“Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth.”
In this verse, we find ourselves in the narrative of Noah’s Ark. It describes the animals that were taken into the Ark in preparation for the Great Flood, as commanded by God.
Context: Before we delve into Genesis 7:8, it’s essential to understand the context leading up to this verse. In Genesis 6, we learn that the wickedness of humanity had greatly increased, and God decided to bring a flood upon the earth to destroy every living thing. However, Noah found favor in God’s sight because he was a righteous man, and God chose to save Noah, his family, and a remnant of living creatures by instructing Noah to build an Ark.
The Division of Animals: In Genesis 7:8, we see the division of animals into two categories: clean and unclean. The clean animals were those considered suitable for sacrifice and offerings in the later Mosaic law, while the unclean animals were not. The distinction between clean and unclean animals is further elaborated in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, where specific criteria are provided.
Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:
- Obedience: One key lesson from this verse is Noah’s obedience to God’s command. Noah followed God’s instructions precisely, gathering the clean and unclean animals as directed. His obedience serves as an example for us to trust and obey God even when we might not fully understand the purpose or significance of our actions.
- God’s Sovereignty: Another significant aspect is the sovereignty of God. God chose which animals would enter the Ark and be preserved. This highlights His authority over creation and His role as the ultimate decision-maker.
- Future Significance: The division of clean and unclean animals would later have a deeper meaning for the Israelites under the Mosaic law. These distinctions were part of God’s covenant with the Israelites, setting them apart as a holy nation. The dietary laws and regulations in the Mosaic law played a role in the Israelites’ separation and obedience to God’s commands.
Application:
- Although the distinction between clean and unclean animals may not hold the same significance for Christians today as it did for the Israelites, there are still valuable principles we can draw from this passage:
- Obedience: Just as Noah obeyed God’s commands, we should strive to obey God’s instructions in our lives, even when they might not make sense to us.
- Trusting God’s Sovereignty: Recognizing God’s sovereignty over our lives and His control over all things can bring comfort and peace, even in challenging times.
- Faithfulness: Noah’s faithfulness in following God’s instructions is a reminder of the importance of faithfulness in our own lives. God rewards and blesses those who are faithful to Him.
It is important to remember that the Bible should be studied as a whole, with each passage considered within the broader context of God’s redemptive plan. Genesis 7:8 provides a glimpse into the narrative of Noah’s Ark, demonstrating God’s authority, Noah’s obedience, and the significance of the division between clean and unclean animals.
