There are three general topics in Chapter Eight of Genesis. The first is found in Genesis 8:1a, “God Remembered.” He remembered Noah and every living thing.

God remembered them, and the “waters asswaged,” or faded away (Genesis 8:1b). God remembered them, and the rain stopped (Genesis 8:2). The water had covered, by 15 cubits, all dry land mass.

The second topic concerns “The Ark Rested.” On the 7th month, the 17th day, the Ark rested on the top of Mount Ararat (Genesis 8:4). Then 90 days later, Noah could see the top of the mountains (Genesis 8:5).

Noah waited 40 days; then sent a raven out; he also sent a dove, it found no rest and returned (Genesis 8:6-9). Seven days later, he again sent out the dove; it returned with a green olive leaf (Genesis 8:10-11). Noah waited another seven days and sent the dove out; it did not return (Genesis 8:12).

Now we come to our third topic, Noah left the Ark (Genesis 8:13-14). Noah left the ark in the 601st year, 2nd month, 27th day. The total time in the ark was 1 year, 17 days.

Noah and every living thing left the ark. They left the ark to replenish the earth (Genesis 8:17); and to worship God (Genesis 8:20). Noah offered an offering of every clean beast and fowl (Genesis 8:20). (He had seven pair of clean beasts and fowls; see Genesis 7:2.)

God accepted the offering; He promised never to curse the ground again for man’s sake; and never would He smite every living creature again (Genesis 8:21). God then set up seed time and harvest, and the seasons; and He said, they “shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22).

Special Selected Thoughts for Our Study:

The First Major Thought is found in the first phrase, “And God remembered…” God’s Memory is based on the Eternal Covenant, or the Atonement. (See Genesis 6:18 for the Covenant.)

The Judgment had passed; Noah was preserved in the Ark. The Ark had taken the wrath of God on sin (so did Jesus Christ). See Ephesians 1:7; Romans 3:24-25; 2 Corinthians 5:21. Then see Romans 5:1-21; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22. Also see Romans 8:29-39.

The Second Major Thought is God’s Deliverance (see Genesis 8:2-18). God’s Deliverance is based on the Atonement; His Death and Resurrection.

The ark rested on Mount Ararat on the 7th month. Eight months later, they came out of the Ark. The number eight represents New Beginning, or Resurrection Day. See 1 Peter 3:18-21; Romans 1:4. See Romans 6:4, raised to walk in newness of life. Also see 1 Corinthians 15:1-51; 51-57.

When Noah, his family, and every living thing came out of the ark, it was a symbol of Resurrection in Christ; a New Beginning. That is what we have in Christ – Resurrection.

The Third Major Thought is God’s Worship, based on the Atonement (see Genesis 8:20-21b). Noah offered up clean animals (which typed out the Sacrifice of Christ).

Noah acknowledged that his Salvation was based on the Sacrifice (Christ and His Atonement).

The Lord smelled a sweet savour on the basis of the sacrifice offered to Him by Noah. Noah did this as a symbol of looking forward to the Atonement of Christ. It is through Christ’s Atonement that God is satisfied (Isaiah 53:10-11), and it is the basis of our Praise and Worship to God.

The Fourth Major Thought is God’s Security, based on the Atonement (Genesis 8:21-22). Based upon Christ’s Atonement, the curse is forever gone and never will return on God’s Sheep. He is the Sacrifice – and no more is required. (Read Hebrews 9:1-26; 10:1-22. Please read all these verses.)

It is because of this Security that Paul wrote Romans 8:29-39.

Jesus Himself said:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (John 10:27)

“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)

“My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:29)

“I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30)