal of life, demonstrating His control over creation. The Continuity of God's PlanThe command to be fruitful and multiply is a recurring theme, showing God's unchanging purpose for life on earth. Human Responsibility in StewardshipNoah's role in releasing the animals highlights human responsibility in caring for and stewarding God's creation. Trust in God's ProvisionJust as God provided for the animals during the flood, He continues to provide for all His creation. Renewal and New BeginningsThe post-flood world represents a fresh start, encouraging believers to embrace new beginnings in their own lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the command to "be fruitful and multiply" in Genesis 8:17 relate to God's original creation mandate in Genesis 1? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty and provision in the events surrounding the flood and the renewal of the earth? 3. How does Noah's obedience in releasing the animals from the ark serve as a model for our stewardship of creation today? 4. What are some practical ways we can trust in God's provision for our needs, as seen in His care for the animals during and after the flood? 5. How can the theme of renewal in Genesis 8:17 inspire us to seek new beginnings in our spiritual lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 1:22This verse echoes the original blessing given to the creatures of the earth to be fruitful and multiply, highlighting God's consistent purpose for creation. Genesis 9:1After the flood, God reiterates the command to Noah and his sons to be fruitful and multiply, showing the continuity of His covenant with humanity. Psalm 104:30This verse speaks of God renewing the face of the earth, which connects to the renewal and repopulation after the flood. Isaiah 45:18Emphasizes God's intention for the earth to be inhabited, aligning with the command for creatures to spread out and multiply. Matthew 6:26Jesus speaks of God's care for the birds, reflecting the ongoing provision and care for all creatures, as seen in Genesis 8:17. People NoahPlaces Mount AraratTopics Abundantly, Along, Animal, Animals, Birds, Breed, Bring, Cattle, Creature, Creatures, Creep, Creepeth, Creeping, Creeps, Fertile, Flesh, Forth, Fowl, Fruitful, Goes, Ground, Including, Increase, Increased, Kind, Livestock, Move, Multiplied, Multiply, Offspring, Swarm, TeemedDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 8:17 4203 earth, the
8257 fruitfulness, natural Genesis 8:1-19 7203 ark, Noah's Genesis 8:15-17 1347 covenant, with Noah 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 Links Genesis 8:17 NIVGenesis 8:17 NLTGenesis 8:17 ESVGenesis 8:17 NASBGenesis 8:17 KJV
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