Topical Bible: Covenant: Noah

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Noahic Covenant is a pivotal moment in biblical history, representing God's promise to humanity following the great flood. This covenant is detailed in the Book of Genesis and is foundational for understanding God's relationship with creation and His commitment to preserving life on earth.

Biblical Context

The narrative of the Noahic Covenant is found in Genesis 6-9. Humanity had become exceedingly wicked, prompting God to cleanse the earth with a flood. Noah, described as a righteous man, found favor in God's eyes (Genesis 6:8-9). God instructed Noah to build an ark to preserve his family and pairs of every living creature (Genesis 6:14-20).

The Covenant Established

After the floodwaters receded, Noah built an altar and offered sacrifices to the Lord. God responded by establishing a covenant with Noah and his descendants, as well as with every living creature. This covenant is articulated in Genesis 9:8-17. God promised never to destroy all life with a flood again, saying, "I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth" (Genesis 9:11).

The Sign of the Covenant

The sign of the Noahic Covenant is the rainbow. God declared, "I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth" (Genesis 9:13). The rainbow serves as a reminder of God's promise and His mercy towards creation. Whenever the rainbow appears, it is a symbol of God's faithfulness and His commitment to the covenant.

Theological Significance

The Noahic Covenant is unconditional, meaning it does not depend on human actions or responses. It underscores God's grace and His desire to sustain life despite human sinfulness. This covenant also establishes the principle of divine order and governance over creation, as God reiterates the mandate for humanity to "be fruitful and multiply" and to exercise stewardship over the earth (Genesis 9:1-7).

Moral and Ethical Implications

The Noahic Covenant introduces fundamental moral laws, including the sanctity of life. God emphasizes the value of human life by instituting capital punishment for murder, stating, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind" (Genesis 9:6). This reflects the inherent dignity of human beings created in God's image.

Continuity and Fulfillment

The Noahic Covenant is part of the broader biblical narrative of covenants, which includes the Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New Covenants. Each covenant builds upon the previous ones, revealing God's redemptive plan for humanity. The Noahic Covenant, with its universal scope, foreshadows the ultimate redemption and restoration of creation through Jesus Christ, who fulfills all covenants and brings peace between God and humanity.

In summary, the Noahic Covenant is a testament to God's mercy, faithfulness, and commitment to His creation. It serves as a foundational element in understanding the biblical concept of covenant and God's ongoing relationship with the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 8:16
Go forth of the ark, you, and your wife, and your sons, and your sons' wives with you.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 9:8-17
And God spoke to Noah, and to his sons with him, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

2787. kibotos -- a wooden box
... Phonetic Spelling: (kib-o-tos') Short Definition: an ark Definition: (properly:
a wooden box, hence) the Ark, in which Noah sailed; the Ark of the Covenant. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2787.htm - 6k

Library

The Noachic Covenant
... But," said God's covenant to Noah's sons, "you did not MAKE these beasts"you did
not give them life, therefore I forbid you to eat their blood wherein their ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xi the noachic covenant.htm

The Sign for Man and the Remembrancer for God
... These blessings and commands are followed by this remarkable section, which deals
with God's covenant with Noah, and its token in the rainbow. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the sign for man and.htm

Noah's Flood
... How it was to be a sign of a covenant from God. Whether man had ever seen a rainbow
before. Whether there had ever been rain before in Noah's country; or ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon iv noahs flood.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... direct opposition to the consideration that the world was destroyed by the flood
on account of the sin of man, and that God's covenant with Noah secured those ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... A priesthood was recognised when God entered into covenant with Noah, and with Abraham;
and throughout all time was a priesthood to be approved as a covenant ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

Genesis.
... 4. Occupying the Ark, Ch.7. 5. Departure from the Ark, Ch.8. 6. Covenant with Noah,
Ch.9. IV. Nations, 10:1-11:9. 1. Basis of Nations, Noah's sons, Ch.10. How? ...
/.../gerberding/the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter i genesis.htm

Genesis
... In establishing the covenant with Noah, emphasis is laid on the sacredness
of blood, especially of the blood of man, ix.1-17. Though ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/genesis.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Noah
... This said our Lord to Noah and his sons: Lo! I have made a covenant with you and
with them that shall come after you, that I shall no more bring such a flood ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of.htm

The Promise.
... The ark first came aground on the mountain of Ararat, in Armenia, a sacred spot
to this day; and here God made His covenant with Noah, renewing His first ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson i the promise.htm

From the Fall to the Flood.
... appropriated as a sign. In this new covenant the earth was put under Noah,
as it was under Adam at first. He was, however, allowed ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter ii from the fall.htm