An Exposition of Genesis, Genesis · Chapter 8
CHAP. VIII.
IN this Chapter is continued the history of the Church, and the several providences about it, unto the 601st year of Noach. Two generall heads divide this Chapter. First, the state of the Church for the time of the stoods continuance, and cessation of it. From Ver. 1. to the end of Ver. 14.
Secondly, the state of it after the cessation unto Noachs going out of the Ark. Ver. 15. to 22. In the former generall, we may observe.
1. A generall description of the waters decrease. Ver. 1.2.3.
2. A speciall discovery in several degrees, (1) To the mountains Ver. 4.5. (2) To some lower parts, Ver. 6.7.8, 9. (3) To the trees. V. 10.11. (4) To the plain ground, Ver. 12. 13. 14.
The general description of the floods decrease is in the following Verses.
Ver. 1.Ver. 1. And Elohim remembred Noach, and every wild beast, and every tame beast, which were with him in the Ark, and Elohim made a wind passe upon the earth, and the waters were appeased — Cald. same — All fowles, and all creeping things that creep, &c. brought a spirit &c. and the water ceased. Sep.
Ver: 2. And the fountaines of the deep were shut, and the windowes of the heavens, and the raine from the heavens was kept back. — And the fountaines of the deep were covered, and the water-spouts of heaven. Sept. no more in this verse. — Cald. same with Hebr.
Ver. 3. And the water… returned from upon the earth, by going and returning, and the waters failed from the end of fifty, & an hundred dayes. — And the water gave in, going from the earth, and the water was lessened after an hundred and fifty dayes. — After 150 dayes, Cald. In this general discovery of the floods decrease, we have these particulars obvious. 1. The cause of its decrease, is the same as of its swelling.
And Elohim remembred! Noah, and every wild beast, and every tame beasts which were with him in the Ark. In which are considerable these particulars.
1. The great cause is Elohim the almighty God himself, who sent the waters, and destroyed all flesh by them. 2. The act of grace causing this end, he remembred, foreignthis is spoken after the manner of men concerning God, not as if he who is an infinite and eternal act, can be subject either to remembrance or oblivion; but because Gods actings, discover such effects, as these produce among men, therefore he guides his servants thus to speake of him. Memory and oblivion, however opposit and contrary they be between themselves, being referred to one and the same thing; yet relating to divers, they are both used two wayes, 1. As acts of grace, and then remembrance is applied to persons as here to Noah; and it note's reviving of care of them, having respect unto them, coming in with pitty and help unto their sad, and seemingly forgotten condition. So God is said to remember Ephraim. Ier. 31.20. So again, oblivion or forgetting or not remembring is an act of grace when it is referred unto sin, as he saith, I wil remember, their sinnes no more. Ier. 31.34. 2. As acts of wrath, as when remembrance is applied to sinners, Hos. 8.13. He will remember their iniquity, &c. So also when oblivion is of the persons of men, it note's Gods distaste of them, and displeasure toward them, as Psal. 13.2, &c. in this place, it notes Gods care, pitty and respect to Noah, who for above five moneths might think he was forgotten to be shut up, and tossed up and down; all acts of grace and love are carried in it. 3. The Object is twofold, 1. Primary and chief, Noah, that gracious Saint, whome God accepted in Christ before. 2. Secondary, the beasts and all the creatures, which were with him, and preserved in the Ark for his sake, and the Churches; so God, respects other creatures: for his peoples sake. 2. The meanes which God used for the decrease of the waters, which in number are foure,Ver. 1. 1. Elohim made a wind passe upon the earth, and the waters were appeased.
Wherein we have. 1. The meanes effected by God.foreign (1) Cause, Elohim (2) Causation, he made to pass, that is, by creating at this time, for the natural causes of the wind, from the caves of the earth supposed, could not be at this time.foreign (3) Meanes, wind, which though it be the same word which signifieth spirit, yet here properly notes a created wind, which God made use of extraordinarily for drying up the waters. It is a vain conceit of some Ancients, that it should be the Holy Spirit; for the word in several languages is used for the wind. Joh. 3. v. 8. It was then an extraordinary created wind, by which such an extraordinary effect was brought about. 2. The effect mentioned generally. The waters were appeased or asswaged; even their waters which were fifteen cubits higher then the tops of the highest mountaines, these (might be thought) would have bin stirred and increased, and made more violent by a strong wind, but this the miraculous effect that they are driven away and appeased.foreign The appeasing here is a borrowed expression, and notes onelyonly the asswaging of their waters and their cessation from overflowing the earth & devouring as they had done. 2. The next meanes to the wind here mentioned is, the stopping of the fountaines of the deep.Ver. 2. And the fountaines of the deep were shuts, — It is said before, for the making of the flood, that these fountaines were broken up; and therefore now for the decrease, it is said, they were shut. This God doth in the second place,foreign barr up those springs, and shut his flood ga…es, that no more issues may come for increase: so the seventy read, they were covered that nothing could issue out. 3. Unto this God addes another, And the windowes of heaven were shut, — These were the clouds of heaven, which were opened to make the flood, and are now shut to remove it. 4. The last meanes expressed is, The rain from the heavens was restrained.
So it was said before that to the making of the flood, it rained fourty dayes and fourty nights; but now the bottles of heaven are stopped, and no rain falleth at the command of God,foreign when he putteth an end to his vengeance. Iob. 38.37. Thirdly, the Effect in general issuing from this cause, and this meanes, wherein we have expressed.
1. The motion of the waters.Ver. 3. And the waters returned from upon the earth in going and returning.
Wherein, 1. The subject of motion, the waters, which had bin the instrument of vengeance. 2. The motion it self, they returned; doubtless at the word of God they gave place. 3. The term from whence from upon the earth, or from the face of the earth, which they had overflowed. 4. The continuance of this motion by going and returning, that is, constantly hasting away to their own place, to leave the earth open again.
2. The abatement of the water, so it is said. — And the waters failed, decreased or abated; that is they began to decrease and abate, and so continued gradually untill the earth was dry; as a…ter. 3. The time of the beginning of this abatement. And the waters failed from the end of 50 and 100 dayes. These are the same number of dayes wherein the waters did prevail, and at the end of them God remembred Noach, sent the wind, shut the fountaines of the deep, and the windowes of heaven, stopt the rain, and made the waters begin to fall, and so by degrees to vanish untill the earth were dryed. This was the seventienth day of the seventh monethmonth upon which the fall began, and how much abatement was made that day is apparent in the next Verse.
Take these Notes.
D. 1. Gods gracious ones may be looked on as for present not minded by the Lord, Psa. 13.1.
D. 2. Gods free grace keepeth his Saints in mind when they seem to be forgotten.
D. 3. The manifestation of Gods care and help to his desolate ones, is conjunct with his remembrance of them.
D. 4. God careth for the lower creatures for his Churches sake.
D. 5. Grace can create meanes, and make them effectual unto salvations. The Wind.
D. 6. At Gods beck, that which otherwise would inrage the Waters shall appease them. V. 1.
D. 7. God repeal's his judgments by means, as well as imposeth them.
D. 8. Gods method of healing is contrary, to that of wounding.
D. 9. Wind, fountaines of deep and windowes of heaven are at Gods dispose.
D. 10. Dead creatures move with agility and constancy at Gods word for deliverance of the Church. V. 2.
D. 11. Iudgements must abate, when God maketh the instruments execution to recoile.
D. 12. God hath his time set, and at that moment judgments must cease, and salvation appear to his Saints.
2. We come now to the speciall description of the decrease of the flood, which is by severall steps; the first whereof was to the tops of the hills. Ver. 4. And the Ark rested in the seventh month, in the seventeenth day of the month upon the mountains of Ararat. — Upon the mountaines Cardu, Cald. And the Ark sate, &c. Seven and twentieth day of the month upon the mountaines Ararat. Sept. Ver. 5. And the waters were in going, & decreasing unto the tenth month: In the tenth, on the first day of the month the tops of the mountains were seen. — Cald. to the same. — The water was lessened unto the tenth month, and the heads of the mountaines were seen in the tenth month, the first day of the month. Septuag. — In this gradual decrease of the waters, we have here two steps, 1. to the grounding of the Ark. 2. To the apparition of the hills. The former is in the fourth Verse, wherein we have to consider, 1. The safe grounding of the Ark;Ver. 4. so it is written.
And the Ark rested, (1) The subject here spoken of is the Ark, which considered, 1. As the continent carrying in it all that God made to enter in, must needs be a vast, massy vessel, which by reason of its lading, must needs carry some cubits of water according to the measure named here; when it floated, the water was fifteen cubits above the highest hills, and when it gravelled first, doubtles the waters (though much abated,) yet must be much above the highest mountain; it might have bin dangerous for such a vessel to touch upon any top of rock or mountain, had not God himself bin Pilot. 2. As taken for all contained in it, so the Church and all living creatures in the terrestrial Orbe were in this Ark, all like to perish, if providence did not undertake for them.foreign (2) The priviledge spoken of this Ark, it rested; The word used here, is derived from Noach the name of that gracious one whom God now accepted in the overthrow of the World: And it notes here. 1. The grounding of the Ark. 2. The safe pitching of it for rest and quietness and stability on such a shore, that should not indanger the vessel nor them in it. 3. Consequently it notes the quieting of Noachs heart, and the rest with him from fear of continual tossing on the waters, and in hope of a continued decrease of the waters still, until the earth became habitable.
2. The time of this abatement of waters unto the Arks rest.
In the seventh month, the 17th day of the month. viz. Of the year of the World current 1656. and of Noachs life 600. So the Spirit note's the time of every step of deliverance not to be forgotten. 3. The place of the Arks rest,foreign described to be — Upon the mountaines Ararat. — Sept. by apposition. — Upon one of the mountaines of Ararat. Iun. So it must be understood, for it could not rest upon many of such mountaines. — Upon the mountaines of Kardu, the Caldee reads. Thence were a people called Corideans, or Cordaeans, as Curtius writes. Ararat is not the name of the mountain but of the country where it was; & the same word is translated Armenia by the Septuag. Isai. 37.38. And so it is generally understood, for as much as very high mountaines were there as Historians report; even such high places spoken of Chap. 7. 19. Josephus writes in his time were found some peeces of the Ark there, but, it is of small credit. Luther rather thinks it to be the hill Imaus, that divides India: but he varies from the general conjecture. That it was a very high hill, is not to be questioned; Thence Noach afterward perceived the waters to be abated from other hills. The latter abatement of the waters to the heads or tops of other mountains is described, Ver. 5. Wherein occurr', 1. The manner of the waters abatement, expressed thus,
And the waters were in going and decreasing. 1. The subject spoken of, the waters of the flood. 2. That which is spoken of them, (1) Their motion, they were still going. (2) Their decay, they failed in their going, and fell away. Secondly. The time of this fall and decrease, is declared to continue.
Until the tenth month, in the tenth, in the first of the month, this must be meant the tenth of the year, as before at this time the Ark stood dry out of the waters. 3. The measure of the decrease is noted. The heads of the mountaines were seen. — That is, there was such an abatement in this space that Noah might see the heads of the hills dry. It is probable that these were mountains, also of the higher sort; for other steps of abatement we shall see hereafter, which are more convenient to lower places.
Learn hence.
D. 1. No hazzards shall prevent the meanes appointed for the Churches safety from perfecting it. The tossing of waters shall not in danger the Ark, so long as God steer's it.
D. 2. God vouchsafeth a partiall Rest unto his Church below, as an earnest of the full. V. 4.
D. 3. Time and place are appointed by God for performing mercy to his Church.
D. 4. Waters must goe and fall for the Churches comfort, when God commands.
D. 5. Mercies are measured to months and dayes.
D. 6. God gives his Church mercy, and to see it. V. 5.
Two degrees of the waters abatement, the one to the grounding of the Ark, the other to the appearing of the mountaines we have considered, now followeth a discovery of further degrees of the waters fall.
Ver. 6. And it was from the end of fourty dayes, and Noach opened the window of the Ark, which he had made. — Sep. And Cald. same.
Ver. 7. And he sent forth a raven, and he went out going and returning untill the waters were dried from above the earth. — Cald. same. — To see if the water was ceased, and going out he returned not untill the water was dried from the face of the earth Sept. In these is declared the decrease of the waters so far as judgement might be made by the Raven, which no doubt was some good degree, although not expressely stated. Herein may we note.
1. The time of this triall of the waters decrease.
Ver. 6.And it was from the end of fourty dayes; that is, after the appearance of the tops of the mountaines, which was the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Which being accounted in the civill or common yeer is conceived to be in our July. Otherwise according to the sacred yeer our January.
2. The triall which Noach makes, wherein. 1. The act preparatory, — is particularly stated.
And Noach opened the window of the Ark which he had made. The connective particle and, is thought by some redundant and may be spared: so it may very well in our English, and so the Hebrew lets it slip in like cases. This act is but in preparation to make triall; this window was spoken of Chap. 6.16. By this may appear the desire of Noach to see the wrath of God ceased and to know some grounds of hope for his owne deliverance; this God forbids him not, though as yet his Oracle is not more immediatly declared to him, as to the time of his comming out. 2. The Emission of 2 messenger to try the decrease of the waters, And he sent forth a raven. Ver. 7.This is the first creature by which Noach make's triall of the waters decrease;foreign and there is no difficulty in the words. OnelyOnly a reason is inquired, why he should pitch upon a raven rather than any other. Severall conjectures are from severall men. It is probable, that after fourty dayes space, Noah might suppose the waters to be well nigh gon and some carcasses might appear, unto which this bird naturally inclined; Noah might know either by his stay upon the prey or his return from it the decrease of the waters. As to the allegoricall sence of the Law by the raven, is the meer invention of man; we have here a plain history. 3. The work of this messenger described.
And he went out in going and returning, untill the waters were dried from above the earth. Where we have. 1. His motion he flew up and down, from and to the Ark; probable it is, lighting sometime upon the mountain where the Ark rested, and taking flight, and comming to the Ark again, though not offering to come in, as the dove. The greek version he did not return is not true, nor the latine agreeing with it. 2. The time of his fluttering up and down, it was until the waters where dried up. 3. The judgment of the decrease of the waters, which Noah might make by the ravens flying up and down, which is included in it, for to that purpose was it sent forth. Which was, that however such abatement were, that the raven could stay abroad, yet not so much as to give him full rest and feeding upon the earth, therefor, hath he still recourse unto the Ark.
Take some Notes hence.
D. 1. God in wisdom somtimes lengthens trialls to the proof of the faith and patience of his Saints.
D. 2. Believing Saints though God appear not, will stay contentedly fourty dayes, that is, the time fit for his salvation.
D. 3. Lawful meanes believers may use for their comfort, when there is no immediate appearance of God. Noah open's the window which Gods forbid's not. V. 6.
D. 4. Visible experiments of the ceasing of Gods wrath may be desired, and used by his people, where the Lord sets no barrs.
D. 5. Vnclean, or the worst of creatures, may be of use somtimes to comfort the Church. As the ravens fed Elyah.
D. 6. Instinct of creatures from God teach his people of his providences to them. Ver. 7.
The third step of the waters fall we have seen in the trial made by the raven, now we come to a fourth made by the first emission of a dove, in the following verses.
Ver. 8.Ver. 8. And he sent out a dove from himself to see whether the waters were abated from of the face of the ground. — After it, (that is the raven.), &c. Sept. — Cald. same with Hebr.
Ver. 9.Ver. 9. And the dove found not rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned to him into the Ark, because the waters were upon the face of all the earth, and he put forth his hand and took her in unto him into the Ark. — Sept. and Cald. to the same. In this trial which Noah maketh by the Dove are observable these particulars. 1. The time of the emission of this second messenger, which though not here in terms expressed, yet by what followe's, Ver. 10, That Noah staid other seven dayes before he sent the third messenger, doth imply that one seven dayes he had staid before, between sending out the raven and the dove. It is mistaken therefore to say that the raven and dove were sent out together: but seven dayes after the raven, was the dove sent out, the eightienth day of the eleventh month. 2.Ver. 8. The act of mission, Noah sent out, being yet under doubts and dissatisfaction, he makes use of his dominion over the creatures, for the strengthning of faith, and establishing of his heart — 3. The messenger sent out,foreign a dove, which was, 1. Of the kind of fowl fittest for his purpose by reason of its wings. 2. Of more natural tenderness to its mate, and neerer familiarity with man; by which trial might be made more certainty. 3. Of the clean sort of fowl, such as God also made usefull for man as toward himself. Such is the messenger. 4. The term of his emission from whence, from himself, — Not after him, as the Sept. read, meaning the raven; but here it must be understood, of Noah, who from himself sendeth this messenger for satisfaction, 5. The end of the mission, to see whether the waters were lightned from the face of the earth.
In this we have, 1. The aim of Noah, evidence of the fall of the waters and abatement of Gods wrath, it was to see, that is, that Noah might see by this messenger, have experience or understanding more clearly, how it was now abroad in the world. 2. The matter about which he seek's evidence, and that is expressed, whether the waters were lightned from the face of the ground, where we see. 1. Noahs desire, he would have wrath appeased, and tokens of vengeance cease, and mercy appear. 2. Noahs experiment, he sends his messenger to see how it was, whether an abatement of displeasure desired, did appear. 6. The returne made to Noah by this second messenger; wherein. 1. Here is mentioned, what she found not,Ver. 9. And the dove found not rest for the sole of her foot, — That is, no house, or place, or receptacle below which was fit for her, to give her rest in, no not so much as to pitch upon, much less did she find a place for him. 2. The return from her restless state. And she returned to him into the Ark, — Hereby she gave him notice that however abatement was made in measure, yet not so much, as brought rest either to her or him; And therefore she chooseth yet to nest her self again in the Ark, where also she teacheth Noah, it is best for him to abide. This return is her answer, which she brings. Thirdly. The reason of this return. Because the waters were upon the face of al the earth.
However a great fall was already beneath the mountaines, yet the decrease was not so full as yet to give habitation for man and beast on Earth; But universally the surface of the Earth was covered with the waters; and that it seemeth in a great depth yet, even above the trees, for at this time not a leaf could be had to bring to Noah. 4. The reception of her back again by Noah. And he put forth his hand and took her, and brought her into himself into the Ark.
As the return of this messenger was certain, So the entertainment is tender; Noah takes her in again when she could find no rest abroad for her self or him: to stay longer and wait for Gods good will.
Take these Notes from it.
D. 1. Believing saints, when means answer not, will wait a longer time. [This from the time between sending.]
D. 2. Gods gracious ones in faith use other lawful meanes, if one do fail. He sent again. &c.
D. 3. Clean as well as unclean, That which is chosen by God may be used by his Church for their good.
D. 4. Faith in Gods salvation may put soules upon desire to see it, or have evidence of it.
D. 5. Gods gracious ones desire the lightning or abating of the tokens of Gods displeasure V. 8.
D. 6. The best meanes that believers use may not sometimes find rest for them.
D. 7. Gods Providence in continuing tokens of displeasure, may obstruct the meanes of comfort.
D. 8. It is in such case the Saints work to take up the meanes again, in due time to use them. V. 9.
The fifth step of the waters decrease, which was tried by the second Emission of the dove now followeth.
Ver. 10. And he expected yet other seven da…es, and added to send the dove out of the Ark. — Cal same. — And stopping yet seven dayes, he sent out &c. Sep. foreign.
Ver. 11. And the dove came to him at the time of evening, & behold an Olive-leaf cropt of in her mouth; and Noah knew that the waters were lightned from off the earth. — Which she had cropt with her mouth, &c. Cald. — foreign. Sept.
Thus far we have the history of the fall of waters after the flood to the appearance of the trees, made known by the emission of the second dove. Herein, first Noachs patience, and expectation after the former answer returned, which gave not desired satisfaction, And he waited yet other seven dayes.
Where note. 1. His act, which carried in it, (1) Patience to stay Gods time, (2) Hope and expectation of desired mercy, & (3) Faith in Gods Covenant which maintained and made the other to subsist. 2. The time observed, seven dayes, and those other dayes, and such as followed, which importeth, that he staid the same number of dayes before between the Raven and the first dove; from thence he stayeth now other seven dayes looking for Gods goodness. This was sent, on the 25th day of the eleventh Month.
Secondly, Noahs use of meanes again after all this to see the cessation of Gods displeasure, which is further described.
Ver. 10.Ver. 10. And he added to send the dove from the ark, where we have, 1. His act repeated He added to send, or he sent again, he grew not weary of the use of lawful meanes, because he had not answer by the former, he sent again. 2. The Messenger sent, a dove, of which was noted its fitness and tenderness to its mate. 3. The term from whence, from the Ark, where he had his nest now almost a year, and therefore inclined to come thither againe with what discoveries he could make.
Thirdly, the returne made to Noach, And the dove came to him at the time of evening, Ver, 11.and behold a leaf of an olive cropt in her mouth.
Wherein. 1. The return of the messenger, And the dove came to him, doubtless by the instinct of God, who ruleth and speaketh to his Church in the motion of these creatures. 2. The time of return, at even; It matters not how early it went forth nor how long it was absent, it is probable it was the first part of the day, because the second is mentioned for her return: And of the stay of the creature we may conceive, that it was for the making out of some discovery, which she doth by her flight to an Olive tree, as well as the delighting of it self; At the time of even she comes backe, and whether the time of Noahs address to God be not carried in it, I leave to be inquired, surely it is not improbable. 3. The signal answer which she bringeth at her return, And behold: &c. Wherein. 1. A note of attention, Behold it calleth readers to consider it was not a vain answer she brought. 2. The signe, which giveth answer, a leaf of an olive-tree: the foot of the former dove could not find a branch to pitch upon, this pitcheth and brings a token with her of the uncovered trees. 3. The work unto which divine instinct did guide her, she cropt it with her bil; such as we find not usual in those creatures to pluck-branches from trees. Fourthly. The satisfaction which Noah received from this return, And Noach knew that the waters were lightned from of the earth.
In which we may consider, 1. The matter about which Noah inquired is in good part answered, that the waters the tokens of Gods wrath, were lightned from the earth, and the earth was not so much burdened with them as before, though yet they were not clean gone of. 2. The intelligence and fruit which he gathers from the return about this matter. Noah knew. That is, 1. He had experimental and sensible knowledg of it by the sprigg of the olive. 2. He had certain knowledge. 3. He had hopeful comforting knowledg of the progress of mercy, in taking of all the waters of displeasure from the earth. As for the allegorical glosses upon the dove and olive branch, though they be piously used, yet by no meanes can they be the sense of this place.
Take Notes from hence as followeth.
D. 1. Gods delay of answer, and his saints waiting are fitly coupled.
D. 2. Gods gracious ones are of a contented waiting, and hoping frame.
D. 3. Faith will expect from seven to seven, from week to week to receive answers of peace from God.
D. 4. After waiting, faith will make trial of lawful meanes again and again. It will adde messenger to messenger. Ver. 10.
D. 5. Waiting believers shall receive some sweet return by use of meanes in Gods time.
D. 6. He that sends out for God is most likely to have return from him.
D. 7. Visible tokens of Gods wrath ceasing somtimes he is pleased to vouchsafe to his.
D. 8. It concern's Gods Saints to consider his signal discoveries of grace, to know them, and gather hope and comfort from them. Ver. 11.
The sixth and last step of the waters decrease now followeth in the three next verses.
Ver. 12.Ver. 12. And he expected yet other seven dayes, and he sent the dove, and she added not to return to him any more. Sept. and Cald. to the same.
Ver. 13. And it was in the six hundred and first year (one and six hundred) in the first (month) in the first day of the month, the waters were dried from upon the earth, and Noah removed the covering of the Ark; and he saw and behold the faces of the ground were dry. — 601 year in the life of Noe, the first month, the water failed, &c. Sept. — Cald. to same with the Hebr.
Ver. 14. And in the second month in the seven and twentieth day of the month the earth was dried. — Cald. same. — And seventienth day, &c. and on the seventwentieth of the month he opened the Ark. Sept. In this passage the Spirit giveth us a relation of the final cessation of Gods wrath toward the old world, in the total falling of the waters from the earth. Herein these particulars are declared for observation. 1. The progress of Noachs patience, And he expected yet other seven dayes.
This carryeth in it the lengthning of Noachs patience, seven dayes more; in all, one and twenty dayes were spent from sending forth the raven: he believeth and hopeth and waiteth all this while, even the full time appointed by God, until it please God to give in a desired answer. This was the second day of the 12th month. 2. His taking up of the meanes again to make trial for Gods further answer; And he sent the dove. Wherein consider — 1. The messenger is the dove which brought him some good tidings seven dayes before, therefore he makes use of that creature again. 2. The use of this, he sends her out, as at other times, to give some experiment of Gods providence more discovered in grace, which he desired. 3. The answer which he receiveth, by the not returning of the messenger. And she added not to return to him any more.
The Hebraism, is well translated,foreign she returned not again, the denial whereof, seeing twice before she came back, was not from the nature of the creature not apt to forget its place, especially without it's mate; but was an effect of divine providence so over-ruling the creature, and so giving answer to Noach, that the waters were gone, and the dove had full scope to take her food and refreshing on earth, & that ere long it would be fit for him also to inhabit. 4. The interpretation of the dove's not returning to Noah, Ver. 13.14. The summe whereof was, that the waters which were tokens of Gods displeasure, were all decreased, and the earth fitted for mans habitation. Two degrees of the waters cessation are here intimated. 1. To the draining of the waters from the earth. 2. To the drying of the earth. In the former occurr. 1. The time punctually described.
And it was in the one and six hundred year in the first (month) in the first day of the month. Ver. 13.In the Spirit's punctual annotation of this time, it is evident, 28 dayes was this from the sending forth of the last dove; for that was on the second of the 12th month; so long Noah waits for her return, and she commeth not: now by this Noah gathers, there was place for the dove, and take's hope there may be shortly for him. The Spirits chronology declares, that God made the Worlds restauration and his Churches deliverance to enter with the year, It was the 601st year, of Noahs life, as Sept. Which was of the world, 1657, in the first month, that is, of that year, and the first day of that month. The time of grace appearing is exactly pointed out. 2. The event declared by the doves stay, which was that — The waters, were dried or drained from the earth. This was the mercy which Noah expected. I conceive, this beareth properly in it the draining of the water from the earth, leaving moisture and slime yet not wholly dryed, because a further day is given to that. 3. Noahs attempt hereupon for further refreshing, expressed thus.
And Noah removed the covering of the Ark. His first seeking comfort was by opening the window, now the second is by turning of the covering, for more air and refreshment to himself and creatures; neither of these did he without motion from God: for he medleth not with the door to come forth before his commission also. 4. The demonstration of the event to sense.
And he saw, and behold the faces of the ground were dry, that is, it was apparent to Noah and the rest, that the surface of the earth round about was drained from the… waters. So far I conceive this abatement is to be understood. In the last degree of all, we have described. 1. The distinct time, in which it was accomplished.
And in the second month, the seven and twentieth day of the month. By which account, 56 dayes passed from the former abatement and draining of the waters, and uncovering of the Ark, until the full drying of the earth; all this while Noach waited still for full deliverance. The Sept. mistake, making it the 17th day for drying the Earth, which is expressly otherwise in the Original, taking away ten dayes from the time of his going out, which they had added to the time of his Entrance. Ch. 7. Ver. 11.
A full yeer then was he in the Ark. viz. 365 dayes.
2. The compleat effect of a gracious providence in removing plagues, and bringing in mercies, thus delivered — the earth was fully dried, fit for mans comfortable habitation; and Gods promise fully performed.
Take these Notes from it.
D. 1. The giving in of one step of mercy maketh Gods Saints to wait for more. From the connection of this to the foregoing.
D. 2. Gods gracious ones desire to let patience have its perfect work towards God. He expected, &c.
D. 3. The Saints disposition is to have experience of mercy by trying meanes, as well as to wait for it.
D. 4. In the withholding of return of meanes, may be the returne of mercy. Though the dove stay, yet mercy commeth.
D. 5. Providence promote's the comforts of Saints when he seem's to stop them. As in staying the dove. V. 12.
D. 6. As times of special merciemercy are recorded by God; so they should be remembred by the Church.
D. 7. At his appointed periods, God measures out mercy unto his Church.
D. 8. The Saints patient waiting would God have recorded, as well as his performing mercies.
D. 9. As mercies move to Gods Church, so he moveth his Saints to remove vailes, and meet them.
D. 10. Manifestation of mercies God vouchsafeth his, as well as mercy it self.
D. 11. Several periods of time God takes to perfect salvation to his Church.
D. 12. After all patient waiting, in Gods full time full and compleat mercy and salvation is given in to his Church. V. 13.
The second general of this Chapter containeth the state of the Church after the cessation of the waters, and Gods gracious providences thereunto; wherein occur observable these particulars. 1. Gods command to Noach, for going out of the Ark. Ver. 15, 16, 17. 2. Noahs obedience to this command. Ver. 18, 19. 3. Noahs sacrifice after this to God. Ver. 20. 4. Gods acceptance and answer. Ver. 21, 22.
1. Gods Command to Noach is thus related.
Ver. 15. And Elohim spake to Noach saying. — Cald. same. — Lord God. Sept.
Ver. 16. Go out of the Ark, thou and thy wise, and thy sonnes, and the wives of thy sonnes with thee. — Sept. and Cald. same.
Ver. 17. Every wild beast which is with thee, of all flesh among the fowl, and among the cattel, and among every creeping thing, creeping upon the earth, bring forth with thee, and let them creep upon the earth, and grow and be multiplied upon the earth. — And increase ye, and be multiplied and fill the earth. Sept. — and let them generate in the earth, and be multiplied and grow upon the earth. Cald.
In this head we have related Noahs commission for comming out of the Ark, after his long abode there, and herein these particulars are observable. 1. The Authority giving order about this. Ver. 15.Ver. 15. — And Elohim spake to Noah saying. Wherein. 1. The Power ordering, Elohim, the mighty God, who gave him a command to enter. Chap. 7. Ver. 1. Of whose absolute authority, and gracious respect to him there was no doubt. 2. The Subject to whom this word commeth is Noach, the gracious One whom God had accepted, to whom he revealeth his mind immediately, and by him teacheth the rest with him. 3. The way of expressing this order, He spake saying, whether by vision, dream or apparition, this came to him, is not expressed, but these things are clear, 1. It was an immediate discovery from God. 2. It was a clear Revelation. 3. It was a certain word, he spake saying, that is, he certainly spake and revealed his will to Noach. 2. The command or word it self given him, of which there are two branches. 1. Of duty for egress. 2. Of promise or blessing. 1. The word of duty respects. 1. Himself and family, Ver. 16.Ver. 16. Go out of the ark, thou and thy wife, and thy sonnes, and the wives of thy sonnes with thee, wherein are considerable.
1. The matter of this command, which is egress out of his strait recluse, where God kept him from the deluge. The Ark was the Instrument of Salvation, so long as the flood continued and God pleased; all that while he was to abide there; but now that flood of wrath being ceased, God brings him out upon the Earth, and his Church with him, to keep them there, and teach them by other ordinances unto life. There have bin times of changing visible meanes of the Churches salvation, according to the will of God; somtimes he commands into the Ark, and somtimes out again. 2. The order here mentioned is arbitrary to the Spirit, and favours not that fable of the Jewes, as if Noah and his wife were separate in the Ark, &c. The order mentioned, Ver. 18. doth confute it. 2. The command to him, which respects inferiour creatures is thus expressed.
Ver. 17.Bring thou forth with thee, every beast which is with thee, of all flesh, among fowl, among cattel, among every creeping thing that creepeth on the earth. Wherein are declared. 1. The kindes of creatures that went in. 2. The word for their egress also; that in the Churches comfort they should have inlargment to serve them, who serve God.
2. The word of blessing, which concern's immediatly in this place these creatures, but consequently the outward comfort of Noah, and his Church.
The Septuagint reads it, as to Noach and his, but not truely to the text. for it is, and let them breed abundantly, or be made to creep abundantly in the earth, and let them grow and multiply on the earth. It is the summe of the blessing which was given in the first Creation of them;Gen. 1.24. and now God renews in the restauration of the world; all tending to the help and externall comfort of his Church. God reneweth also the blessing of fruitfulness upon his Church afterward.
Here take these Notes.
D. 1. After their Patient waiting God will certainly speak to his Saints though he was silent.
D. 2. God speak's not doubtfully but certainly to his People in his returns.Ver. 15.
D. 3. God himself must speak unto the satisfying of his Saints in their motions.
D. 4. VponUpon change of providences, God speaketh change of duty to his Saints, Go out.
D. 5. It is at Gods pleasure to ordain or lay aside external meanes of mans salvation.
D. 6. Gods promise is compleatly good unto his Church for saving. Every head comes forth. V. 16.
D. 7. Common salvation is given unto Creatures for the Churches sake.
D. 8. Propagation, increase, and multiplication of creatures on earth, is Gods blessing for his Church. Ver. 17.
The second particular which is Noachs obedience to Gods command for going out followeth.
Ver. 18.Ver. 18. And Noach went out and his sonnes, and his wife, and the wives of his sonnes with him. — Cald. same. — The Septuagint keep the order in the command, and set Noahs wife before his sonnes.
Ver. 19.Ver. 19. Every beast, every creeping thing, and every sowl, every thing creeping upon the earth, according to their families or kindes, went forth from the Ark. — The Sept. leaveth out, (after their kindes.) — After their generations, &c. Cald.
In this passage occurr observable. 1. The connection of Noahs obedience unto Gods command. (1) — Which is read by some as a Copulative, and so obedience is joined with Gods command, and by some as an Illative, and so it sheweth the cause of his obedience to be the command of God; both sutable enough. 2. The Act of his obedience, He went out, this was an exact answer to Gods will, for God bad him go out, as somtime he had commanded him to enter in; and he returns in every title. 3. The order again repeated, which yet is altered from what was mentioned before, which sheweth that it was arbitrary to the Spirit somtimes to number one way and somtime another; which sheweth the conceits of some to be vain, that would make such collections as if Noah and his wife, &c. did not company together in the Ark. Yet somthing of Divine providence is to be observed in this very order; that creatures should not break out but all keep their order and rank. 1. Noach, as the Prince and Chief whom God honoreth. 2. His sonnes, those that were next him — 3. The women, follow them, even — such as were in relation under, but as might be heirs of the same promise with them. 4. The bruit creatures, of whom we may note. 1. Their kindes. (1) Every wild beast. — (2) Every tame creature, such as go under the name of creeping things. — (3) Every winged creature. — (4) Every creature beside, noted under the name of creeping things on the Earth. 2. Their order according to their families or kindes, — that is, every creature, with its ma…e of its own nature. 3. Their motion at Gods word to Noah and instinct to them. (1) The motion, they went out, — that is, answered their command, and moved. (2) The term from whence, is expressed — from the Ark, where they had bin preserved beside their nature. (3) The terme whereunto, supposed, every one to his own place appointed, Wild beasts to the woods, others to the fields, fowls to fly in the midst of heaven, &c. So doubtless the providence of God ordained.
From all which these Notes may be taken.
D. 1. Gods command and Saints obedience are and must be joyned to bring about their comforts. From the connection.
D. 2. Gods Command must be the cause of Saints obedience, and this must follow.
D. 3. It becommeth Saints to make their outgoings and incommings onelyonly upon the word of God. V. 18.
D. 4. Providence doth appoint and maintaine order in the mooving of his creatures; but especially in his Church, one above, others under.
D. 5. Admirable is the work of Providence upon bruits to keep them in order.
D. 6. There is a kind of family order by Gods instinct among beasts.
D. 7. The motion of bruits is at the word of God to go in and out for safety.
3. After Noahs obedience followeth his sacrifice typical as to propitiation, moral as to thanks-giving.
Ver. 20.Ver. 20. And Noach built an Altar to Jehovah, and brought of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and he made to ascend ascensions or off…red burnt offerings upon the Altar. — a whole burnt offering &c. foreign. Sept. an Altar before the Lord, &c. Cald.
In this passage Noachs worship is recorded with his obedience, and that in a threefold Act expressed. 1. His building, And Noach built an Altar to Jehovah.
Wherein. 1. The Connection of this to the former work of his obedience; He obeyed Gods word and worshipped. 2. His work, He built an Altar, about which we may know, 1. The principle mooving, Gods will, safely presumed both from Noahs faith who waited for Gods word in all his undertakings, and from the law which afterward he gave to his Church about the same matter. 2. The Subject acting, Noach. 3. His Act, he built, or framed, doubtless according to Gods pattern. 4. The Object, an Altar, or a Sacrificatory, a place on which the stain sacrifices were offered, as the word imports. 5. The end, it was to Jehovah, and to terminate onelyonly upon him and to his praise. He is the end of all worship. 1. That his name should be called on it. 2. That he might yet be reconciled by it to the remnant of soules left from the flood; setting out Christ our Altar, who sanctifieth all that come to God by him, Exod. 20.24. 2. His choosing of a Sacrifice, And brought of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl.
Herein. 1. The cause of his choise is supposed, to be the command or will of God, as before it was of his building the Altar. (1) It is said God was pleased. (2) It must then be by faith that Noah pleased God: (3) There must be then a word from God on which faith must work. 2. His work here is an Actual separation of a gift for Jehovah, Faith cannot come alone or solitary unto God. 3. Of Gods owne apointment he provides an offering; God onelyonly made the distinction of clean and unclean for himself, and of the clean, Providence ordered more to enter into the Ark than of unclean, and some add ones also, which might be for this offering. This Law of sacrifice was then before the Law even from Adam as hath bin shewed, all teaching that by the blood of that immaculate Lamb of God, reconciliation must be made with God for poor sinners. The universality added, notes the readiness of Noahs heart to answer God, who had chosen all the clean, Bullock, Lamb, Kid, Turtledove, &c. 3. His oblation, And he offered burnt offerings on the Altar.
In this is the consummation of Noachs Worship. 1. The worshipper, Noach a priest of God typifying Christ our great High priest. 2. His Act, he offered or made to ascend, viz. in the fire. 3. The oblation, named an Ascension. Heb. — Whole burnt offering. Sep. Because it ascended all night long in vapour by the fire. Lev. 6.19. 4. The place of offering, the altar which he had built according to Gods word; This did sanctifie the gift, and so typifie the God head of Christ, which sanctified his offering. All this was managed according to Gods will, which afterward by his command was recorded by Moses in scripture. Math. 23.19. Exod. 29, 37.
Note we from it.
D. 1. Obedience and sacrifice are sweetly set together by God, and kept together by saints. Hypocrisy divide's. 1. Sam. 15. as in Saul.
D. 2. The first work due to Gods salvation is the setting up of his worship in truth So doth Noah.
D. 3. Altar and sacrifice worship was from mans fall before the Law; though not written.
D. 4. The Saints in faith built Altars, and brought sacrifices to God onelyonly upon his word.
D. 5. God would have but one Altar onelyonly at one time in the place which he should choose.
D. 6. Altar and sacrifice-worship is most requisit for sinners to come to God. Therefore Christ is both for propitiation.
D. 7. A beleeving Priest, sanctifying Altar, and clean sacrifice are fittest to type out Christ in all, and please God.
D. 8. All clean things as they are Gods making so they are Gods portion.
D. 9. The sacrifice which God accept's must ascend and come up to him, to be available. So Christ offered fully.
D. 10. The sacrifice which brings peace to man giveth glory unto God. So here. So in Christ. V. 20.
The fourth head now followeth in the second general, which is Gods acceptance of him and his offering.
Ver. 21. And Jehovah smelt a smel of rest, and Jehovah said to his heart, I wil not adde to curse further the ground for Adams sake, because the thought of the heart of Adam (is) evil from his childhood; and I will not adde further to smite every living thing as I have done. — And the Lord God smelt a savour of sweetness, and the Lord God considering said, I will not adde any more to curse the earth for mens works, because the mind of man is set carefully upon evil, from his youth, I will not therefore adde to smite all living flesh, as I have done, all dayes of the earth. Sept. — And the Lord accepted his offering in his good pleasure, and the Lord said in his word, I will not adde again to curse the earth for the sinnes of men; because the sense of mans heart is evil from his infancy, &c. Cald.
Ver. 22. Yet al the dayes of the earth, seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shal not cease. — Cald. same. The seventy adde the first part of this verse to the former, and thus read. — Seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and spring shall not cease day and night. Sept.
In this last head we have considerable two main things about Gods return to Noach. 1. Gods acceptance of him. 2. Gods promise to him: which is twofold. 1. Generally to all: 2. Specially to himself.
In the first of these, thus expressed,Ver.. 12: And Jehovah smelt a smel of Rest — We have observable. 1. The Subject spoken of, Jehovah himself, he that is, and there is none els. 2. The Attribute,foreign to smel a smel or savour of rest: which is a speech altogether figurative. Here is, 1. Anthropopathia, it is spoken of God after the manner of men. 2. Metaphora, a borrowed act from man to signify somthing proper to God, and that is Acceptance, delight, good pleasure, so the Caldee reads plainly, the Lord accepted with good will, as men are delighted with smells that please them. (1) All this concerns the Act attributed. So in Scripture, God is said to accept or not accept of sacrifice, by smelling and not smelling in them. Levit. 26.31. Amos 5.21. (2) The object of this, a smel or savour of rest. Which is to be considered. 1. Metonymically, foreignit being to express the sacrifice which Noah offered, whereof indeed it was the effect in bringing rest and quieting of the heart to God, after his powring out fury upon the wicked world. 2. Typically, and so it notes the sacrifice of Christ, whereof it was a type. So the Apostle writeth of him, that he gave himself for us, a sacrifice and offering to God for a smell of sweet savour. Eph. 5.2. The Cald. reads onelyonly, his oblation. The Sept. a savour of sweet smel; that which is spoken of Christ. The word in the original, is from the same root with the name Noach, signifying rest: which indeed Christ the truth of that sacrifice did bring to God, that his spirit was quieted toward man, and now he could do no other but speak peace to him as it followeth in his next act.
2. Gods promise is now manifested hereupon, 1. In general, to all creatures. 2. In special to Noach, Ch. 9. The first of these is twofold, 1. Of not destroying the world again after this manner. 2. Of establishing the course of nature. The former of these is doubled under various expressions. 1. Thus. And Jehovah said to his heart, Ver. 21.I wil not adde to curse the ground any more, for Adams sake, because, or although, the thought of the heart of Adam, be evil from his infancy.
In which discovery, may we consider. 1. The serious and firm purpose of God to this matter: Expressed thus, — And Jehovah said to or in his heart. Which is spoken of God also after the manner of men; however some look on it as spoken to the heart of Noah for comfort. Yet it is more proper to God himself, who is presented as it were conferring with himself. So the Sept. read, foreign, casting in his mind; which notes serious determination, heartily intended; but the phrase to others seemeth to carry a form of Gods Oath, so the Cald. The Lord said in or by his word, and God himself speaketh in the Prophet, I have sworn, &c: Isai. 54.9. Which seemeth to be in this expression. So that we have a most serious, and sure preparation to the ensuing promise. 2. The promise itself, wherein. 1. The good promised. 1. Security against any such deluge as had bin, I will not curse the ground any more, that is, with that special curse of the Deluge, which prevailed over all the ground; for as for other wayes of punishment, which was taken upon man in the curse of the ground from Adam, and such as may come upon particular men and places for their sin, this is no security for any of them to do evil; but as to this last way of vengeance, God saith and sweareth that he will not adde to do it again. However he hath spoken of destroying the world by fire. 2. Security against the provoking cause of it, which is mans sin, I will not so curse again, for mans sake, that is, man as Adam in the state of his Apostasy; as if he should say, I will overcome mans iniquity by bearing and pardoning; The Sept. read for the works of men. — Cald. sinnes of men. 3. The reason of this promise, or occasion of it rather, for the the particle m… be understood, 1. As causal,foreign Because the thought, &c. As if God made the continued way of mans sin the cause of his grace; this sense is retained by many, under that distinction, that though legally it be the cause of wrath, yet Evangelically God makes it so of shewing mercy. But in this sense, sin is not the cause of grace, but occasion of shewing mercy. 2. As adversative, to this sense, I will not adde to curse, Although the imagination of the heart of Adam be evil, from his first excursion from the womb; which is the clearer way of reading; so that, though it be a long race of sin from the womb, yet God hath sworn against such a deluge. 2. The same promise is doubled in other words,Ver. 21. And I will not add any more to smite every living thing, as I have done.
Herein likewise we may note. 1. The good promised is the same security against universal destruction, God will not add to smite or destroy every living thing, or all living flesh. Sept. 2. A limitation of that promise as I have done, that is, at this time by water, but God hath fire enough to avenge himself upon the wicked again. 2 Pet. 3, 7. 2. The next promise is for establishing the course of nature, times, and seasons. Wherein, 1. The term of promise to be in force.Ver. 22. As yet all the dayes of the earth.
That is so long as the Earth abides. 2. The good promised, Seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
Intimating all to be as it were confounded in the flood, but now God appeased in Christ sett's all in sweet order again.
Quest. But what are all these promises as to grace?
Answ. In the letter they mention nothing, but in the truth these are typical, holding out spiritual good signified by them; the certainty of which spiritual promises are avouched by God as the stability of these, Isa. 54, 9. Jer. 33.20, 21.
These being opened it will be meet to take up the instructions that do now arise.
D. 1. Gods ordinance obeyed and Gods acceptance performed, go together. From the Connection.
D. 2. The sacrifice of the Immaculate Lamb of God, viz. the truth of all typical offerings, makes Gods heart quiet and well pleased with sinners. Rest.
D. 3. Jehovah is delighted onelyonly with all thanks-giving united to this offering.
D. 4. God pleased in Christ is resolved in heart and swears to do good unto his people.
D. 5. Gods Covenant secures the Vniverse from a second Deluge.
D. 6. The sonnes of Adam are from the womb evil in their principles to high provocation.
D. 7. Grace in Gods Covenant glorieth over sin and will overcome it.
D. 8. Gods curse and smiting come and go together. Where he curseth he smiteth.
D. 9. Sinners may be exempt from one kind of judgment though not from all. Ver. 21.
D. 10. Due seasons, and times successively upon creatures are Gods constitutions by Covenant.
D. 11. Such seasons are set for ever, so long as the Earth abides.
D. 12. God through these ordinances would teach souls the stability of the Covenant of Grace. V. 22.