Genesis 8:16

Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee.

Go forth {H3318} of the ark {H8392}, thou, and thy wife {H802}, and thy sons {H1121}, and thy sons {H1121}' wives {H802} with thee.

“Go out from the ark, you, your wife, your sons and your son’s wives with you.

“Come out of the ark, you and your wife, along with your sons and their wives.

Go forth from the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons’ wives with thee.

Commentary

Genesis 8:16 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of the Great Flood. After more than a year of being confined within the ark, Noah, his family, and all the animals receive God's explicit command to disembark and begin life anew on the cleansed earth. This verse signifies the end of a long period of judgment and the beginning of a fresh creation, underscoring God's faithfulness to preserve life.

Context

Following the global flood, Noah, his family, and the animals were preserved inside the ark, which came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. After the waters receded, Noah sent out a raven and then doves to determine if the ground was dry enough for them to leave, as detailed in Genesis 8:7-12. This period of waiting demonstrates Noah's patience and reliance on divine instruction. This verse describes the moment God gives the long-awaited command to exit the ark, signaling the start of a new chapter for humanity and all living creatures.

Key Themes

  • Divine Command and Obedience: Just as Noah built the ark precisely according to God's instructions (Genesis 6:22), he now waits for God's specific command to leave. This highlights Noah's consistent obedience and trust in God's perfect timing, rather than acting on his own initiative.
  • New Beginning and Repopulation: This verse initiates the repopulation of the earth. Noah's family becomes the progenitors of all future humanity, fulfilling a renewed mandate to "be fruitful and multiply", echoing the original creation command in Genesis 1:28. It signifies a fresh start for creation after the judgment of the flood.
  • God's Preservation and Providence: God's command to "Go forth" is a testament to His unwavering commitment to preserve life and His providential care. He not only saved Noah and the animals but also actively guided their re-establishment on the earth, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Go forth" translates the Hebrew verb יְצָא (yetza), meaning "to go out," "come forth," or "depart." This is not a casual suggestion but a direct, authoritative command. The use of yetza here emphasizes a divinely sanctioned and purposeful exit, underscoring that Noah's departure was not an act of impatience but a response to God's clear and timely instruction. It highlights the divine initiative in orchestrating the new beginning.

Practical Application

Genesis 8:16 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Patience and God's Timing: Just as Noah waited patiently for God's command to leave the ark, we are called to trust in God's perfect timing for our own lives, even during periods of confinement, waiting, or difficulty.
  • Obedience: Noah's example reminds us of the importance of consistent obedience to God's specific instructions. Our actions, whether in building or departing, should be in alignment with His will.
  • New Beginnings: This passage is a powerful reminder that God is capable of bringing about new beginnings even after periods of immense trial and judgment. He is faithful to restore and provide, offering hope for fresh starts and renewal in our lives.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 7:13 (4 votes)

    ¶ In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark;

  • Psalms 121:8 (3 votes)

    The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

  • Genesis 7:7 (2 votes)

    And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.

  • Joshua 3:17 (2 votes)

    And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.

  • Joshua 4:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over.

  • Acts 16:27 (2 votes)

    And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

  • Acts 16:28 (2 votes)

    But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.