And Noah did according vnto all that the LORD commanded him. Genesis 7:5 (KJV)
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 describes how the wickedness of mankind had increased to the point where God decided to bring judgment upon the earth through a flood. Noah found favour 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, which says, “Thus did Noah; according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.” This earlier verse shows Noah’s unwavering commitment to follow God’s instructions precisely, setting the stage for the events recorded in Genesis 7.
Faith and Trust:
Noah’s obedience was an act of faith and trust in God’s guidance. He believed 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:
Building an ark of massive proportions and gathering a vast number of animals 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.
The narrative also records that the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights, underscoring the magnitude of the flood that followed Noah’s obedience.
Lessons for Us:
The story of Noah’s obedience teaches several important lessons. It illustrates the significance of trust and faith in God’s guidance, even when 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 records the forty days and nights of rain during the flood, while the broader narrative—including Genesis 6:22—highlights Noah’s unwavering obedience to God’s commands, his faith, trust, and perseverance. The account teaches valuable lessons about the importance of following God’s guidance, even in the face of challenges, and the rewards that come from faithful obedience.
