Genesis 8:4

KJV

¶ And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the ark {H8392} rested {H5117} in the seventh {H7637} month {H2320}, on the seventeenth {H6240}{H7651} day {H3117} of the month {H2320}, upon the mountains {H2022} of Ararat {H780}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the seventeenth day of the seventh month the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.

Berean Standard Bible

On the seventeenth day of the seventh month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.

American Standard Version

And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 8:4 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical flood narrative, precisely detailing the ark's resting place and time. After 150 days of prevailing waters and an additional period of recession, the ark, the vessel of God's preservation, came to rest on the mountains of Ararat on the seventeenth day of the seventh month. This precise dating and geographical specificity underscore God's meticulous sovereignty over the entire cataclysmic event, signifying the cessation of divine judgment and the dawn of a new era of rest, renewal, and covenant for Noah, his family, and all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 8:4 follows the climax of the global deluge described in [Genesis 7:11-24](/genesis/7-11-24 "The Great Flood Begins and Prevails") and the subsequent turning of God's attention to Noah in [Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "God Remembers Noah"). After 150 days of the waters prevailing, God "made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters assuaged." Verses 2-3 describe the gradual recession of the waters, with the fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven being stopped, and the waters returning from the earth "continually." Genesis 8:4 provides the first concrete sign of this recession's effect on the ark, placing it firmly on land before Noah sends out the raven and the dove in [Genesis 8:6-12](/genesis/8-6-12 "Noah Sends Out the Raven and Dove") and before the earth is fully dried in [Genesis 8:13-14](/genesis/8-13-14 "The Earth Dries"). This verse thus serves as a critical turning point, transitioning from the period of judgment and confinement to one of emerging hope and preparation for a new beginning.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "mountains of Ararat" refer to the ancient kingdom of Urartu, a mountainous region located in what is modern-day eastern Turkey and parts of Armenia. This was a known geographical area in the ancient Near East, not necessarily a single peak, but a range. The mention of a specific date ("seventh month, on the seventeenth day") reflects the ancient practice of meticulous record-keeping and the significance placed on temporal markers in narratives, especially those involving divine action. In many ancient cultures, mountains were often seen as places of divine encounter or sacred ground, serving as a fitting, elevated location for the ark's landing after a global judgment, signifying a new beginning from a high, secure place. The precision of the date also hints at a divine calendar at work, paralleling other significant dates in biblical history.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 8:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's absolute control over natural forces and His meticulous guidance of Noah and the ark through the chaos of the flood. It highlights **God's Perfect Timing**, emphasizing that every phase of His redemptive plan, from judgment to restoration, unfolds according to His precise schedule, as seen throughout the flood narrative from the start in [Genesis 7:11](/genesis/7-11 "The Flood Begins") to the ark's disembarkation in [Genesis 8:18](/genesis/8-18 "Noah and Family Leave the Ark"). The ark's "resting" introduces the theme of **Rest and New Beginnings**, foreshadowing the new covenant with Noah in [Genesis 9:1-17](/genesis/9-1-17 "God's Covenant with Noah") and pointing to ultimate spiritual rest. Finally, the verse underscores **Preservation and Hope**, as the ark's safe landing signifies God's faithfulness to preserve a remnant and His unwavering commitment to His creation, even after widespread destruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rested (Hebrew, _nûwach'_):** This primitive root means to settle down, to be quiet, or to find a resting place. It carries a broad range of applications, including to dwell, stay, let fall, place, let alone, or give comfort. The choice of this verb is highly significant, as it directly connects to the name of Noah (Hebrew: *Noakh*), which means "rest" or "comfort." Thus, the ark's "resting" on the mountains of Ararat symbolizes the beginning of the promised comfort and a new era for the earth, fulfilling, in part, the hope associated with Noah's name as expressed in [Genesis 5:29](/genesis/5-29 "Lamech names Noah").
* **Month (Hebrew, _chôdesh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be new," this term refers to the new moon and, by implication, a month. The use of this word emphasizes the cyclical nature of time and the precise calendrical system by which God orchestrates events. The specific mention of the "seventh month" points to a divinely ordered progression, highlighting the passage of time and the unfolding of God's plan in a structured manner.
* **Mountains (Hebrew, _har'_):** This term refers to a mountain or range of hills. In the context of the ark's landing, it signifies a high, elevated, and stable ground, providing a secure and prominent location for the ark after its tumultuous journey. The plural "mountains" suggests a general region rather than a single peak, conveying the vastness of the landmass upon which the ark settled, marking a definitive return to solid ground after the global flood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the ark rested":** This phrase signifies the cessation of the ark's journey and its finding of a stable, secure place. The Hebrew verb *nûwach* (rested) is pregnant with meaning, indicating not just a physical stop but the beginning of a new phase of peace and security after the chaos of the flood. It marks the end of the period of prevailing waters and the commencement of the earth's drying process.
* **"in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month":** The meticulous dating here is crucial. The specificity of the "seventh month" and "seventeenth day" underscores God's precise timing and sovereign control over every detail of the flood narrative. This is not a random event but a divinely orchestrated moment, emphasizing that God's plan unfolds according to His perfect calendar, from the flood's beginning in [Genesis 7:11](/genesis/7-11 "The Flood Begins") to this moment of rest. Some scholars also note the potential typological significance of this date, connecting it to later redemptive events in Israel's history, such as the Passover and Resurrection.
* **"upon the mountains of Ararat":** This identifies the geographical location of the ark's landing. "Ararat" refers to the ancient kingdom of Urartu, a mountainous region in what is now eastern Turkey and parts of Armenia. The plural "mountains" indicates a range or region rather than a single peak, emphasizing that the ark found a secure and elevated resting place. This specific location, chosen by divine providence, serves as the starting point for humanity's new beginning and the subsequent repopulation of the earth.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Precision** is evident in the exact dating ("seventh month, on the seventeenth day") and geographical location ("mountains of Ararat"), highlighting the meticulous nature of God's divine orchestration and control over the events. This precision contrasts with the preceding chaos of the flood, emphasizing order emerging from disorder. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the word "rested" (Hebrew: *nûwach*), which echoes Noah's name (*Noakh*), meaning "rest" or "comfort." The ark's resting thus symbolizes the beginning of a new era of peace and renewal after judgment. Furthermore, the ark itself functions as **Typology**, serving as a prefigurement of salvation, a divinely appointed vessel that carries its occupants through judgment to safety, pointing forward to greater spiritual salvation. The **Repetition** of "month" (twice) within the phrase "seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month" adds emphasis to the calendrical precision and the passage of time.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 8:4 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating His sovereign control over creation and His steadfast faithfulness to His covenant purposes. The precise timing and location of the ark's resting reveal a God who is not distant or chaotic, but meticulously orchestrating events, even amidst widespread judgment. This moment signifies the turning point from judgment to grace, from chaos to order, and from confinement to the promise of a new beginning. It underscores that God's judgment is purposeful and His mercy is always extended to those He preserves.

* [Genesis 1:1-2](/genesis/1-1-2 "The Creation of the Heavens and the Earth"): Just as God brought order out of chaos in creation, He brings order and new life after the chaos of the flood.
* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalms/46-1-3 "God is our refuge and strength"): God is depicted as a secure refuge, a strong fortress even when the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, echoing the ark's secure resting place amidst global upheaval.
* [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God"): The concept of "rest" introduced by the ark's landing foreshadows the ultimate spiritual rest available to God's people, a rest from works and a dwelling in His finished work.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 8:4 offers profound encouragement and a powerful lesson in divine providence for believers navigating the storms of life. Just as the ark, buffeted by the floodwaters, eventually found its divinely appointed resting place, so too does God guide His people through trials and tribulations to a place of security and peace. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's perfect timing, even when circumstances seem overwhelming or when the waiting period feels interminable. Noah and his family endured months of confinement and uncertainty, yet God faithfully brought them to rest. Similarly, when we face periods of chaos, loss, or uncertainty, this passage reminds us that God is actively at work, meticulously orchestrating our deliverance and leading us toward His intended purpose and ultimate rest. It challenges us to surrender our anxieties, patiently wait on His leading, and find our true refuge in His unwavering faithfulness, knowing that He will bring us through to a new season of hope and renewal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of God's timing in Genesis 8:4 encourage you to trust Him more deeply in seasons of waiting or uncertainty in your own life?**
* **In what ways can you identify "mountains of Ararat" in your life—places or moments where God has brought you to rest after a period of struggle or chaos?**
* **The ark's resting foreshadows a new beginning. What "new beginnings" might God be preparing for you, even in the midst of current challenges?**

### FAQ

**Why is the specific date of the ark's resting mentioned?**

Answer: The mention of "the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month" is crucial for several reasons. Primarily, it highlights God's meticulous precision and sovereign timing in His unfolding plan. It emphasizes that the entire flood narrative, from its beginning in [Genesis 7:11](/genesis/7-11 "The Flood Begins") to the ark's resting, was not a random or chaotic event but a divinely orchestrated sequence. This precision demonstrates God's active control over all circumstances, even amidst global catastrophe. Furthermore, the specific date may carry typological significance, with some scholars noting its proximity to the date of Christ's resurrection (often linked to the 17th of Nisan in the Jewish calendar), hinting at a divine calendar of redemption.

**What is the significance of the "mountains of Ararat"?**

Answer: The "mountains of Ararat" refers to the ancient kingdom of Urartu, a mountainous region in what is modern-day eastern Turkey and parts of Armenia, rather than a single, identifiable peak. Its significance lies in being the divinely appointed, safe resting place for the ark. This location, elevated and secure, symbolizes the beginning of a new era for the earth, a fresh start from a high place after widespread destruction. It underscores God's precise guidance and provision for Noah and all life preserved within the vessel, ensuring their safety and setting the stage for the repopulation of the world and the establishment of God's covenant with humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The resting of the ark on the mountains of Ararat in [Genesis 8:4](/genesis/8-4 "The Ark Rests on Ararat") serves as a profound prefigurement of the ultimate rest and new creation found in Jesus Christ. Just as the ark carried Noah and his family through the waters of divine judgment to a place of safety and a new beginning, Christ is our ultimate Ark of salvation, bearing us through the judgment of sin to eternal life. His death on the cross absorbed the full wrath of God, and His resurrection, which occurred on the "first day of the week" (a new beginning, echoing the new creation), signifies the definitive end of the old order of sin and death and the ushering in of a new covenant of grace ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). In Christ, we find true spiritual rest from our labors and the burden of sin ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), a secure refuge from the storm of God's wrath, and the promise of a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "A New Heaven and a New Earth")). The ark's safe landing points forward to the finished work of Christ, through whom believers are brought into a lasting peace and an eternal new creation.

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.

Cross-References

Isaiah 37:38

And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

2 Kings 19:37

And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

Jeremiah 51:27

Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz; appoint a captain against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillers.

Genesis 7:17

¶ And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth.

Genesis 7:19

And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that [were] under the whole heaven, were covered.