CRITICAL NOTES.—
Genesis 8:6. Window.] Properly, “hole:” not the same word as in ch. Genesis 6:16.—
Genesis 8:7. Raven.] Probably so called from its blackness (Gesenius, Fürst): from its cry or croaking (Davies).—
Genesis 8:8. Dove.] A tender, mild bird; emblem of purity, Sol. Song of Solomon 1:15; Song of Solomon 4:1; Song of Solomon 5:12; love, ibid Genesis 5:2, Genesis 6:9; simplicity, Hosea 7:11, Matthew 10:16; with melancholy note, Isaiah 38:14, Nahum 2:7, Ezekiel 7:16; and quick homeward, flight, Isaiah 60:8; Psalms 55:6; Hosea 11:11.
Genesis 8:21. For the imagination.]—The “For” is apparently an unhappy rendering. Better, with Leeser, “although,” or with Young, “though:” better still, with Murphy, “because.” God will not again make man’s wickedness a “cause” or reason for bringing in a flood of waters.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Genesis 8:6-12
THE JUDICIOUS CONDUCT OF A GOOD MAN IN SEEKING TO ASCERTAIN THE FACTS OF LIFE, AND HIS RELATION THERETO
We observe:—
I. That Noah did not exhibit an impetuous haste to get out of the circumstances in which God had placed him. Noah had now been shut up in the ark for a long time, and yet he does not give way to complaining language, but calmly waits the day of his deliverance. That day advanced in definite stages; the fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were closed, the waters returned from off the earth; then the ark rested on the mountain, and the waters gradually decreased until the tops of the mountains were seen, and Noah was permitted to step out on dry land. And this is the ordinary way of life; men are gradually released from their troubles, and given, step by step, to see the purpose of God concerning them. They do not see the dry land all at once, upon the first outlook from the ark; they have to wait for it many days. The waiting is a sacred discipline, and the effort to ascertain the facts of the case and the Divine providence in reference thereto, is strengthening to the soul. It is very important that our conduct should be wise and calm during the last days of trial, as indiscretion then may have a most calamitous effect upon our after life, and may mar the effect of former patience. Some men are very impetuous; they are always seeking a change of condition and circumstance; and consequently they often get out of the ark in which they are located before the waters have wholly subsided, and thus injury befals them. Men should never be in a hurry to betake themselves from positions in which God has placed them, even though they may be uncomfortable; the proper time of release will come, and then they will be safe in availing themselves of it.
1. We see that God does sometimes place men in unwelcome positions. The ark would not be a very welcome habitation to Noah. He would very likely, had he been consulted, have preferred another method of safety from the deluge. But there are times when God selects a man’s circumstances for him, often uncomfortable, but always full of rich mercy. There are multitudes of good men to-day living and toiling in unfavourable spheres, which they would fain leave, but which they retain under a consciousness of duty. They are remaining in the ark till God shall give them permission to leave it.
2. That when God does place men in unwelcome positions, it is that their own moral welfare may be enhanced. Noah was placed in the ark for his own safety, and also that he might be an instrument in the hand of Divine providence in the new condition of things after the flood. And so when good men are in circumstances somewhat unfavourable, it is that God’s love may be manifested to them, that they receive a holy discipline, and that they may accomplish a ministry of good to those by whom they are surrounded. Men who go into the ark are safe, but they have hard work awaiting them.
3. That when men are placed in unwelcome positions they should not remove from them without a Divine intimation. Had some men been in Noah’s position they would have got out of the ark when it struck upon the mountain, they would have made no effort to ascertain the Divine will in reference to their lot. God never intends good men to get out of their arks until there is something better for them to step into. They must wait for the dry land.
II. That Noah was thoughtful and judicious in endeavouring to ascertain the will of God in reference to his position in its relation to the changing condition of things.
1. Noah felt that the time was advancing for a change in his position, and that it would be necessitated by the new facts of life. Noah was not always to remain in the ark. Good men are not always to continue in their trying and unfavourable circumstances, they have presentiments of better things, and are justified in seeking to realize them in harmony with the Divine will. Some men never dream of bettering their circumstances, they are lethargic spirits, and are content to remain in the ark all their days; they care not to inherit the new world before them. Mere ambition or restlessness should not lead men to alter their method of life or station, but only the providence of God as shown in daily events. When the earth is dry it is folly for a man to remain in the ark. The dry earth is God’s call to Noah to come and possess it. Some men never have eyes to behold the opportunity of their lives.
2. Noah recognised the fact that the change in his position should be preceded by devout thought and precaution. Before he left the refuge of the ark he made every possible calculation as to the likelihood of the future; he did not irreverently trust himself to the care of a Providence whose blessing he had never sought. He moved in his more welcome sphere of life guided by the will of God. A worthy pattern for all who may be about to change their mode of life.
III. That Noah employed varied and continuous methods of ascertaining the facts of his position and his duty in relation thereto. “And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from the earth. And he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground.”
1. These methods were varied. First he sent forth a raven, “which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.” Now the raven, being a bird which feeds upon flesh and carrion, must have found plenty of food floating on the waters; and it could have sufficient rest on the bodies of the dead animals: for anyone may have seen a carrion crow standing on a dead animal carried down a mountain stream. Then Noah sent forth the dove, which feeds upon seeds and vegetable matter, it was obliged to return. But the second time it returned with the olive leaf in its mouth, which shewed that the waters had very materially subsided, and were within a few feet of the ground. And so men who are seeking a change in their condition of life should employ the best and most varied agencies to ascertain the propriety and opportunity of so doing. One effort may not be reliable. The raven may not return, even if the flood has not subsided. Then try the second, a dove. And if you are honest in the sending forth of these messengers, and in the interpretation of the olive leaf on their return, you need not miss your providential way in life.
2. These methods were continuous. “And he stayed yet another seven days, and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark.” You will notice here the interesting fact that Noah waited seven days. This is perhaps an indirect indication of the observance of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a time when men may test the facts of daily life and circumstance.
3. These methods were appropriate. Noah employed agencies that were ready to his use, that would be impartial in the service, and whose natural instinct would be an infallible guide. And so when men are testing the important issues of life and circumstance, they should be careful to select the most fitting agencies for so doing. They should not risk so great a result upon an inappropriate or uncertain omen.
IV. That Noah yielded a patient obedience to the test of circumstances which he had employed.—He was patiently obedient to the tests he employed; he did not wantonly reject them or foolishly disobey them. Some men pretend to seek the Divine guidance in the transactions of their lives, and yet they never follow it when opposed to their own inclinations or foregone conclusions. They send out the raven and the dove, and yet get out of the ark upon the dictate of their own impulse. This conduct is profane and perilous.
V. That indications of duty are always given to those who seek them devoutly. The dove returned to Noah with the olive leaf. It is stated by some natural historians, that the olive grew under water in the Red Sea, and bore berries there. Whether this be so or not, it is probable that the olive may live more healthily under a flood than most other trees. It is eminently hardy, and will grow in a favourable soil without care or culture. It is generally a plant of the Mediterranean. Men who seek prayerfully to know their duty in the events of life, will surely have given to them the plain indications of Providence. LESSONS:—
1. That men should not trust their own reason alone to guide them in the events of life.
2. That men who wish to know the right path of life should employ the best talents God has given them.
3. That honest souls are Divinely led.
SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS ON THE VERSES
Genesis 8:6-7. God in wisdom sometimes lengthens trials to test the faith and patience of His saints.
Believing saints, though God appears not, will stay contentedly forty days, that is, the time for their salvation. Lawful means believers may use for their comfort, when there is no immediate appearance of God.
Visible experiments of the ceasing of God’s wrath may be desired, and used by His people, where the Lord sets no prohibition.
Unclean or the worst of creatures may be of use sometimes to comfort the Church.
Instinct of creatures from God teaches His people of His providence to them.
Genesis 8:8. The dove emblematical of the Holy Ghost.
1. As the dove rested not on the flooded ground so the Holy Spirit will not dwell in an impure heart.
2. As the dove returned in the evening into the ark, so the Spirit in the time of the gospel, which is the evening of the world.
3. As the dove brought an olive leaf whereby Noah knew that the waters were dried, so the Spirit brings comfort and peace to the soul, assuring it that God’s judgments are past, their sins being pardoned.
The raven sets forth the wicked in the church who go and come but never effectually dwell there.
Noah sent forth a raven and a dove to bring him intelligence; observe here, that though God had told Noah particularly when the flood would come, even to a day (Ch. Genesis 7:4), yet he did not give him a particular account by revelation at what times and by what steps it should go away. The knowledge of the former was necessary to his preparing the ark; but the knowledge of the latter would serve only to gratify his curiosity, and the concealing it from him would be the needful exercise of his faith and patience. He could not forsee the flood by revelation; but he might by ordinary means discover its decrease, and God was pleased to leave him to use them [Henry and Scott].
Believing souls, when means answer not, will wait a longer time.
God’s gracious ones in faith use other lawful means if one do fail.
Clean as well as unclean, that which is chosen by God may be used by His Church for its good.
Faith in God’s salvation may put souls upon a desire to see it, or to have evidence of it.
God’s gracious ones desire the abating of the tokens of the Divine displeasure.
Genesis 8:9. The best means that believers use may not always give them rest.
God’s providence in continual tokens of displeasure, may obstruct means of comfort.
It is in such case the work of the saints to take up the means again, in due time to use them.
The dove is an emblem of a gracious soul, that, finding no rest for its foot, no solid peace or satisfaction in this world—this deluged, defiling world—returns to Christ as to its ark, as to its Noah, its rest. The carnal heart, like the raven, takes up with the world, and feeds on the carrion it finds there; but return thou to thy rest, O my soul (Psalms 116:7). O that I had wings like a dove (Psalms 55:6). And as Noah put forth his hand and took the dove, and pulled her in to him, into the ark, so Christ will graciously preserve, and help, and welcome those that fly to Him for rest [Henry and Scott].
Genesis 8:10-11, God’s way of answer, and the waiting of His saints are fitly coupled.
God’s gracious ones are of a contented, waiting and hoping frame.
Faith will expect from seven to seven, from week to week, to receive answers of peace from God.
After waiting, faith will make trial of lawful means again and again. It will add messenger to messenger.
Waiting believers shall receive some sweet return by use of means in God’s time.
He that sends out for God is most likely to have return from him.
Visible tokens of God’s wrath ceasing He is pleased to vouchsafe to His own.
It concerns God’s saints to consider His signal discoveries of grace to know them, and gather hope and comfort from them.
The olive branch, which was an emblem of peace, was brought, not by the raven, a bird of prey, nor by a gay and proud peacock, but by a mild, patient, humble dove. It is a dove-like disposition that brings into the soul earnests of rest and joy [Henry and Scott].
This olive leaf in the mouth of the dove may set forth:—
1. The grace and peace by Jesus Christ which are brought in the mouth of His ministers.
2. The dove returned at first without her errand; but sent again she brought better tidings. The man of God must not only be “apt to teach,” but “patient, in meekness, instructing those that oppose themselves; proving, if at any time, God will give them repentance” [Trapp].
The fresh olive leaf was the first sign of the resurrection of the earth to new life after the flood, and the dove with the olive leaf a herald of salvation.
Genesis 8:12. The giving of one step of mercy makes God’s saints wait for more.
The saint’s disposition is to get mercy by trying means, as well as to wait for it.
In the withholding of return of means may be the return of mercy. Though the dove stay, yet mercy cometh.
Providence promotes the comforts of saints when he seems to stop them.
ILLUSTRATIONS
BY THE
REV. WM. ADAMSON
Security! Genesis 8:6. When Alexander the Great was asked how he could sleep so soundly and securely in the midst of surrounding danger, he replied that he might well repose when Parmenis watched. Noah might well be in peace, since God had him in charge. A gentleman, crossing a dreary moor, came upon a cottage. When about to leave, he said to its occupant, “Are you not afraid to live in this lonely place?” To this the man at once responded, “oh! no, for faith closes the door at night, and mercy opens it in the morning.” Thus was Noah kept during the long night of the deluge; and mercy opened the door for him.
“Heaven closed its windows, and the deep Restrained its fountains, while the arid winds Swept o’er the floods.”—Bickersteth.
Teachers! Genesis 8:6. Each of God’s saints, writes a model minister, is sent into the world to prove some part of the Divine character. One is sent to live in the valley of ease—having much rest, and hearing sweet birds of promise singing in his ears—to prove the love of God in sweet communings. Another is called to stand where the thunder clouds brew—where the lightnings play, and where the tempestuous winds are howling on the mountain tops—to prove the power and majesty of God to keep from all harm, and preserve amid all peril. Thus:—
“God sends His teachers into every age,
To every clime, and every race of men,
With revelations fitted to their growth.”—Lowell.
Raven! Genesis 8:7.
1. Some have likened this bird to the law, which can tell no tale of comfort—which leaves the soul in the deepest cells of uttermost despair, and which pays no soothing visit.
2. Others have compared this bird with the worldling, to whom the Gospel ark is not a welcome home—who is carried away by the wild desires and raging lusts—who wanders to and fro, and never settles, and who feed upon the putrid remnants of sin, the carrion of loathsome pleasures.
3. Others again have regarded this gloomy bird and its instincts as a type of the old nature in the Christian, for of the impure a remnant still exists in the saintly heart. Thus the raven, finding its food in carrion, figures those inclinations, writes Jukes, which feed of dead things. The ark does not change the raven; so the Cross may restrain, but does not alter impure desires.
Dove! Genesis 8:8. The Mandan Indians have an annual ceremony held round a “big canoe” which is of singular interest. The ceremony is called “the settling of the waters;” and it is held always on the day in which the willow trees of their country come into blossom. The reason why they select this tree is that the bird flew to their ancestors in the “big canoe” when the waters were settling, with a branch of it in its mouth. This bird is the dove, which is held so sacred among them that neither man, woman, nor child would injure it. Indeed, the Mandans declare that even their dogs instinctively respect the dove.
“Sweet dove! the softest, steadiest plume
In all the sunbright sky,
Bright’ning in ever-changeful bloom,
As breezes change on high.”
Olive Tree! Genesis 8:11. This may justly be considered one of the most valuable gifts which the beneficent Creator has bestowed upon the human family—and in its various and important uses, we may discover the true reason why the dove was directed by God to select the olive leaf from the countless variety which bestrewed the shiny tops and declivities of Ararat—as the chosen symbol of returning health and life, vigour and strength, fertility and fruitfulness.
“For in a kindly soil it strikes its root,
And flourisheth, and bringeth forth abundant fruit.”—Southey.
Ark-rest! Genesis 8:8. Noah’s dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, though the raven did. But his foothold—decay and death—would not suit her; so, whirling round and round, at last she returned to the ark. The needle in the compass never stands still, but quivers and trembles and flutters until it comes right against the north. The wise men of the East never found rest until they were right beneath where the star gleamed. So the soul can enjoy no true and fixed repose till it enters into Christ, the true ark; and all its tossings and agitations are but so many wings to carry it hither and thither, that it may find rest. As Augustine says: “Thou, O God, hast created us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” Therefore the soul that seeks rest elsewhere,
“Oh! but it walks a weary round,
And follows a sad dance.”—Manson.
Dove-voices! Genesis 8:8. A young man who had been piously brought up, but who had given himself up to every kind of vice and folly, at last joined himself to a company of pirates. A voice—soft and gentle as a mother’s—seemed to be always pleading with him. It was the plaintive, appealing “coo-oo” of the dove. Wherever he went, there he heard the “home-call.” One night, when the crew had landed amid the lovely forest scenery of a West Indian island, he heard the “dove-voices” amid the tropical vegetation. The tender, reproachful murmer seemed to pierce him through his very heart. He fell on his knees in deep contrition of soul; and the same dove who had called him to penitence, called him to peace.
“For back He came from heaven’s gate,
And brought—that Dove so mild—
From the Father in heaven, who hears Him speak,
A blessing for His child.”—Bremer.
Olive Leaf! Genesis 8:11. There is one still for the family of God in the ark of His Church floating on the troublous waters of the world. For ages the weary cry of the people of God, waiting and watching for the final deliverance, has gone up: How long, O Lord? The Dove—the Holy Spirit—bears to us the olive-leaf: I will come again, and receive you to myself. The raven—i.e., human reason—does not bring this emblem of hope;but the Heavenly Comforter—
“Oh! who could bear life’s stormy doom,
Did not Thy Heavenly Dove
Come brightly bearing through the gloom,
A peace-branch from above!”—Moore.
Dove-lessons! Genesis 8:9. Doves have been trained to fly from place to place, carrying letters in a basket, fastened to their necks or feet. They are swift of flight; but our prayers and sighs are swifter, for they take but a moment to pass from earth to heaven, and bear the troubles of our heart to the heart of God. As Gotthold says, these messengers wing their way, and in defiance of all obstacles they report to the Omniscient the affliction of the victim, and bring back to him the Divine consolation. And yet not always at once; for Noah sent his messenger out more than once ere the message of peace and prosperity was brought back. The dove—
“A second time returning to her rest,
Brought in her mouth a tender olive-leaf—
Emblem of peace.”
Olive-Symbol! Genesis 8:11. The celebrated Captain Cook found that green branches—carried in the hands, or stuck in the ground—were the emblems of peace universally employed and understood by the numerous and untutored inhabitants of the South Sea Islands. Turner mentions that one day, when he and others were backing out into deep water to get clear of some shallow coral-patches, and to look for a better passage for their boat, the natives on the shore—thinking they were afraid—ran and broke off branches from the trees, and waved them above their heads in token of peace and friendship. The cruel natives of Melanesia used this as a means of decoying the missionary Bishop Pattison ashore to be murdered. And hence the people of Israel were commanded to construct their booths at the Feast of Tabernacles partly with branches of olive. All the civilized nations of the world were secretly directed by the overruling Providence of Heaven, writes Paxton to bear them in their hands as emblems of peace and amity.
Dove-Symbol! Genesis 8:11. Bishop Lake says that the early fathers observed the allegory which Peter makes in comparing Noah’s ark unto the Church. They considered that as the dove brought the olive branch into the ark, in token that the deluge had ceased, even so the dove, which lighted upon Christ, brought the glad tidings of the Gospel, that other ark—
“Like Noah’s, cast upon the stormy floods,
But sheltering One who gave His life for man.”