How did Noah know which animals were "clean" and "unclean" before the Mosaic Law?

While the detailed laws concerning clean and unclean animals were formally codified in the Mosaic Law (e.g., Leviticus 11), the concept likely pre-existed. It's plausible that God directly revealed this distinction to Noah, as He did with other specific instructions, or that it was an intuitive understanding based on common practices of the time regarding animals suitable for sacrifice or consumption, passed down through generations from Adam. The narrative implies Noah simply understood and obeyed, indicating a divinely imparted knowledge or a pre-existing cultural norm.

Why did God command seven pairs of clean animals but only two of unclean?

The primary reason for the larger number of clean animals (seven pairs, or fourteen individuals) was to ensure a sufficient population for both repopulation and, crucially, for post-Flood sacrifice. Clean animals were those deemed suitable for worship and consumption. After the Flood, Noah immediately offered burnt offerings of every clean beast and fowl (Genesis 8:20). If only one pair had been preserved, such an act of worship would have risked the extinction of the species. Unclean animals, not used for sacrifice, only needed a single pair to ensure their survival and repopulation.

Does this verse imply God cares about animals, or is it solely for human benefit?

This verse strongly implies God's care for all His creation, not solely for human benefit. While the preservation of animals certainly benefited humanity by maintaining biodiversity and providing resources, the command itself demonstrates God's desire to preserve the life He created, even those not directly serving human needs. The Flood was a judgment on human wickedness, but God's plan extended to safeguarding the animal kingdom, showcasing His comprehensive sovereignty and benevolent concern for the entirety of His created order. This aligns with broader biblical themes of God's delight in His creation, as seen in Psalm 104.

7:1 7:1

Genesis 7:2

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Bible Versions

Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that [are] not clean by two, the male and his female.

Of every clean {H2889} beast {H929} thou shalt take {H3947} to thee by sevens {H7651}{H7651}, the male {H376} and his female {H802}: and of beasts {H929} that are not clean {H2889}{H1931} by two {H8147}, the male {H376} and his female {H802}.

Of every clean animal you are to take seven couples, and of the animals that are not clean, one couple;

You are to take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate; a pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate;

Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee seven and seven, the male and his female; and of the beasts that are not clean two, the male and his female:

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Leviticus 10:10

And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;
Genesis 8:20

¶ And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
Leviticus 11:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,
Leviticus 11:47

To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.
Genesis 7:8

Of clean beasts, and of beasts that [are] not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth,
Genesis 6:19

And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every [sort] shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep [them] alive with thee; they shall be male and female.
Genesis 6:21

And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather [it] to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.

Bible Versions

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