“And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.”
Context: Genesis 6:21 is part of the account of Noah and the Great Flood. In the preceding verses, God commanded Noah to build an ark to preserve himself, his family, and a remnant of every kind of land-dwelling creature during the flood.
Provision for Noah and the animals: In this verse, God instructs Noah to gather all kinds of food that is suitable for eating and bring it into the ark. This food would be necessary to sustain Noah, his family, and the animals throughout their time aboard the ark.
God’s care and provision: This verse reveals God’s concern for the physical needs of His creation. Despite the judgment He was about to bring upon the earth, God made sure that Noah and the animals had enough food to survive during their time on the ark. It demonstrates God’s loving and providential care for His creation, even in the midst of judgment.
Faith and obedience: Noah’s faith and obedience are evident in his response to God’s command. He did not question God’s instructions but rather obeyed them diligently. Noah’s commitment to following God’s commands, including the gathering of food, is a testament to his faith and trust in God’s wisdom and provision.
Symbolic significance: While the primary purpose of this verse is to convey the practical aspect of gathering food, it also holds symbolic significance. The ark and the provision of food can be seen as a type or foreshadowing of Christ, who provides salvation and sustenance to those who believe in Him. Just as Noah found safety and sustenance in the ark, believers find refuge and spiritual nourishment in Christ.
Lessons for us today: Genesis 6:21 teaches us several valuable lessons. Firstly, it reminds us of God’s faithfulness in providing for our needs, even in challenging times. Secondly, it highlights the importance of faith and obedience in responding to God’s instructions. Noah’s obedience to God’s commands serves as a model for us to trust and follow God’s guidance, even when it may seem unusual or difficult. Finally, it encourages us to see the symbolic parallels between the ark and Christ, reminding us of the ultimate provision of salvation and sustenance through faith in Him.
As you reflect on Genesis 6:21, consider how you can apply these lessons to your own life, trusting in God’s provision, obeying His commands, and finding refuge in Christ.
