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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 7:11–12. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. The date of this great event; this is carefully recorded, for the greater certainty of the story.
1.It was in the 600th year of Noah's life, which, by computation, appears to be 1656 years from the creation. The years of the old world are reckoned, not by the reigns of the giants, but the lives of the patriarchs; saints are of more account with God than princes. The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance. Noah was now a very old man, even as men's years went then. Note,
(1.)The longer we live in this world the more we see of the miseries and calamities of it; it is therefore spoken of as the privilege of those that die young that their eyes shall not see the evil which is coming, Kg2 22:20.
(2.)Sometimes God exercises his old servants with extraordinary trials of obedience patience. The oldest of Christ's soldiers must not promise themselves a discharge from their warfare till death discharge them. Still they must gird on their harness, and not boast as though they had put it off. As the year of the deluge is recorded, so,
2.We are told that it was in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, which is reckoned to be about the beginning of November; so that Noah had had a harvest just before, from which to victual his ark.
II.The second causes that concurred to this deluge. Observe,
1.In the self-same day that Noah was fixed in the ark, the inundation began. Note,
(1.)Desolating judgments come not till God has provided for the security of his own people; see Gen 19:22, I can do nothing till thou be come thither: and we find (Rev 7:3) that the winds are held till the servants of God are sealed.
(2.)When good men are removed judgments are not far off; for they are taken away from the evil to come, Isa 57:1. When they are called into the chambers, hidden in the grave, hidden in heaven, then God is coming out of his place to punish, Isa 26:20, Isa 26:21.
2.See what was done on that day, that fatal day to the world of the ungodly.
(1.)The fountains of the great deep were broken up. Perhaps there needed no new creation of waters; what were already made to be, in the common course of providence, blessings to the earth, were now, by an extraordinary act of divine power, made the ruin of it. God has laid up the deep in storehouses (Psa 33:7), and now he broke up those stores. As our bodies have in themselves those humours which, when God pleases, become the seeds and springs of mortal diseases, so the earth had in it bowels those waters which, at God's command, sprang up and flooded it. God had, in the creation, set bars and doors to the waters of the sea, that they might not return to cover the earth (Psa 104:9; Job 38:9-11); and now he only removed those ancient land-marks, mounds, and fences, and the waters of the sea returned to cover the earth, as they had done at first, Gen 1:9. Note, All the creatures are ready to fight against sinful man, and any of them is able to be the instrument of his ruin, if God do but take off the restraints by which they are held in during the day of God's patience.
(2.)The windows of heaven were opened, and the waters which were above the firmament were poured out upon the world; those treasures which God has reserved against the time of trouble, the day of battle and war, Job 38:22, Job 38:33. The rain, which ordinarily descends in drops, then came down in streams, or spouts, as they call them in the Indies, where clouds have been often known to burst, as they express it there, when the rain descends in a much more violent torrent than we have ever seen in the greatest shower. We read (Job 26:8) that God binds up the waters in his thick clouds, and the cloud is not rent under them; but now the bond was loosed, the cloud was rent, and such rains descended as were never known before nor since, in such abundance and of such continuance: the thick cloud was not, as ordinarily it is, wearied with waterings (Job 37:11), that is, soon spent and exhausted; but still the clouds returned after the rain, and the divine power brought in fresh recruits. It rained, without intermission or abatement, forty days and forty nights (Gen 7:12), and that upon the whole earth at once, not, as sometimes, upon one city and not upon another. God made the world in six days, but he was forty days in destroying it; for he is slow to anger: but, though the destruction came slowly and gradually, yet it came effectually.
3.Now learn from this,
(1.)That all the creatures are at God's disposal, and that he makes what use he pleases of them, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy, as Elihu speaks of the rain, Job 37:12, Job 37:13.
(2.)That God often makes that which should be for our welfare to become a trap, Psa 69:22. That which usually is a comfort and benefit to us becomes, when God pleases, a scourge and a plague to us. Nothing is more needful nor useful than water, both the springs of the earth and the showers of heaven; and yet now nothing was more hurtful, nothing more destructive: every creature is to us what God makes it.
(3.)That it is impossible to escape the righteous judgments of God when they come against sinners with commission; for God can arm both heaven and earth against them; see Job 20:27. God can surround men with the messengers of his wrath, so that, if they look upwards, it is with horror and amazement, if they look to the earth, behold, trouble and darkness, Isa 8:21, Isa 8:22. Who then is able to stand before God, when he is angry?
(4.)In this destruction of the old world by water God gave a specimen of the final destruction of the world that now is by fire. We find the apostle setting the one of these over against the other, Pe2 3:6, Pe2 3:7. As there are waters under the earth, so Aetna, Vesuvius, and other volcanoes, proclaim to the world that there are subterraneous fires too; and fire often falls from heaven, many desolations are made by lightning; so that, when the time predetermined comes, between these two fires the earth and all the works therein shall be burnt up, as the flood was brought upon the old world out of the fountains of the great deep and through the windows of heaven.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
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.
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Summary
Genesis 7:12 precisely details the commencement and relentless duration of the atmospheric deluge during the Great Flood, declaring, "And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights." This pivotal verse underscores the comprehensive nature of God's righteous judgment and the sustained intensity of the divine act, marking a critical phase in the biblical account of global cleansing and the preservation of life through the Ark.
Context
Literary Context
Genesis 7:12 immediately follows Genesis 7:11, which describes the dual origin of the floodwaters: the "fountains of the great deep" bursting forth and the "windows of heaven" opening. While verse 11 sets the stage for the cataclysm, verse 12 specifically focuses on the continuous, torrential rainfall, emphasizing its duration. This verse then sets the stage for the escalating nature of the flood, as described in Genesis 7:17-20, where the waters increase and cover all the high mountains under the whole heaven. The relentless nature of this specific forty-day period of rain is crucial to understanding the totality of the judgment that unfolds.
Historical & Cultural Context
The biblical account of the Flood, culminating in the events of Genesis 7, stands distinct from other ancient Near Eastern flood narratives (like the Epic of Gilgamesh or Atrahasis) primarily in its monotheistic framework and moral purpose. While other accounts often attribute floods to capricious gods, the Genesis narrative explicitly links the deluge to God's righteous judgment against humanity's pervasive wickedness and violence, as outlined in Genesis 6:5-7. The concept of a global flood was comprehensible in an ancient worldview, where the "waters above" and "waters below" were understood as distinct reservoirs. The "forty days and forty nights" would have conveyed an extraordinary, unprecedented event, far beyond any ordinary seasonal rain, signifying a divine intervention of immense scale and duration.
Key Themes
Genesis 7:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of Divine Judgment against sin, demonstrating God's unwavering holiness and His refusal to tolerate unbridled corruption (Genesis 6:11-13). Secondly, it highlights God's Absolute Sovereignty over creation, revealing His power to command and control natural forces to accomplish His purposes. The sustained, precise duration of the rain underscores His intentionality and control. Finally, this verse, in conjunction with the entire Flood narrative, introduces the theme of New Beginnings and Divine Preservation, as the judgment clears the way for a new covenant with Noah and a cleansed earth, foreshadowing God's ongoing work of redemption and new creation (Genesis 8:1-22).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root meaning "to shower," this word signifies a heavy, pouring rain, a deluge, distinct from a light drizzle or seasonal showers. Its use here emphasizes the intensity and volume of the precipitation, indicating not just a meteorological event but a divinely orchestrated downpour of cataclysmic proportions.
While literally meaning a day (from sunrise to sunset, or one sunset to the next), this term can also denote a period of time. In this context, combined with "nights," it strictly refers to a continuous, literal cycle of day and night, emphasizing the unceasing nature of the rainfall over an extended period. The repetition with "nights" underscores the relentless, round-the-clock nature of the deluge.
Properly meaning "a twist (away of the light)," referring to the period of darkness. Its inclusion alongside "days" confirms the uninterrupted, continuous nature of the rain. The pairing "days and nights" is a common biblical idiom to denote a full, unbroken span of time, here emphasizing the complete and unceasing nature of the forty-day deluge.
Verse Breakdown
"And the rain was upon the earth"
This clause establishes the primary agent and scope of the unfolding judgment. The "rain" (Hebrew: geshem) indicates a heavy, torrential downpour, differentiating it from ordinary precipitation. The phrase "upon the earth" signifies the universal reach of this deluge, affecting the entire landmass, and by extension, all living creatures upon it, setting the stage for the global impact of the Flood.
"forty days and forty nights"
This precise temporal marker is crucial, indicating the exact duration of the continuous, intense rainfall. The repetition of "forty" and the pairing of "days and nights" emphasize the relentless, uninterrupted nature of the downpour. The number forty frequently holds symbolic significance in biblical narratives, often denoting a period of testing, judgment, purification, or preparation, suggesting that this was not a random duration but a divinely appointed and purposeful period of God's active judgment.
Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Genesis 7:12 is Repetition, specifically the phrase "forty days and forty nights." This repetition serves to emphasize the extraordinary and relentless nature of the rainfall, underscoring its duration and intensity. It highlights that this was not a fleeting storm but a sustained, divinely orchestrated event. Furthermore, the number forty itself carries Symbolism throughout Scripture, often representing a period of divine testing, judgment, or preparation. Examples include Moses on Mount Sinai for forty days, Israel's forty years in the wilderness, and Jesus' forty days of fasting and temptation. This symbolic weight imbues the forty days of rain with deeper theological meaning, indicating a divinely purposed epoch of profound transformative and judgmental activity.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The forty days and forty nights of rain in Genesis 7:12 powerfully illustrate God's unwavering justice and holiness, demonstrating that He will not indefinitely tolerate pervasive sin and corruption. The Flood was a righteous response to humanity's deep-seated wickedness, revealing God's character as both loving and just. This verse also highlights God's absolute sovereignty over creation, showing His complete dominion over natural phenomena; He commanded the rain, sustained its intensity, and ceased it according to His perfect will. Even in the midst of overwhelming judgment, God meticulously provided a means of salvation for Noah and his family, demonstrating His faithfulness to those who obey Him. The Ark, sustained by the very waters of judgment, stands as a testament to divine preservation amidst cataclysm.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 7:12 invites us to reflect on the profound implications of God's character and our response to it. The relentless forty-day rain serves as a stark reminder of God's righteous judgment against sin, urging us to consider the seriousness of our own actions and the necessity of repentance. It underscores that God is not indifferent to human wickedness but will act decisively in His perfect timing. Simultaneously, this passage highlights the paramount importance of obedience, as Noah's faithful adherence to God's seemingly impossible instructions ensured his family's preservation amidst global catastrophe. For believers today, this passage encourages trust in God's perfect timing and purposes, even through periods of intense testing or purification in our own lives, recognizing that such times can be divinely appointed for growth and preparation for new seasons of ministry or blessing. It challenges us to live lives of integrity and faithfulness in a world that often disregards divine standards.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the specific duration of "forty days and forty nights" so emphasized?
The emphasis on "forty days and forty nights" in Genesis 7:12 is crucial for several reasons. Linguistically, the repetition highlights the relentless and continuous nature of the downpour, stressing its completeness and intensity. Theologically, the number forty holds significant biblical symbolism, often denoting a period of testing, purification, or divine preparation. For instance, Moses spent forty days and nights on Mount Sinai receiving the Law, and Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness. This specific duration underscores that the Flood was not a random event but a divinely ordained and precisely executed act of judgment and cleansing, marking a definitive end to the old, wicked world and the beginning of a new covenant with Noah.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Genesis 7:12 describes a period of divine judgment and destruction, it implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate source of salvation and new creation, turning the waters of judgment into a foreshadowing of redemption. Just as Noah and his family found refuge in the Ark, preserved through the very waters that brought judgment upon the earth, believers today find their salvation and new life in Christ. He is the true Ark, who endured the ultimate judgment for sin on the cross, becoming the means of escape from eternal condemnation. The cleansing waters of the Flood, though destructive, foreshadow the spiritual cleansing and new birth offered through Christ's atoning work and the sacrament of baptism. As 1 Peter 3:20-21 explicitly links Noah's salvation through water to Christian baptism, it emphasizes that baptism is not merely the removal of dirt from the body, but "the pledge of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." This connection highlights that through Christ, the waters of judgment are transformed into waters of salvation, leading to a new life and a new covenant, far surpassing the temporary reprieve granted to Noah.