Bible Commentaries

And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,

Contents

This chapter relates to us the evil effects of sin, and the sure consequences which follow; the wages of which, is, and must be, death. The abounding iniquity of mankind, and God's just determination to take vengeance thereof by an universal destruction. The distinguishing mercy of God, in the salvation of His people, in times of general visitation, is here beautifully represented, in the case of Noah and his family. God's compassion to the brute species, in providing for their preservation. Noah, in obedience to the Divine command, prepares an ark, to the saving of his house.

That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

The increase of mankind is, in itself a blessing. Genesis 1:28. But see Proverbs 29:16.

Observe the different expressions: sons of God, and daughters of men. If you turn to Genesis 4:26 you there discover that the children of Seth are said to call on the name of the Lord; including both sons and daughters; and hence, therefore, these are meant by the sons of God. See 2 Corinthians 6:18; Galatians 3:28. And if you turn to Genesis 4:16, then Galatians 4:19 and then compare both with Genesis 2:24, you will discover that the posterity of Cain, both by departing from God, and throwing off the reverence due to his Divine authority in the institution of marriage, by a plurality of wives, are they which are thus distinguished as the daughters of men. See, also, in the further confirmation. Matthew 19:3-9; 2 Peter 2:14; 2 Corinthians 6:14-15; Exodus 34:15-16.

And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

An awful scripture! Read, in confirmation of it, Ezekiel 16:42, compare both with Hosea 4:17. and then remark, that when the Lord ceases to correct, destruction is at hand.

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Reader! pause over this verse, and read it twice before you dismiss it once. When you have duly attended to it, look within, and see whether your own case corresponds to it. If you are tempted to doubt the truth of it, in your own instance, consult Jeremiah 17:9-10. If this affords no conviction, read that sweet promise, or rather, that string of promises, Ezekiel 36:25-29. And then recollect that these precious promises can be nothing to you, if you are ignorant of the want of them. Great Father of mercies! graciously bestow them on me, for I need them every hour!

And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

By this expression, cannot be meant any change in the mind of God, but only a change in the circumstances of his providence towards men, according to their conduct. See 1 Samuel 15:11-29; Malachi 3:6; Numbers 23:19; James 1:17

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Proverbs 8:35. Is not Noah, in this instance, a type of the blessed Jesus? And is not the finding of Him the grace and favour here spoken of? John 1:43. Also, to find grace, implies God's gift of grace. Psalms 84:11; Exodus 33:12-13

These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

Is not a just man, in scripture language, a justified man, in the righteousness of God our Saviour? And is not this what is meant, in that expression concerning Noah, where it is said, that he became heir of the righteousness which is by faith? Hebrews 11:7; Romans 3:19-26. Perhaps that scripture, Ecclesiastes 7:20, cannot be explained upon any other terms. But, considered in this point of view, then all those scriptures are plain, Luke 1:6; Habakkuk 2:4; 2 Corinthians 1:12; Ps 15.

And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

Observe how God makes Noah acquainted with his designs. Psalms 25:14; Genesis 18:17.

But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.

Sweet promise! Is not Noah, here again, a type of the blessed Jesus? Doubtless, it was with Jesus the covenant was made, and therefore, with Noah, as his type. In this sense, in sparing Noah, the Lord spares Noah's offspring. What a mercy is it to have godly parents, godly relations, and godly friends! But what a greater mercy to belong to Him in whom all the families of the earth are blessed. See Isaiah 59:21. Reader! while attending to this verse, search diligently for your own personal interest in it. Jesus is both the Ark and the Covenant to his people. Am I in Him! is the grand enquiry.

Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

Faith in God's word, joined to a dependence on God's promises, in Christ, will ever induce holy obedience. Romans 4:20-24.

REFLECTIONS

WHAT dreadful consequences of the guilt related in this chapter, soon followed ungracious and unholy connections in the marriage state, between the seed of Seth and the seed of Cain! What sad events is sin ever producing in private life, and in public bodies! How hath it drawn away the wisest of men to idolatry! See 1 Kings 11:1; 1Ki_11:4. How hath it corrupted the church itself, and brought misery upon it! See Ezra 9:1-2. Reader! remember what the Apostle saith, Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? Or what concord hath Christ with Belial?

What a sweet thought is that of the apostle: The gifts and callings of God (he saith) are without repentance. Romans 11:29. Though it is said, God repented that he had made man; yet it is nowhere said, he repented that be redeemed him.

May it be my mercy, to remember, while reading the account of Noah's finding favour with God, that it is by him alone, of whom Noah was a type, even the Lord Jesus Christ, that I can find favour and acceptance with God in this life, or salvation in another. In him, as the True Ark, may I be found, when God shall arise to judge the world.