“Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.”
Context and Background: Genesis 6:20 is part of the account of Noah and the flood. In the preceding verses, God instructs Noah to build an ark to preserve life during the coming flood. This verse specifically focuses on the animals that were to be taken into the ark.
Animal Diversity: God commanded Noah to take representatives of every kind of bird, livestock, and creeping thing into the ark. This indicates that the animals were to be preserved and allowed to reproduce after the flood, ensuring the continuation of their respective species.
Divine Preservation: The phrase “to keep them alive” emphasizes God’s intention to preserve and protect the animals from the destruction of the flood. This verse highlights God’s concern for all living creatures and His provision for their survival. It reveals God’s commitment to the preservation of His creation.
Order and Design: The repetition of the phrase “after their kind” emphasizes the order and design of God’s creation. Each animal was to be brought into the ark according to its kind, indicating that God established distinct boundaries between different species. This points to the incredible diversity and intricate design present in the animal kingdom.
God’s Sovereignty and Noah’s Obedience: Noah’s role was to faithfully obey God’s instructions and gather the animals as commanded. This verse highlights Noah’s obedience and trust in God’s plan. It also demonstrates God’s sovereignty in choosing Noah as the vessel through which He would preserve humanity and the animal kingdom.
Symbolic Meaning: The account of Noah and the ark is often seen as a foreshadowing of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Just as the ark provided salvation from the judgment of the flood, Jesus offers salvation from the judgment of sin. The animals entering the ark in pairs represent the potential for new life and restoration, mirroring the new life found in Christ.
In summary, Genesis 6:20 reveals God’s care for His creation and His plan to preserve it through Noah and the ark. It highlights the diversity, order, and design of the animal kingdom and serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His purposes.
