The closing elements of the ṯôleḏôṯ of Noah

culminates in the Noahic Covenant

Genesis 8:13-9:17

Meeting Purpose

To discuss Genesis, focusing on Noah's covenant with God after the flood.

Key Takeaways

· Noah's faith and patience in waiting for God's command to exit the ark exemplifies trusting in divine timing

· God established a new covenant with Noah, setting ground rules for humanity post-flood

· The rainbow serves as God's seal and reminder of His promise to never again destroy the earth by flood

· This covenant is unconditional, universal, and everlasting, with God taking full responsibility for upholding it

Topics

Noah's Faith and Patience

· Noah waited 56 additional days in the ark after it was dry before exiting

· This demonstrates Noah's faith in waiting for God's explicit command

· Parallels drawn to modern experiences of waiting on God's timing

Post-Flood Covenant and New Provisions

· God blessed Noah and his sons, commanding them to be fruitful and multiply

· New allowances: eating meat (but not blood), dominion over animals

· Establishment of human government and capital punishment

· Promise to never again destroy the earth by flood

Significance of the Rainbow

· God set the rainbow as a sign of His covenant

· Primarily a reminder to God, secondarily to humans

· Represents God's unconditional promise to all living creatures

Comparisons to Original Creation

· Similarities in blessings and provisions (reproduction, dominion)

· Differences in food allowances and specific moral guidelines

Next Steps

· Explore the concept of the covenant lasting until Christ's return

· Further study on the significance of blood in biblical covenants

· Reflect on personal "apocalyptic" experiences and how they've shaped faith

· Consider how to apply the principles of waiting on God and trusting His promises in daily life