Topical Bible: Judgments: Preservation During

◄ Judgments: Preservation During - Exemplified: Noah ►

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Introduction

The account of Noah is a profound example of divine preservation during judgment, as recorded in the Book of Genesis. Noah's account illustrates God's mercy and faithfulness in safeguarding the righteous amidst widespread corruption and impending destruction. This entry explores the narrative of Noah, highlighting the themes of judgment, obedience, and divine protection.

Biblical Context

The account of Noah is found in Genesis 6-9. During this period, humanity had become exceedingly wicked, prompting God to bring judgment upon the earth through a great flood. However, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord due to his righteousness and blamelessness among his contemporaries (Genesis 6:8-9).

Divine Judgment

God's decision to send a flood was a response to the pervasive evil and violence that had corrupted the earth. Genesis 6:5-7 states, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time. And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him in His heart. So the LORD said, 'I will blot out man, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—every man and beast and crawling creature and bird of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.'"

Noah's Obedience and Faith

Noah's preservation is attributed to his obedience and faith in God's instructions. God commanded Noah to build an ark to save himself, his family, and pairs of every living creature. Despite the enormity of the task and the skepticism of those around him, Noah faithfully followed God's commands. Genesis 6:22 records, "So Noah did everything precisely as God had commanded him."

The Ark: A Means of Preservation

The ark served as the divinely appointed means of preservation during the flood. It was a massive vessel, constructed according to God's specifications, to withstand the deluge. Genesis 7:17-18 describes the flood's onset: "For forty days the flood kept coming on the earth, and the waters rose and lifted the ark high above the earth. So the waters continued to surge and rise greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the waters."

Covenant and Promise

After the floodwaters receded, God established a covenant with Noah, promising never again to destroy the earth with a flood. The rainbow was given as a sign of this covenant. Genesis 9:11-13 states, "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. And God said, 'This is the sign of the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.'"

Significance

Noah's account is a testament to God's justice and mercy. It underscores the principle that God preserves the righteous even amidst judgment. Noah's faith and obedience serve as a model for believers, demonstrating the importance of trusting in God's promises and adhering to His commands. The narrative also highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to protect and deliver His people through any trial or judgment.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 7:1,16
And the LORD said to Noah, Come you and all your house into the ark; for you have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Nature of Covenanting.
... in due time were to pass away, were, during the term ... of my mouth; for I have hoped
in thy judgments. ... in religion or in practice, or the preservation of peace ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... from the history of Abel, is exemplified in a ... But what the spirit is thus made during
its passage ... spite of the promptings of self-preservation, exposes himself ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm