What is the meaning of Genesis 6:21? You are also to take - The command comes directly from God to Noah (Genesis 6:13-22), emphasizing personal responsibility in obedience. - It echoes earlier instructions about the ark’s construction (Genesis 6:14-16), showing that God cares about every detail of salvation and provision. - Similar divine directives appear when God tells Israel to gather manna daily (Exodus 16:4-5), underscoring that God provides but expects human participation. for yourself - Noah is first told to meet his own household’s needs (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8). - The phrase reminds us that stewardship begins at home; before Noah can care for the animals, he must ensure his family’s welfare (Genesis 7:1). - Compare Joshua’s charge to “prepare provisions for yourselves” before crossing the Jordan (Joshua 1:11). every kind of food that is eaten - God specifies variety, indicating a balanced, sustaining diet (Genesis 1:29-30). - “Every kind” shows divine foresight for long-term survival inside the ark, likely including grains, dried fruits, nuts, and vegetables. - After the flood, God will expand the human diet to include meat (Genesis 9:3), but here the focus remains on foods suitable for storage and consumption during the voyage. and gather it as food - The verb “gather” implies deliberate effort, planning, and timing—Noah must act before the rains start (Proverbs 6:6-8). - Gathering also suggests preservation methods such as drying or salting, anticipating months inside the ark (Genesis 7:11-8:14). - Similar language appears when Joseph “gathers” grain in Egypt to prepare for famine (Genesis 41:48-49). for yourselves - The repetition assures Noah that God’s provision is personal and sufficient (Psalm 37:25). - It highlights God’s care for human life first, consistent with humanity’s value as bearers of His image (Genesis 1:26-27). - Jesus echoes this principle when He teaches His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). and for the animals - God’s covenantal care extends to all living creatures (Genesis 9:10-12). - Noah functions as a steward of creation, reflecting Adam’s original mandate to “fill the earth and subdue it” and “rule over… every living creature” (Genesis 1:28). - Proverbs 12:10 notes, “A righteous man regards the life of his animal,” showing that caring for animals is a mark of righteousness. - In Matthew 10:29, Jesus affirms that not even a sparrow falls apart from the Father’s will, reinforcing God’s compassion for animals. summary Genesis 6:21 shows God’s meticulous provision and Noah’s obedient stewardship. The verse teaches personal responsibility, practical preparation, and compassionate care for both people and animals. God supplies, but He calls His people to act, gathering what is needed in faith that His instructions are always sufficient and good. |
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