Genesis 8

Ge 8:1-14.

ASSUAGING OF THE

WATERS.

1. And God remembered Noah--The divine purpose in this awful

dispensation had been accomplished, and the world had undergone those

changes necessary to fit it for becoming the residence of man under a

new economy of Providence.

and every living thing . . . in the ark--a beautiful

illustration of

Mt 10:29.

and God made a wind to pass over the earth--Though the divine

will could have dried up the liquid mass in an instant, the agency of a

wind was employed

(Ps 104:4)

--probably a hot wind, which, by rapid evaporation, would again absorb

one portion of the waters into the atmosphere; and by which, the other

would be gradually drained off by outlets beneath.

4. seventh month--of the year--not of the flood--which lasted

only five months.

rested--evidently indicating a calm and gentle motion.

upon the mountains of Ararat--or Armenia, as the word is

rendered

(2Ki 19:37;

Isa 37:38).

The mountain which tradition points to as the one on which the ark

rested is now called Ara Dagh, the "finger mountain." Its summit

consists of two peaks, the higher of which is 17,750 feet and the other

13,420 above the level of the sea.

5. And the waters decreased continually--The decrease of the

waters was for wise reasons exceedingly slow and gradual--the period of

their return being nearly twice as long as that of their rise.

6. at the end of forty days--It is easy to imagine the ardent

longing Noah and his family must have felt to enjoy again the sight of

land as well as breathe the fresh air; and it was perfectly consistent

with faith and patience to make inquiries whether the earth was yet

ready.

7. And he sent forth a raven--The smell of carrion would allure

it to remain if the earth were in a habitable state. But it kept

hovering about the spot, and, being a solitary bird, probably perched

on the covering.

8-11. Also he sent forth a dove--a bird flying low and naturally

disposed to return to the place of her abode.

10. again he sent forth the dove--Her flight, judging by the

time she was abroad, was pursued to a great distance, and the newly

plucked olive leaf, she no doubt by supernatural impulse brought in her

bill, afforded a welcome proof that the declivities of the hills were

clear.

12. he . . . sent forth the dove: which returned not

. . . any more--In these results, we perceive a wisdom

and prudence far superior to the inspiration of instinct--we discern

the agency of God guiding all the movements of this bird for the

instruction of Noah, and reviving the hopes of his household.

other seven days--a strong presumptive proof that Noah observed

the Sabbath during his residence in the ark.

13, 14. Noah removed the covering of the ark--probably only as

much of it as would afford him a prospect of the earth around. Yet for

about two months he never stirred from his appointed abode till he had

received the express permission of God. We should watch the leading of

Providence to direct us in every step of the journey of life.

Ge 8:15-22.

DEPARTURE FROM THE

ARK.

15, 16. And God spake . . . Go forth--They went forth

in the most orderly manner--the human occupants first, then each

species "after their kinds"

[Ge 8:19],

literally, "according to their families," implying that there had been

an increase in the ark.

20. Noah builded an altar--literally, "a high place"--probably a

mound of earth, on which a sacrifice was offered. There is something

exceedingly beautiful and interesting to know that the first care of

this devout patriarch was to return thanks for the signal instance of

mercy and goodness which he and his family had experienced.

took of every clean beast . . . fowl--For so

unparalleled a deliverance, a special acknowledgment was due.

21. And the Lord smelled a sweet savour--The sacrifice offered

fragrant incense.

Lord said in his heart--same as "I have sworn that the waters of

Noah should no more go over the earth"

(Isa 54:9).

for--that is, "though the imagination is evil"; instead of

inflicting another destructive flood, I shall spare them--to enjoy the

blessings of grace, through a Saviour.

22. While the earth remaineth--The consummation, as intimated in

2Pe 3:7,

does not frustrate a promise which held good only during the

continuance of that system. There will be no flood between this and

that day, when the earth therein shall be burnt up [CHALMERS].