"In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah’s wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark."
Context:In the preceding verses, God had commanded Noah to build an ark to preserve himself, his family, and a representative pair of every land-dwelling animal from the coming flood. Noah obeyed God’s instructions, and after completing the ark, he entered it along with his family.
The significance of the "selfsame day":This phrase emphasises the exactness of the timing of their entry into the ark. Noah and his family entered the ark on the same day that God commanded them to do so. They did not delay or hesitate, but promptly followed God’s instructions. This demonstrates their obedience and faith in God’s word.
The people who entered the ark:The verse mentions Noah and his three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—as well as their respective wives. These eight individuals constituted the entire human population that was saved from the flood. It’s worth noting that although the wives of Noah’s sons are not named in this verse, their presence is significant as they were part of God’s plan to repopulate the earth after the flood.
Lessons from Genesis 7:13:
- Obedience to God’s instructions:Noah and his family’s entry into the ark serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obeying God’s commands promptly and without hesitation. They exemplified faithfulness and trust in God’s word even when faced with a seemingly unprecedented event like the flood.
- God’s provision and preservation:The ark symbolises God’s provision and protection. Amidst the destruction of the flood, God provided a way of escape for Noah and his family. Similarly, in our lives, God is faithful to provide and protect us in times of trouble if we trust in Him and follow His guidance.
- The importance of family:The inclusion of Noah’s family in the ark emphasises the significance of the family unit. God’s plan for the preservation of humanity involved the family of Noah, and through them, the generations that followed. This highlights the importance of family relationships, unity, and the passing down of faith to future generations.
Application:
- Prompt obedience:Like Noah, we should strive to promptly obey God’s instructions. When God speaks to us through His Word or by His Spirit, it is crucial to respond in faith and obedience without delay.
- Trusting in God’s provision:Just as God provided for Noah and his family, we can trust in God’s provision in our lives. He knows our needs and will care for us when we put our trust in Him.
- Building strong family relationships:We should value and invest in our family relationships, nurturing love, unity, and the passing down of faith to the next generation. Our families can be a source of support, encouragement, and spiritual growth.
Remember, Genesis 7:13 is part of the larger narrative of Noah and the flood, which contains numerous lessons and insights. Studying the entire account in Genesis chapters 6-9 can provide a deeper understanding of God’s judgment, grace, and faithfulness.
