Genesis 7:2-4 provides a detailed account of Jehovah’s instructions to Noah regarding the preservation of animal life during the global flood. These verses emphasize the distinction between clean and unclean animals, the specific numbers to be taken aboard the ark, and the purpose of these animals both during and after the flood. The text reads:
“Of every clean beast you must take to yourself by sevens, the sire and its mate; and of the beasts that are not clean, two, the sire and its mate; also of the flying creatures of the heavens by sevens, male and female, to preserve offspring alive on the surface of the earth. For in just seven days, I will make it rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe every living thing that I have made off the face of the ground” (Genesis 7:2-4).
This passage provides important insights into the cultural and theological distinctions of the time, as well as the practical considerations for Noah’s task of preserving life.
The Distinction Between Clean and Unclean Animals
The reference to clean and unclean animals in Genesis 7 predates the Mosaic Law, where these classifications are codified in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. Clean animals were those suitable for sacrifices and later for human consumption under the Law. The distinction reflects Jehovah’s foreknowledge and His plan to establish these regulations for His covenant people.
Clean animals were to be taken “by sevens,” while unclean animals were limited to “two, the sire and its mate.” The inclusion of a greater number of clean animals ensured their availability for sacrificial offerings, as described in Genesis 8:20: “Noah began to build an altar to Jehovah and to take some of all the clean beasts and of all the clean flying creatures and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar.” The sacrifices were an expression of gratitude and worship, and the presence of additional clean animals allowed for this act without endangering the survival of those species.
The Meaning of “By Sevens” in the Hebrew Text
The Hebrew phrase used in Genesis 7:2 is שִׁבְעָה שִׁבְעָה (shiv’ah shiv’ah), which literally translates as “seven seven.” This repetition reflects a distributive sense rather than indicating seven pairs. Just as in 2 Samuel 21:20, where the phrase “six six” refers to the distribution of six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, the repetition in Genesis 7:2 highlights the number of animals distributed within each kind.
Thus, Noah was instructed to take seven individual animals of each clean kind—three pairs for reproduction and one additional animal for sacrificial purposes. The expression “the sire and its mate” immediately following the word “sevens” clarifies that these animals were to be taken in male and female pairs. However, the additional seventh clean animal was distinct, providing for sacrifices upon the ark’s occupants’ eventual disembarkation.
Practical and Theological Considerations
The inclusion of seven clean animals demonstrates Jehovah’s forethought in ensuring the post-flood world would have sufficient animals for both reproduction and worship. This careful preparation reflects the balance between Jehovah’s justice, as seen in the flood’s judgment, and His mercy, as seen in the provision for renewal and continuation of life.
The clean animals’ role in sacrifices underscores the centrality of worship in Jehovah’s relationship with humanity. The act of sacrifice was both a means of expressing devotion and a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice for sin that would come through Jesus Christ. The preservation of clean animals in greater numbers highlights their significance in maintaining this spiritual practice.
The Purpose of Preserving Animal Kinds
Genesis 7:3 emphasizes that the animals were preserved “to keep offspring alive on the surface of the earth.” This directive reflects the creation mandate in Genesis 1:22 and 1:28, where Jehovah commanded living creatures to “be fruitful and multiply.” The inclusion of male and female pairs for both clean and unclean animals ensured the continuity of their kinds after the flood.
The reference to “kinds” (min) in the text underscores the clear boundaries Jehovah established within creation. Each kind was preserved according to its distinct category, maintaining the genetic integrity Jehovah originally designed. This highlights the Creator’s sovereign control over life and His plan for its preservation.
The Flood as a Manifestation of Judgment and Mercy
Genesis 7:4 reveals Jehovah’s timeline: “For in just seven days, I will make it rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe every living thing that I have made off the face of the ground.” This verse underscores the impending judgment on a corrupt and violent world, as described in Genesis 6:11-13. Yet, within this judgment, Jehovah provides a means of salvation for the righteous Noah and his family, as well as for the animal kinds necessary for the earth’s restoration.
The preservation of clean animals in greater numbers also points to Jehovah’s provision for worship and gratitude, even in the aftermath of judgment. Noah’s immediate response upon exiting the ark—to offer sacrifices from the clean animals (Genesis 8:20)—reflects the acknowledgment of Jehovah’s mercy and the importance of obedience in maintaining a relationship with Him.
Lessons from Genesis 7:2-4
The instructions in Genesis 7:2-4 demonstrate the meticulous care and divine wisdom underlying Jehovah’s plan for preserving life. The distinction between clean and unclean animals, the specific numbers taken into the ark, and the provision for post-flood worship all reveal Jehovah’s sovereignty, justice, and mercy. Noah’s faithful obedience to these detailed instructions serves as a model for believers, illustrating the importance of trusting in Jehovah’s commands even when they may not fully understand their significance.
The preservation of life through the ark points to the broader theme of salvation, with Jehovah providing a means of deliverance for those who align themselves with His will. Just as Noah’s ark safeguarded humanity and the animal kingdom from destruction, Jehovah’s Word offers guidance and protection in a world increasingly distant from His standards.
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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