Genesis 7:15
They came to Noah to enter the ark, two by two of every creature with the breath of life.
They came to Noah to enter the ark
This phrase highlights the obedience of the animals to God's command, as they came to Noah without human intervention. It underscores the divine orchestration of events, as God ensured the preservation of each species. This act of coming to Noah signifies the fulfillment of God's instructions given in Genesis 6:19-20, where God commanded Noah to bring pairs of animals into the ark. The ark itself is a type of Christ, symbolizing salvation and refuge from judgment. Just as Noah and the animals were saved from the flood by entering the ark, believers find salvation in Christ.

two by two of every creature
The phrase "two by two" indicates the methodical and orderly manner in which the animals entered the ark. This reflects God's intention to preserve life and maintain the created order after the flood. The pairing of animals ensures the continuation of each species, highlighting God's providence and care for His creation. This orderly process can be seen as a precursor to the later Levitical laws, which emphasize order and holiness in worship and daily life.

with the breath of life
The "breath of life" refers to the life-giving spirit that God breathed into all living creatures, as first mentioned in Genesis 2:7 when God breathed life into Adam. This phrase emphasizes the sanctity and divine origin of life, distinguishing living creatures from inanimate objects. It also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over life and death, as seen in passages like Job 12:10 and Acts 17:25. The preservation of creatures with the "breath of life" in the ark foreshadows the new creation and the ultimate restoration of life through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Noah
A righteous man chosen by God to build the ark and preserve life during the flood. His obedience and faith are central to this account.

2. The Ark
A large vessel constructed by Noah under God's instructions to save his family and pairs of all living creatures from the flood.

3. The Flood
A divine judgment sent by God to cleanse the earth of its widespread wickedness, sparing only Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark.

4. Animals
Representatives of every living creature with the "breath of life" that entered the ark in pairs, signifying God's intention to preserve His creation.

5. God
The sovereign Creator who orchestrates the events of the flood as a means of judgment and renewal, demonstrating both His justice and mercy.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
Noah's adherence to God's instructions exemplifies the importance of obedience in the life of a believer. We are called to trust and follow God's guidance, even when it defies human logic.

God's Sovereignty and Provision
The gathering of animals to the ark demonstrates God's control over creation and His provision for the preservation of life. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty in their own lives.

Judgment and Mercy
The flood account is a powerful reminder of God's judgment against sin but also His mercy in providing a means of salvation. This duality is seen throughout Scripture and is fulfilled in Christ.

Faith in Action
Noah's actions were a direct result of his faith. Our faith should likewise manifest in tangible actions that align with God's will.

Preparedness for God's Timing
Just as Noah prepared for the flood, believers are called to be spiritually prepared for Christ's return, living lives that reflect His righteousness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Noah's obedience in Genesis 7:15 challenge us to respond to God's commands in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the account of the flood illustrate both God's judgment and His mercy? How can we see these attributes of God in other parts of Scripture?

3. How does the gathering of animals to the ark demonstrate God's sovereignty? Can you think of other biblical examples where God shows His control over creation?

4. What lessons can we learn from Noah's faith and actions that apply to our daily walk with God?

5. How does the account of the flood and the ark prepare us for understanding the New Testament teachings about salvation and judgment?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 6:19-20
These verses provide the initial command from God to Noah to bring pairs of all living creatures into the ark, establishing the groundwork for Genesis 7:15.

Hebrews 11:7
This verse highlights Noah's faith and obedience, which are crucial themes in the Genesis flood account.

Matthew 24:37-39
Jesus references the days of Noah to illustrate the suddenness of His return, drawing a parallel between the flood and the coming judgment.
Realized SalvationR.A. Redford Genesis 7:7-16
An Important and Eventful DayJ. S. Exell, M. A.Genesis 7:11-15
Chaldean Narrative of the DelugeGenesis 7:11-15
Flood Traditions in AmericaC. Geikie, D. D.Genesis 7:11-15
Greek TraditionsM. M. Kalisch, Ph. D.Genesis 7:11-15
Indian TraditionM. M. Kalisch, Ph. D.Genesis 7:11-15
The DelugeJ. Burns, D. D.Genesis 7:11-15
The Deluge; Or, the Judgments of God Upon the Sin of ManJ. S. Exell, M. A.Genesis 7:11-15
The Extent of the FloodC. Geikie, D. D.Genesis 7:11-15
The FloodG. Gilfillan.Genesis 7:11-15
People
Ham, Japheth, Noah, Shem
Places
Flood
Topics
Ark, Breath, Creatures, Entered, Flesh, Noah, Pairs, Ship, Spirit, Twos, Wherein
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 7:15

     4804   breath

Genesis 7:1-24

     7203   ark, Noah's

Genesis 7:11-24

     7227   flood, the

Genesis 7:13-23

     4604   animals, nature of

Library
On Gen. vii. 6
On Gen. vii. 6 Hippolytus, the Syrian expositor of the Targum, has said: We find in an ancient Hebrew copy that God commanded Noah to range the wild beasts in order in the lower floor or storey, and to separate the males from the females by putting wooden stakes between them. And thus, too, he did with all the cattle, and also with the birds in the middle storey. And God ordered the males thus to be separated from the females for the sake of decency and purity, lest they should perchance get intermingled
Hippolytus—The Extant Works and Fragments of Hippolytus

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh
An unfinished commentary on the Bible, found among the author's papers after his death, in his own handwriting; and published in 1691, by Charles Doe, in a folio volume of the works of John Bunyan. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR Being in company with an enlightened society of Protestant dissenters of the Baptist denomination, I observed to a doctor of divinity, who was advancing towards his seventieth year, that my time had been delightfully engaged with John Bunyan's commentary on Genesis. "What,"
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Mosaic Cosmogony.
ON the revival of science in the 16th century, some of the earliest conclusions at which philosophers arrived were found to be at variance with popular and long-established belief. The Ptolemaic system of astronomy, which had then full possession of the minds of men, contemplated the whole visible universe from the earth as the immovable centre of things. Copernicus changed the point of view, and placing the beholder in the sun, at once reduced the earth to an inconspicuous globule, a merely subordinate
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World

Tithing
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Mal. 3:10). Down deep in the heart of every Christian there is undoubtedly the conviction that he ought to tithe. There is an uneasy feeling that this is a duty which has been neglected, or, if you prefer it, a privilege that has not been
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing

Exhortations to those who are Called
IF, after searching you find that you are effectually called, I have three exhortations to you. 1. Admire and adore God's free grace in calling you -- that God should pass over so many, that He should pass by the wise and noble, and that the lot of free grace should fall upon you! That He should take you out of a state of vassalage, from grinding the devil's mill, and should set you above the princes of the earth, and call you to inherit the throne of glory! Fall upon your knees, break forth into
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Journey to Jerusalem. Ten Lepers. Concerning the Kingdom.
(Borders of Samaria and Galilee.) ^C Luke XVII. 11-37. ^c 11 And it came to pass, as they were on their way to Jerusalem, that he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee. [If our chronology is correct, Jesus passed northward from Ephraim about forty miles, crossing Samaria (here mentioned first), and coming to the border of Galilee. He then turned eastward along that border down the wady Bethshean which separates the two provinces, and crossed the Jordan into Peræa, where we soon
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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