“And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him.”
Genesis 7:5 is part of the account of the Great Flood, where God instructed Noah to build an ark and gather animals to preserve life during the catastrophic event. This verse highlights Noah’s obedience to God’s commands.
Historical Context: Genesis 6 provides the context leading up to this verse. It describes how the wickedness of mankind had increased to the point where God decided to bring judgment upon the earth through a flood. However, Noah found favor in God’s eyes because he was a righteous man, and God chose to spare him and his family.
Noah’s Obedience: Noah’s obedience is emphasized in Genesis 6:22, where it says, “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” This verse sets the stage for Genesis 7:5, showing Noah’s unwavering commitment to follow God’s instructions precisely.
Faith and Trust: Noah’s obedience was an act of faith and trust in God’s guidance. He believed in God’s warning of the impending flood and trusted that following God’s instructions would lead to safety and preservation for himself, his family, and the animals.
Obedience in the Face of Challenges: Noah’s obedience was not without challenges. Building an ark of massive proportions and gathering a vast number of animals would have required tremendous effort, time, and resources. Despite the enormity of the task and potential ridicule from others, Noah remained faithful and obedient to God’s commands.
Lessons for us:
The story of Noah’s obedience teaches us several important lessons. It illustrates the significance of trust and faith in God’s guidance, even when the circumstances seem unlikely or challenging. Noah’s example encourages us to obey God’s commands, even when they go against popular opinion or seem unconventional. Moreover, Noah’s obedience demonstrates the rewards of faithfulness. Through his obedience, Noah and his family were saved from the destruction of the flood. This story reminds us that God honors and blesses those who remain faithful to Him.
In summary, Genesis 7:5 portrays Noah’s unwavering obedience to God’s commands, highlighting his faith, trust, and perseverance. Noah’s obedience teaches us valuable lessons about the importance of following God’s guidance, even in the face of challenges, and the rewards that come from faithful obedience.
