“Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female.”
Historical Context: Genesis 7:2 is part of the account of the great flood during the time of Noah. God instructed Noah to build an ark and gather specific animals to preserve them during the flood. This verse focuses on the instructions regarding the clean and unclean animals.
Clean and Unclean Animals: The distinction between clean and unclean animals plays a significant role in the Old Testament, particularly in relation to the Israelites’ dietary and ceremonial laws. These laws were given later in the book of Leviticus (Leviticus 11) and Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 14).
Clean animals were those considered suitable for sacrifices and eating according to the Law of Moses. They included animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and certain birds. Unclean animals, on the other hand, were those considered unfit for consumption or sacrifice. Examples of unclean animals include pigs, camels, and certain types of birds.
The Purpose of Taking Clean Animals by Sevens: God instructed Noah to take seven pairs of every clean animal, male and female, on the ark. The reason for this was likely to ensure the preservation of these animals for sacrifices and future repopulation.
Taking more clean animals would allow for the continuation of the practice of offering sacrifices to God after the flood, as well as the provision of clean meat for consumption by Noah and his family. This provision would be important as they began to repopulate and restart human civilization after the flood.
The Two of Unclean Animals: Noah was instructed to take only one pair of every unclean animal, male and female. The purpose of this was likely to preserve the unclean animals for the purpose of repopulation after the flood. While unclean animals were not suitable for sacrifices or consumption, they still had a role to play in the natural order and balance of creation.
Symbolic and Spiritual Significance: Beyond the practical reasons, this verse also holds symbolic and spiritual significance. The clean animals may represent purity, righteousness, and obedience to God’s commands. The fact that more clean animals were taken emphasizes the importance of maintaining and upholding God’s laws and standards.
The instruction to take fewer unclean animals highlights their lesser significance in the context of God’s plan. It may also serve as a reminder that obedience to God’s commandments and adherence to His standards are essential for a righteous and pleasing life.
Overall, Genesis 7:2 demonstrates God’s care for the preservation of life and the importance of following His instructions. It reminds us of God’s sovereignty and His desire for humanity to live in accordance with His moral and spiritual principles.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and the entire chapter to gain a comprehensive understanding of the flood narrative and its significance in the larger context of the biblical story.
