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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 7:5–10.
Here is Noah's ready obedience to the commands that God gave him. Observe, 1. He went into the ark, upon notice that the flood would come after seven days, though probably as yet there appeared no visible sign of its approach, no cloud arising that threatened it, nothing done towards it, but all continued serene and clear; for, as he prepared the ark by faith in the warning given that the flood would come, so he went into it by faith in this warning that it would come quickly, though he did not see that the second causes had yet begun to work. In every step he took, he walked by faith, and not by sense. During these seven days, it is likely, he was settling himself and his family in the ark, and distributing the creatures into their several apartments. This was the conclusion of that visible sermon which he had long been preaching to his careless neighbours, and which, one would think, might have awakened them; but, not obtaining that desired end, it left their blood upon their own heads. 2. He took all his family along with him, his wife, to be his companion and comfort (though it should seem that, after this, he had no children by her), his sons, and his sons' wives, that by them not only his family, but the world of mankind, might be built up. Observe, Though men were to be reduced to so small a number, and it would be very desirable to have the world speedily repeopled, yet Noah's sons were each of them to have but one wife, which strengthens the argument against having many wives; for from the beginning of this new world it was not so: as, at first, God made, so now he kept alive, but one woman for one man. See Mat 19:4, Mat 19:8. 3. The brute creatures readily went in with him. The same hand that at first brought them to Adam to be named now brought them to Noah to be preserved. The ox now knew his owner, and the ass his protector's crib, nay, even the wildest creatures flocked to it; but man had become more brutish than the brutes themselves, and did not know, did not consider, Isa 1:3.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
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The fact, too, that he brought on the deluge for forty days and nights is a further wonderful sign of his loving kindness. His purpose in his great goodness was that at least some of them might come to their senses and escape that utter ruin, having before their eyes the annihilation of their peers and the destruction about to overwhelm them. I mean, the likelihood is that on the first day some proportion were drowned, an additional number on the second day, and likewise on the third day and so on. His reason for extending it for forty days was that he might remove from them any grounds for excuse. You see, had it been his wish and command, he could have submerged everything in one downpour. Instead, out of fidelity to his characteristic love he arranged for a stay of so many days.
And then what? “All the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the flood gates of heaven were opened. And the rain fell upon the earth forty days and forty nights.” And a little later: “And all flesh was destroyed that moved upon the earth.” And again, “And Noah only remained alive and they that were with him in the ark.” Here and now I wish to ask them who call God indifferent to human affairs whether they believe that at that time he either cared for earthly affairs or intervened in them.
And when seven days had passed, the waters of the flood inundated the earth. The seventh day signifies the Sabbath, that is, the rest of future life. Therefore, since the flood signifies the water of baptism, aptly after seven days from when the ark was made it came, because we are baptized in the hope of perpetual rest. However, since the waves of temptations are represented by the waters of the flood, it is also fitting that they come after seven days, because for the sake of faith in the hope of future goods, the just suffer persecution from those who prefer earthly goods to heavenly ones, and the temporal to the everlasting. But indeed, since the flood is compared to the coming of the final judgment, it also fittingly inundates the earth after seven days, because then all the elect who have borne the gentle yoke of Christ and the light burden find rest for their souls.
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Summary
Genesis 7:10 precisely marks the culmination of God's meticulously timed seven-day grace period, immediately preceding the onset of the global deluge. This pivotal verse underscores the absolute certainty of divine judgment and the unwavering fulfillment of God's pronouncements, as the waters begin to cover the earth exactly as He had decreed, following Noah's complete and faithful obedience.
Context
Literary Context
Genesis 7:10 stands as a critical transition point in the unfolding narrative of the Great Flood. It follows God's detailed instructions to Noah regarding the construction of the ark and the gathering of all living creatures, as outlined in Genesis 6:14-21. Immediately prior to this verse, Genesis 7:1-9 describes Noah's complete and meticulous obedience in bringing his family and all the designated animals into the ark. The specific mention of "seven days" in Genesis 7:4 and its culmination in verse 10 highlights a divinely appointed waiting period, emphasizing God's patience and the finality of His decree before the unleashing of His righteous judgment upon a world steeped in profound wickedness and violence, as described in Genesis 6:5-13.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, floods were common occurrences, particularly in riverine civilizations like Mesopotamia, but the biblical account of the Genesis Flood describes an event of unparalleled scale and divine origin. The concept of a "seven-day" period carried significant cultural and theological weight, often symbolizing completion, perfection, or a sacred cycle, as seen in the creation account in Genesis 1. While other ancient flood narratives exist (e.g., the Epic of Gilgamesh), the Genesis account uniquely emphasizes God's moral justification for the flood, His precise timing, and His covenant faithfulness to Noah. The pre-flood world, characterized by pervasive violence and corruption (Genesis 6:11-12), necessitated a divine intervention of this magnitude, setting it apart from mere natural disasters and positioning it as a righteous judgment from the sovereign Creator.
Key Themes
Genesis 7:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Control, demonstrating God's absolute dominion over creation and His meticulous timing in executing His plans. The flood did not begin arbitrarily but precisely "after seven days," underscoring God's perfect orchestration. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of God's Righteous Judgment against Sin. The immediate onset of the flood signifies the end of God's longsuffering patience and the inevitable consequence of humanity's unrepentant wickedness, as previously warned in Genesis 6:17. Thirdly, it highlights Obedience and Salvation, as Noah's unwavering obedience, culminating in his entry into the ark, is directly linked to his preservation from the impending judgment, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative of salvation by faith.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From a root meaning to swear or be full; a primitive cardinal number, seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week. This word emphasizes the divinely appointed period, often associated with completion or perfection in biblical numerology. Here, it signifies the exact, predetermined duration of God's final patience before judgment, marking a full and complete waiting period.
From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term). In this context, "seven days" refers to a literal week, a precise chronological marker that underscores the exact fulfillment of God's word and the meticulous timing of the flood's commencement. It highlights the finite nature of God's grace period.
From a root in the sense of flowing; a deluge. This term is unique in the Old Testament, used almost exclusively to refer to the specific, cataclysmic, global deluge described in Genesis. Its specificity distinguishes this event from ordinary rains or localized floods, emphasizing its extraordinary nature as a divinely orchestrated, universal judgment.
Verse Breakdown
"And it came to pass after seven days,"
This opening clause serves as a critical temporal marker, indicating the precise culmination of a divinely appointed period. The phrase "after seven days" (Hebrew: le'shiv'at yamim) emphasizes God's meticulous timing and the absolute certainty of His word. It signifies the end of the final window of opportunity for repentance and the immediate commencement of the promised judgment, highlighting divine patience that has reached its predetermined limit.
"that the waters of the flood"
This clause identifies the agent of God's judgment: the "waters of the flood." The use of "the flood" (Hebrew: mabbûwl) is significant, as this specific term is reserved almost exclusively for the Genesis deluge, underscoring its unique, unprecedented, and universal nature as a divine act of judgment, distinct from any ordinary rainfall or localized inundation. It points to the overwhelming and comprehensive scope of the impending catastrophe.
"were upon the earth."
This concluding clause declares the immediate and comprehensive impact of the flood. The waters did not merely begin to fall but "were upon the earth," indicating an immediate and widespread covering. This signifies the commencement of the global judgment, affecting the entire landmass and all living creatures outside the ark, fulfilling God's earlier pronouncement to destroy all life from the face of the earth.
Literary Devices
Genesis 7:10 employs several potent literary devices. Divine Chronology is paramount, as the verse precisely marks the culmination of the "seven days," emphasizing God's meticulous and sovereign control over time and events. This precision underscores the certainty of His word. The verse also functions as a moment of Narrative Progression, serving as the dramatic turning point from preparation and waiting to the actual onset of the cataclysm. It builds suspense and then delivers the inevitable. Furthermore, the phrase "waters of the flood were upon the earth" uses Understatement to convey a cataclysmic event; the simple declaration belies the immense destructive power and universal scope of the deluge that is about to unfold, inviting the reader to grasp the profound implications beyond the literal words.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 7:10 serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His declared word, whether in warning or promise. His judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to human sin, demonstrating His holiness and justice, while His preservation of Noah highlights His covenant faithfulness to those who obey. The immediate onset of the flood waters at God's precise timing demonstrates His absolute control over the natural world, affirming His ultimate dominion over all elements and His sovereign orchestration of history. The global nature of the flood, initiated in this verse, emphasizes the pervasive corruption of humanity and the comprehensive reach of God's righteous judgment, serving as a stark reminder that sin's consequences are far-reaching and that God's justice encompasses all creation.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 7:10 serves as a profound reminder for believers today to heed God's warnings and to recognize the finite nature of grace before the certainty of judgment for those who reject His word. Just as the flood prophecy was fulfilled with exact precision, we can trust the absolute reliability of all Scripture, including warnings concerning future judgment and the certainty of Christ's return. This verse calls us to a posture of active, obedient faith, much like Noah's. Noah's steadfast obedience throughout the entire process, including the final seven-day wait, secured his and his family's salvation. His example encourages us to remain faithful in our obedience to God, trusting His perfect timing and sovereign plan, knowing that true obedience to His revealed will ultimately leads to spiritual blessing, deliverance, and eternal life. It challenges us to consider whether we are living in a way that reflects a genuine expectation of God's future judgment and a deep appreciation for His present grace.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was there a seven-day waiting period before the flood began?
The seven-day waiting period, explicitly mentioned in Genesis 7:4 and culminating in Genesis 7:10, served multiple profound purposes. Theologically, it represented a final extension of God's longsuffering patience, offering a last, clear window of opportunity for any to repent and seek refuge, demonstrating His merciful nature even in the face of pervasive wickedness. Practically, it allowed Noah and his family to fully settle into the ark with all the animals, ensuring everything was meticulously prepared according to God's precise instructions before the cataclysmic event began, underscoring God's orderly execution of His plan.
Does the "waters of the flood" imply a global event or a local one?
The biblical narrative, particularly the language used throughout Genesis 6, Genesis 7, Genesis 8, Genesis 9 (and specifically in Genesis 7:10), strongly indicates a global flood. Terms like "all flesh" (Genesis 7:21), "under the whole heaven" (Genesis 7:19), and the explicit need for an ark to preserve life from universal destruction, along with the unique Hebrew word mabbul (מַבּוּל) used only for this event, all point to a universal deluge. The narrative's emphasis on the complete destruction of all life outside the ark necessitates a flood of global proportions, not merely a localized inundation.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Genesis 7:10, marking the precise onset of the flood, profoundly foreshadows Christ in several significant ways. Just as Noah's ark provided the sole means of salvation from God's righteous judgment upon a sinful world, Christ is revealed in the New Testament as the exclusive ark of salvation for humanity under the impending judgment of sin. The seven-day grace period before the flood's commencement can be seen as a type of God's patient forbearance, a final opportunity for repentance before the inevitable judgment, a theme powerfully echoed in the New Testament's call to repentance before Christ's certain return and the final judgment. Furthermore, the flood, initiated by divine timing and resulting in a new beginning for humanity through Noah, points to Christ as the one through whom God's judgment is both executed (upon sin) and averted (for those who believe). He is the one who brings a new creation and offers refuge and a new covenant to all who are "in Him," providing ultimate deliverance from the consequences of sin and ushering in an eternal future.