Genesis 8-9

GENESIS 8-9

The Book of Shem, Ham & Japheth
PART 1: PREPARATION to FLOOD
PART 2: FLOOD to AFTERMATH

God Remembers Noah (8)

1. What do you think the phrase ‘God remembered Noah’ means?
This isn't implying that God had forgotten them, but that His activity in Noah's life was about to change.

2. How was the flood ended? Why?
a. God sent a wind (We need the Spirit to lead us through trials)
b. The waters receded (It takes time to make it through trials)
c. Springs of the deep were closed (We must resolve internal issues)
d. Floodgates of the heavens were closed (We must consider external issues)

3. The duration of the flood events
a. How long did Noah prepare? 120 years
b. How long did it rain? 40 days/nights
c. How long did the waters prevail? 150 days
d. How long were they on the ark? 1 year, 10 days
*Think of the preparation time in comparison to the catastrophe. We will all face trials and tribulation, but the battle is one in the preparation. Today determines your strength tomorrow. Trials don't grow strength, they show strength.

4. Noah sends birds
a. The Raven (never came back to Noah)
b. The Dove (returned with nothing)
c. The Dove a second time (brings olive branch)
d. The Dove a third time (doesn't return)

5. What were people & animals commanded to do?
They were told to be fruitful and multiply, much like Adam/Eve/Animals

6. Why did Noah build an altar & sacrifice burnt offerings?
God had protected him and his family

7. Did God believe the sin problem was solved?
No. He knew humanity was still sinful. Perhaps the most powerful words in this chapter are 'even though'

8. What did God promise never to do again?
Destroy all life via flood

9. What things will endure as long as the earth?
See v. 22


God Blesses Noah (9)

1. How did mankind’s relationship with animals change post-flood?
It was now a relationship of fear. It also seems mankind, for the first time, began to eat animals.

2. What was the penalty for murder?
Death. This may be significant because it places capital punishment before the giving of the Law of Moses.

3. What were the exact details of the covenant God made with life?
Never to destroy the earth by flood again.

4. What sign/symbol was given as a reminder of the covenant?
A rainbow

5. Do all modern nations come from Noah’s family?
Yes

6. What did Ham do wrong?
Dishonored his father Noah by not covering him up

7. Was Canaan already born?
He may have been born just after they left the ark

8. What happened to Noah’s sons?
Shem is the father of middle eastern peoples. Ham is the father of African peoples. Japheth is the father of EuraAsian peoples.

9. Is it possible to know which son of Noah we came from?
Yes. With near certainty I can say I'm a descendant of Japheth.

4 Truths to Remember
1. God’s love provokes Him to act on behalf of His people
2. We should respond to discipline with worship
3. God’s grace is clearly displayed in His patience
4. God places great value on human life