INTRODUCTION: In this chapter we have a description of the flood. This is without doubt the most terrible judgment of God on human sin that this world has yet seen. The next time God judges the whole world it will be by fire [II Peter 3:6-7].I. GOD'S CALL - verse 1.
God watched over the righteous. At just the right time, He called Noah and his family into the Ark. Notice that God said "come" not "go." He was in the Ark with them for He never forsakes His people [Hebrews 13:5-6].II. THE CLEAN ANIMALS - verses 2-3.
Noah was told to bring a pair of each animal into the Ark. Here God gives additional information. Noah is to bring in seven of each clean animal. The seventh or odd animal was to be for a sacrifice [Genesis 8:20]. Later God gave Moses a list of animals that were ceremonially unclean to the Jews [Leviticus 11]. We learn from Genesis 7, however, that even in Noah's day, God in some way had revealed these things. In our age there are no unclean animals, for such laws were abolished in Christ [Acts 10].III. THE TIME OF JUDGMENT - verses 4-10.
God informs Noah that the flood will come in seven days. It seems strange that Noah and his family were to stay in the Ark seven days before the flood began. Perhaps there was work inside to be done. There is no doubt the world outside laughed and made fun. How wonderful that Noah obeyed all God said. This is mentioned to his credit several times [verse 5; Genesis 6:22]. God is pleased by our obedience.IV. HOW THE FLOOD CAME - verses 11-16.
When God makes a threat no one should ever doubt that He will perform it. The world had never seen a flood, yet it came just the same. In the same way men will be surprised at the return of Christ [II Peter 3:4]. In verse 11-12, we are informed as to the source of the flood waters. Rain poured from the skies for forty days and nights. Underground reservoirs were opened up. Christian men like Dr. Henry Morris, who is also a scientist, have theories as to how all this occurred. While these are interesting, it is enough for us to know that God had made preparation in advance.V. THE EXTENT OF THE FLOOD - verses 17-23.
As was mentioned in a former lesson this was plainly a world-wide flood. All of the earth was covered by at least fifteen cubits of water. No air-breathing creatures outside the Ark survived.VI. THE LENGTH OF THE FLOOD - verse 24.
We will look more closely at this in the next chapter.CONCLUSION: What a horrible time this was, yet Noah was safe in the Ark. Let this remind us of our safety in Jesus Christ. We deserve Hell and wrath, yet because of Christ we are sheltered. God not only called us into the Ark of safety, but He has also shut us safely in [verse 16; John 10:27-29]. What a Savior!
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