Commentary on Genesis 6:20
Verse Context
Genesis 6:20 falls within the narrative of Noah's Ark, where God instructs Noah to build an Ark to save himself, his family, and a remnant of all living creatures from the impending flood. This verse reads:
“Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.”
Interpretation and Insights
This instruction from God highlights several key aspects of divine providence, the preservation of life, and the categorization of creation.
1. Divine Command and Providence
Matthew Henry emphasizes that God’s command reflects His sovereignty over creation and His authority to dictate the means by which it will be preserved. Noah's obedience to these directions showcases faith in God’s plan despite the grandeur of the coming judgment.
Albert Barnes notes that God takes meticulous care to ensure the preservation of species. The command isn’t merely about saving lives but is also about the continuity of creation, highlighting God’s role as sustainer.
2. Classification of Creation
The reference to "fowls," "cattle," and "every creeping thing" reflects a categorization of God’s creation. Adam Clarke explains that this categorization is significant because it indicates God’s awareness and intentionality in preserving diverse forms of life. It serves to show the care God takes in maintaining the ecological balance.
Understanding these categories helps us appreciate the orderliness of creation, as God's directions are specific to the types and kinds of animals He desires to save. Such specificity indicates that God acknowledges the uniqueness of each creature.
3. Theological Implications of Preservation
This verse also speaks volumes about God's nature as a preserver and protector. Matthew Henry elucidates that while God is just in His judgments, He is also merciful, ensuring the survival of life through Noah’s obedience. The instruction to gather representative pairs of each type emphasizes God's commitment to the perpetuation of life and His promise woven throughout Scripture to care for His creation.
4. Symbolism of the Ark
In light of the Ark as a vessel of salvation, Albert Barnes asserts that the gathering and preservation of animal life serves as an allegory for Christ as the ultimate Ark of salvation. Just as Noah gathered the animals to save them from the flood, so too, Christ gathers believers to save them from eternal condemnation.
Lessons for Contemporary Readers
The underlying messages from Genesis 6:20 resonate powerfully with modern followers of faith.
- Obedience to God: Noah's compliance serves as a model for believers. His faith led him to act, teaching that faith without works is dead (James 2:26).
- Preservation and Care for Creation: This verse affirms the theological duty of stewardship. Modern believers are reminded to uphold and protect the environment and its creatures.
- Hope Amidst Judgment: The Ark symbolizes hope and salvation, inviting believers to trust in God's redemptive promises despite surrounding turmoil.
Conclusion
Genesis 6:20 encapsulates a pivotal moment in biblical history, showcasing God's sovereignty, His meticulous care for His creation, and the depth of His mercy even in a narrative of judgment. As scholars, theologians, and students of the Bible reflect on this verse, they are encouraged to draw connections between divine directives and contemporary life, reaffirming their understanding of God as the ultimate preserver of life.
