In the selfe same day entred Noah, and Sem, and Ham, and Iapheth, the sonnes of Noah, and Noahs wife, and the three wiues of his sonnes with them, into the Arke, Genesis 7:13 (KJV)
Context: In the preceding verses God 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, completed the ark, and after the seven‑day period mentioned in Genesis 7:4‑5, he entered it along with his family.
The significance of the “selfsame day”: This phrase emphasizes the exact timing of their entry, coinciding with the commencement of the flood. Noah and his family entered the ark on the very day God commanded them to do so, showing no delay or hesitation and demonstrating prompt obedience and faith in God’s word.
The people who entered the ark: The verse mentions Noah, his three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—and their respective wives. These eight individuals constituted the entire human population saved from the flood. Although the wives are unnamed, their presence is significant because they were part of God’s plan to repopulate the earth after the flood.
Lessons from Genesis 7:13:
- Obedience to God’s instructions – The entry of Noah and his family serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obeying God’s commands promptly and without hesitation. Their faithful response illustrates trust in God even when faced with an unprecedented event.
- God’s provision and preservation – The ark symbolizes God’s provision and protection. Amidst the destruction of the flood, God provided a way of escape for Noah’s family. Likewise, in our lives God is faithful to provide and protect us when we trust in Him and follow His guidance.
- The importance of family – The inclusion of Noah’s family highlights the significance of the family unit in God’s redemptive plan. Through this family, future generations were preserved, underscoring the value of unity, love, and the passing down of faith.
Application:
- Prompt obedience – Like Noah we should strive to obey God’s instructions immediately, responding in faith when He speaks through His Word or Spirit.
- Trusting in God’s provision – Just as God cared for Noah and his family, we can rely on His provision for our needs, confident that He knows and will meet them.
- Building strong family relationships – We should invest in our families, nurturing love, unity, and the transmission of faith to the next generation, allowing families to be sources of support, encouragement, and spiritual growth.
Remember, Genesis 7:13 is part of the larger narrative of Noah and the flood. Studying the entire account in Genesis chapters 6‑9 provides a deeper understanding of God’s judgment, grace, and faithfulness.
