Genesis 7-9:1-17
This passage is about the flood and the symbols that come out of it. Symbols of faith that we see in our everyday lives.
Summary
The Lord instructed Noah to take 7 pairs of clean animals, male and female, and 1 pair of unclean animals, male and female. Noah was to take 7 pairs of all the birds in the sky. Noah did as he was told, and as God promised, 7 days later, the flood began. Noah was 600 years old at the time the flood started. The rain fell for 40 days and 40 nights. The waters rose so high it went beyond 20 feet above the mountains. All living things left on the Earth perished in the flood.
The waters continued to cover the Earth for 150 days. Finally, Noah’s boat touched land on one of the mountains of Ararat. Noah opened the window 40 days later and sent out a raven, but the raven flew around and never returned. So, Noah sent out a dove, and the dove returned because there was no place to land. Noah sent out a dove again 7 days later, and the dove returned with a fresh olive leaf. Noah knew the ground was almost dry. Another 7 days later, Noah sent out a dove, and the dove did not return indicating that the land was finally dry. Noah was now 601 years old.
God told Noah and his family that they should all leave the boat and procreate. Noah built an alter for God and burned some of the clean animals and birds as offerings to God. God was pleased with Noah, but He resigned himself to the fact that all humans have sin within them. He promised to never flood the Earth to destroy every living thing again. God also gave permission for humans to use every animal as food, but not the blood. He also demanded the life of any person who takes another person’s life. God stated that a rainbow is a sign of his promise to all living things on Earth that a flood will never destroy the Earth again.
Sidebar
Rainbows seem to have a way of inspiring awe every time they appear. For those who have not read the Bible and were not aware of God’s covenant, they undoubtedly still feel it’s significance deep down. The rarity of its appearance could be the assumed reason, but here we learn it’s an actual sign of God’s promise to us. His symbol of his mercy and grace is beautiful and remarkable. Other elements of this passage have symbolic meaning as well. The number 7 pops up several times. In the Bible, seven is a number of spiritual significance and perfection. Remember, God also rested on the 7th day. There are the 7 deadly sins, the 7 sacraments in the Catholic church, and the 7 stars in the Book of Revelation. The number 40 is also referenced and has meaning as it represents new life, new growth, and transformation.
Moses first sent out a raven when the boat met land. Ravens have had many different meanings across cultures and religions, but in this case, the raven proved to be unreliable. In 19th century cultures, ravens were considered to be harbingers of bad luck. Ravens come up again in Luke 12:24 when Jesus says, “Consider the ravens; they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them.” This quote depicts ravens as uncommitted animals that fly around with no real purpose, similar to when Noah sent it out in search of land. The raven flew around until the flood finally dried up, whereas the dove flew back to Noah. Doves, on the other hand, are a symbol of peace in many cultures. They represent hope and renewal and are a symbol of looking forward to a better future. Doves are even sometimes released at weddings to symbolize the couple’s departure from their families and the start of their new life together.
The second time Noah sent out the dove in our passage, it returned with an olive leaf to indicate the water from the flood was gone. A sign of hope and renewal. An olive leaf represents peace, friendship, partnership, and victory. You’ve heard the phrase “extending an olive branch.” This idiom means to offer reconciliation or peace or to show a desire to end a disagreement. For example, if you are arguing with a friend, you may do them a favor to extend an olive branch. When the dove returned to Noah with the olive leaf in its beak, it symbolized peace and hope for a new future, and reconciliation with God. Even after all this time, these symbols still hold similar value in our everyday lives. These symbols have stood the test of time.
Intention
When you see a rainbow, thank God for his grace. Remember He is always there. Consider extending an olive branch to a friend or family member you are in a disagreement with. Express your thoughts and feelings directly and listen actively to what the other person is saying. Be open-minded.
