Topical Bible: The Raven: Sent by Noah from the Ark

◄ The Raven: Sent by Noah from the Ark ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The raven holds a unique place in the biblical narrative, particularly in the account of Noah and the Ark. This bird is mentioned in the context of the Great Flood, a pivotal event in the Book of Genesis that underscores themes of judgment, redemption, and divine covenant.

Biblical Account

The account of the raven is found in Genesis 8:6-7. After the floodwaters began to recede, Noah sought to determine whether the earth had dried sufficiently to support life once more. The Berean Standard Bible recounts: "After forty days Noah opened the window he had made in the ark and sent out a raven. It kept flying back and forth until the waters had dried up from the earth."

The raven's role in this narrative is brief but significant. Unlike the dove, which Noah later sent out and which returned with an olive leaf, the raven did not return to the ark. This behavior has been interpreted in various ways, often highlighting the raven's adaptability and resilience. The raven's continuous flight "back and forth" suggests it found sustenance and resting places among the floating debris, unlike the dove, which required a more stable environment.

Symbolism and Interpretation

In biblical symbolism, the raven is often associated with desolation and uncleanliness, as it is a bird of prey and a scavenger. Levitical law, as outlined in Leviticus 11:15, classifies the raven among the unclean birds, which were not to be consumed by the Israelites. This classification adds a layer of complexity to its role in the Genesis narrative.

Theologically, the sending of the raven can be seen as a test of the earth's readiness to support life. The raven's failure to return may symbolize the ongoing presence of death and decay in the post-flood world, a reminder of the judgment that had just occurred. In contrast, the dove's eventual return with an olive leaf signifies hope, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, ravens were often seen as omens or messengers. Their intelligence and adaptability made them subjects of fascination and sometimes fear. The biblical narrative, however, uses the raven to convey deeper spiritual truths about God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of the raven sent by Noah underscores the themes of divine judgment and mercy. The flood represents God's judgment on a sinful world, while the eventual drying of the earth and the emergence of new life illustrate His mercy and faithfulness to His covenant with Noah. The raven, in its role, serves as a reminder of the ongoing presence of sin and the need for divine intervention and grace.

In summary, the raven's brief appearance in the Genesis flood narrative invites reflection on the nature of God's judgment and the hope of renewal. Its role, though minor, contributes to the rich tapestry of biblical symbolism and theological meaning that characterizes the account of Noah and the Ark.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 8:7
And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Story of Noah and the Ark
... Now the raven has strong wings; and this raven flew round and round until the waters
had gone down, and ... After Noah had waited for it awhile, he sent out a ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of noah and.htm

Noah and the Great Flood
... After forty days Noah opened the window of the ark and sent out a raven; and it
kept going to and fro until the waters were dried up on the earth. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/noah and the great flood.htm

Concerning the Flood; and after what Manner Noah was Saved in an ...
... water was decreased to a greater degree, he sent out a ... of the ark with safety; but
the raven, finding all the land still overflowed, returned to Noah again ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 concerning the flood.htm

'Clear Shining after Rain'
... And it came to pass at the end of forty days that Noah opened the window of the
ark which he had made: And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/clear shining after rain.htm

The Great Flood.
... months the tops of the mountains were seen, and Noah sent out a raven and a dove.
The raven flew to and fro, but the dove came back into the ark, because she ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter ii the great flood.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Noah
... After these forty days after the lessing of the waters, Noah opened the window and
desired sore to have tidings of ceasing of the ... And sent out a raven for to ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of.htm

Chapter viii
... This conveyed the information to Noah that water was still ... Above, the dove (v.8)
had been sent forth me ... not used in reference to the raven, apparently because ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter viii.htm

The Survival of the Fittest.
... and bird are taken into the ark to provide food for Noah and his family. Seven days
the waters rose, and at intervals of seven days he sent out a raven and a ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study iv the survival of.htm

God Being Offended by These Things, and Especially by the ...
... Noah then, when he understood that the violence of the rain had ... as really was the
case) that the waters were decreasing, sent forth first a raven for the ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter iii god being offended.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Ark, the, of Noah, its typical signification, [42]188 sq.; the raven and dove sent
out of, [43]189 sq.; how Noah and his family entered and left, [44]191; and ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /index of subjects.htm