A. Overall Lesson Objective

B. Learning Competencies

C. Lesson

Genesis 7 is a short but dynamic chapter. This lesson covers the first major section up to the point where the Flood event begins. The ark has been under construction for decades. It is in the plain view of the nearby population and no doubt was the subject of much discussion. Still in existence (maybe not too far away, though we are not told) was the Garden of Eden—still guarded to prevent man from ever entering again. The judgment, which God stated would happen, is about to begin, because God announces the boarding time for the ark and notes a seven-day period before the waters are unleashed.

Read Genesis 7 completely, but then return to verse 1.

On the day in which God speaks, remember the culture of the time: it was violent and corrupt. More than actions outside, however, God knows the hearts of men. He knows their thoughts. Recall from the last lesson: God grieved at the situation and told Noah the same. The day when Genesis 7:1 takes place marks a change. The command from God was simple and direct: go into the ark. God repeats that only Noah was found righteous in “this generation” and He repeats His instructions about boarding living creatures.

Noah and his family obey, and they take with them specific numbers of each kind of living creatures. “Kind” refers to the same “kind” that is spoken of in Genesis 1, so representatives from all God has created are present in the ark before anything else happens. No one knows exactly how all the representative kinds came, but the God of creation, who made them in the first place and commanded the ark to be prepared, was the insurance that every kind in the right number and gender would get to the ark. It did not happen without work on the receiving side (at the ark), just as building the ark did not occur without work. This was not a leisurely preparation for a boat ride; the ark was made as a place of safety and temporary habitation to keep a few people and many ‘kinds’ alive. There is no record that they knew how arduous and prolonged the ordeal would be. [Research note: What was on the ark?]

Note the repetition in the scriptures regarding the bringing of creatures to the ark by looking at Genesis 6:19-20, 7:2-3, 7:8-9, and 7:14-16. Each of these is listed at a different point, but the repetition is deliberate and striking. God, the Perfect Communicator, makes sure we understand all of this happened according to His command so that every representative kind would be saved from the Flood. Of course, Noah and his family are mentioned many times. Everything else, without exception among the land animals or millions of people that were alive at the beginning of the Flood, would perish. No exceptions would occur. [Research note: We have already seen that one landmass before the Flood is implied. God could send the creatures to Noah without them having to cross oceans. For post-Flood dispersion, see How did the kangaroo get to Australia?]

Two things stated in Genesis 7:4 and 16 are worthy of note. Verse 4 indicates seven days elapsed from His command to board the ark until the catastrophe started with the first drop of rain. Imagine the atmosphere if you were part of the family during those seven days. Verse 16 may well illustrate the tension of the situation and the challenge it might introduce if Noah had to shut the only opening of the ark to the world. God shuts the door of the ark. This is one action He reserves for Himself; it would not be entrusted to anyone else. Once the door is shut, the inside of the ark is the only place safe from the worldwide disaster that will unfold.

God’s specified result of judgment is recorded in Genesis 7:21-23. It is also mentioned in Matthew 24:37-39 and Luke 17:27.

🦕 CT? Will there be any exceptions to God’s judgment? If there was an exception, would God’s statements be reliable and His judgment certain?

🦕 CT? In reference to Luke 17:26-27, discuss the attitude of mankind at the time of the “days of the Son of Man” (Christ’s return) with respect to the time just prior to the beginning of the Genesis Flood.

D. Assignment

Note the specific causes of the Genesis Flood in Genesis 7 and re-read from the start of the event to the end of the chapter.

E. Learning Activity

Discuss the seven-day period when Noah’s family was sealed in the ark, but the Flood had not started. Make an estimate of the activities that may have occurred during that time and give reason why you believe your assessment.

F. Concluding Assessment

Details of the events leading up to the start of the Genesis Flood, although they are brief, describe the spiritual condition of mankind as well as the activities that center on the filling and sealing of the ark.