Topical Encyclopedia The account of animals being preserved in the Ark is a significant narrative found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 6 through 9. This event is central to the account of Noah and the Great Flood, where God, in His divine judgment, decided to cleanse the earth of its widespread corruption and violence. However, in His mercy, God provided a means of preservation for Noah, his family, and the animal kingdom.Divine Command and Preparation God instructed Noah to build an ark, a large vessel designed to withstand the deluge that would cover the earth. In Genesis 6:19-20 , God commanded Noah, "And you are to bring two of every living thing into the ark—male and female—to keep them alive with you. Two of every kind of bird and animal and crawling creature will come to you to be kept alive." This directive ensured the survival of each species, allowing for the repopulation of the earth after the floodwaters receded. The Gathering of Animals The gathering of animals into the ark was a divinely orchestrated event. Genesis 7:8-9 states, "The clean and unclean animals, the birds, and everything that crawls along the ground came to Noah to enter the ark, two by two, male and female, as God had commanded Noah." This passage highlights the miraculous nature of the event, as animals of every kind came to Noah, guided by God's providence. Clean and Unclean Distinction While the general command was to bring two of every kind, Genesis 7:2-3 provides additional detail regarding clean animals: "You are to take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and a pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate, and seven pairs of every kind of bird of the air, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth." This distinction between clean and unclean animals is significant, as it foreshadows the dietary laws and sacrificial practices that would later be given to the Israelites. Preservation and Covenant The preservation of animals in the ark was not only an act of mercy but also a part of God's covenant with Noah. After the flood, God established a covenant, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again. Genesis 9:9-10 records God's words: "Behold, I now establish My covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth—every living thing that came out of the ark." Symbolism and Theological Significance The preservation of animals in the ark symbolizes God's care for His creation and His desire for its continuity. It underscores the theme of redemption and new beginnings, as the post-flood world was a fresh start for humanity and the animal kingdom. The narrative also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to fulfill His purposes through miraculous means. In summary, the account of animals being preserved in the ark is a testament to God's judgment, mercy, and covenant faithfulness. It highlights the intricate relationship between humanity and the rest of creation, as well as the divine orchestration that ensured the survival and continuity of life on earth. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 6:19,20And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shall you bring into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 7:2,3,5,9,11 Genesis 8:19 Library From the Fall to the Flood. Sources of the Pentateuch. Chapter vi Colossians i. 26-28 The City of God. Index of Subjects. The Believer a New Creature Noah's Flood The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ... Authority and the Adventurer Book 1. Resources How did Noah fit all the animals on the Ark? | GotQuestions.orgWhat made some animals clean and others unclean (Genesis 7)? | GotQuestions.org Why did God also destroy animals in the Flood (Genesis 6-8)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Animals: Cruelty to Houghing Horses Animals: Instruments of God's Will Animals: Kindness to Jacob, in Erecting Booths for his Cattle Animals: Kindness to People of Gerar, in Providing Tents for Cattle Animals: Ordained As Food for Man Animals: Suffer Under Divine Judgments, Sent Upon Man Animals: Suffered the Plagues of Egypt Animals: Two of Every Sort Preserved in the Ark Pack Animals used for Transporting Army Supplies Select Readings: The Animals of the Field Related Terms |
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