Genesis 8:20-9:17

The genesis of government

(Genesis 8:20-9:17)

In today’s society, there is a battle over the rainbow. This vibrant symbol, originally given by God as a sign of His covenant and restraint, has been appropriated by the LGBTQ culture as a symbol of their pride. The irony lies in how this symbol of God’s restraint is now being used as a symbol of human rebellion. In Genesis 9, we find a testament to the profound irony of this so-called “battle.” While humanity rebelled, God gave humanity divine mandates to uphold his creation. Let’s explore how this passage emphasizes the genesis of government and the responsibilities bestowed upon humanity.

In Genesis 8:20-9:17, we witness the establishment of a covenant between God and Noah, signaling a fresh start for humanity. However, embedded within this narrative are crucial mandates that reveal our responsibilities as stewards of God’s image.

The flood didn’t fix our fallenness
Genesis 8:20-21

The flood, while a necessary judgment from God, did not bring about a rehabilitation or permanent fix for the fallenness that plagued humanity since the Fall. The immense destruction was a consequence of the increasing corruption and wickedness that had engulfed the earth (Gen 6:5-8). It highlighted the need for divine intervention, but it did not address the underlying problem of humanity’s fallen nature.

After the waters receded, Noah built an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings using clean animals and birds (Gen 8:20). This act of worship and sacrifice demonstrated Noah’s recognition of the ongoing need for reconciliation with God. It revealed an understanding that the problem extended beyond mere external behavior and pointed to the deeper issue of humanity’s fallen nature.

In response to the pleasing aroma of Noah’s offerings, God made a declaration within Himself (Gen 8:21). He proclaimed that He would never again curse the ground or destroy every living creature as He had done. However, it is essential to understand the motive behind this resolution. God’s declaration stemmed from His profound understanding that the intention of man’s heart is inherently evil from youth.

God, in His omniscience, knew that the punishments and judgments inflicted upon humanity would not rehabilitate or eradicate our inclination towards sin. The problem extended beyond behavior and encompassed the core of our fallen nature. The flood served as a temporary response to the rampant wickedness of the time, but it did not address the root cause of humanity’s fallenness. In other words, God had shown grace to Noah by bringing him through the flood, but Noah himself was still a problem. God bringing grace to Noah meant God putting up with the evil heart of Noah and his eventual descendants until His plan of grace would be complete (Rom 9:22-24; 2 Pet 3:15).

But in the civics of common grace
Genesis 8:22

The flood, although a cataclysmic event, did not eradicate the sin and brokenness that plagued humanity. It did not provide a permanent solution to our inherent fallen nature. The flood was not the ultimate fix for our brokenness, but rather an intervention to cleanse the earth of its rampant corruption.

Yet, amidst this recognition, we find a glimmer of hope in the concept of common grace, which is reflected in the verse from Matthew 5:45. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, speaks of God’s common grace when He says, “For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” This statement affirms that God’s blessings and goodness extend to all of creation, regardless of their spiritual standing. It is a grace extended to both the righteous and the unrighteous, providing stability and order in a fallen world.

In Genesis 8:22, we see a manifestation of common grace in the natural cycles and rhythms that continue to govern the earth. Despite the brokenness and sinfulness of humanity, God’s common grace allows for the continuation of essential processes. Seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, persist without interruption.

This verse reassures us that God’s provision and sustenance are not contingent upon our moral perfection. It is a reminder that even in the face of our fallenness, God’s grace continues to uphold and bless the earth. The seasons continue to change, the crops continue to grow, and the world continues to function according to the divine order established by God.

While the flood did not solve the problem of sin, it serves as a reminder that God’s grace is not limited to our personal righteousness. It extends beyond our failings and frailties, encompassing all of creation. It demonstrates that God’s faithfulness and provision are not conditional upon our merit, but are deeply rooted in His unchanging nature.

We have a mandate to steward His image
Genesis 9:1

Genesis 9:1 presents a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative following the flood. After God had preserved Noah and his family, He blessed them and conveyed a mandate: “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.” This command signifies an important aspect of our human existence in light of our fallenness and the continued operation of common grace.

While the flood did not serve as a permanent solution to our fallen nature, it did not erase the image of God within us. In Genesis 1:26-28, we learn that God created humanity in His own image and likeness, bestowing upon us the responsibility to steward His creation. Sin may have marred that image, but it did not erase it completely (Gen 5:2). Therefore, even in our fallen state, we still bear the imprint of God’s image and possess the capacity to reflect His character and attributes.

In Exodus 1:21, we see that families are not rendered futile by the presence of sin. God’s command to Noah and his sons to be fruitful and multiply emphasizes the importance of family and procreation. Despite the brokenness and imperfection that sin has introduced into our world, the institution of family remains a meaningful and purposeful aspect of human life.

Furthermore, in Ephesians 5:28-33, the apostle Paul expounds on the significance of marriage, highlighting its sacred and profound nature. Marriage, as a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church, holds deep spiritual implications. It is not a meaningless or futile institution, but rather a context within which the covenantal love of God can be displayed.

In light of these passages, Genesis 9:1 reminds us that, despite our fallenness, we have a mandate to steward God’s image in the world. We are called to embrace the command to be fruitful and multiply, not only in terms of physical procreation, but also in cultivating godly character and relationships. As we navigate the complexities of a fallen world, it is crucial to remember that our fallen nature does not diminish our value and purpose.

To sustain His image
Genesis 9:2-3

Genesis 9:2-3 presents a momentous shift in the relationship between humanity and the animal kingdom after the flood. It reveals that the flood did not fix our fallenness, but in the civics of common grace, we have a mandate to sustain God’s image as stewards over creation.

In verse 2, God declares that the fear and dread of humans shall be upon every beast, bird, and creature that crawls on the ground, as well as the fish of the sea. This statement signifies a shift in the dynamics of the human-animal relationship. Prior to the flood, there may have been a harmonious and peaceful coexistence between humans and animals. However, as a consequence of sin and the brokenness of the world, a sense of fear and separation is introduced. This is not to suggest cruelty or domination over animals, but rather to emphasize the responsibility humans have in stewarding and caring for God’s creation.

Verse 3 further emphasizes this new dynamic by granting permission to humans to consume the animals as food. While in the original design of creation, humans were given plant-based food (Gen 1:29), after the flood, God extends permission for humans to eat the flesh of animals. This provision acknowledges the changed circumstances in the post-flood world and the practical need for sustenance. It also highlights God’s provision and His recognition of human needs.

However, it is important to note that the permission to consume animals for food does not imply a license for cruelty or disregard for the value of life. Throughout the Bible, God’s design for creation is one of harmony and submission. In Isaiah 11:6-9, we see a depiction of God’s ideal kingdom, where even the animals live in peace and submit to His order. The rebellion of both humans and animals, as seen in Genesis 6:11-13, introduced the brokenness and disharmony we now experience. In this fallen state, God permits the consumption of animals as a means of sustenance, but it does not negate the underlying principle of stewardship and care for all of creation.

Deuteronomy 12:15-16, 20-23 provides further guidance on the consumption of meat, emphasizing that it should be done responsibly and with respect. It establishes regulations for the proper slaughter and utilization of animals for food. These instructions reflect God’s desire for humans to exercise their dominion with reverence and restraint.

To safeguard His image
Genesis 9:4-6

Genesis 9:4-6 delves into the importance of safeguarding and respecting life, reflecting the mandate we have to steward God’s image in the world. Although the flood did not fix our fallenness, in the civics of common grace, we are called to sustain and safeguard the divine image within humanity.

Verse 4 specifically addresses the consumption of animal flesh, stating that humans should not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. This instruction establishes a boundary for the consumption of meat, emphasizing the sanctity of life. The life, symbolized by the blood, represents the essence and vitality of an organism. By prohibiting the consumption of blood, God underscores the value of life and the need to honor it.

In verses 5 and 6, God further emphasizes the significance of life. He declares that He will require a reckoning for the shedding of blood, whether by beasts or by humans. The lifeblood of both animals and humans is precious and should be respected. The principle of accountability is established, indicating that those who take a life will be held responsible for their actions. The reason for such accountability is rooted in the fact that God made humans in His own image, endowing them with a unique dignity and worth.

Leviticus 17:10-14 reinforces the importance of blood as a symbol of life. It emphasizes that the blood of animals should not be consumed, but rather treated as sacred. The passage also highlights the significance of offering animal sacrifices with the appropriate procedures to ensure the sanctity of life is honored.

Additionally, Exodus 21:28-29 addresses the responsibility humans have for the actions of their animals. If an animal causes the death of a human, the life of the animal is forfeit as a form of retribution. This regulation underscores the importance of safeguarding human life and the accountability of those responsible for the actions of their possessions.

Numbers 35:30-31 reiterates the value placed on human life. It establishes the principle that deliberate acts of taking a life require punishment. This passage demonstrates that being pro-life does not equate to being anti-death penalty. Rather, it affirms the importance of upholding justice and the value of human life by holding individuals accountable for the shedding of blood.

And to spread His image
Genesis 9:7

Genesis 9:7 continues the theme of stewarding God’s image and expands it to include the responsibility to spread His image throughout the earth. While the flood did not fix our fallenness, in the civics of common grace, we are called to sustain, safeguard, and spread the image of God.

In this verse, God addresses Noah and his family, instructing them to be fruitful, multiply, and increase greatly on the earth. This command echoes the earlier mandate given to Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:28, highlighting the continuation of the divine plan for humanity. Despite the presence of sin and the effects of the flood, God affirms the significance of procreation and the multiplication of human life.

The reference to Psalm 127:3-5 reinforces the understanding that children are not a burden, but rather a blessing. This psalm celebrates the gift of children and recognizes them as a heritage from the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of families and the role they play in the spreading and perpetuation of God’s image. Just as God commanded Noah to be fruitful and multiply, the psalmist acknowledges that children are a reward and a means through which God’s image can be passed on to future generations.

By encouraging procreation and multiplication, Genesis 9:7 highlights the role of families in spreading God’s image throughout the earth. As children are born and families grow, the image of God is reflected and carried forward. Each new life represents an opportunity to display God’s character, values, and love to the world.

This verse challenges the notion that children are burdensome or hindrances. Instead, it affirms their inherent value and their role in expanding the reach of God’s image. As families multiply and increase, they contribute to the manifestation of God’s image in the world and participate in the ongoing narrative of His redemptive plan.

The rainbow reveals this responsibility
Genesis 9:8-17

Genesis 9:8-17 introduces the covenant that God establishes with Noah, his offspring, and every living creature after the flood. This covenant reveals our responsibility to steward His image and the significance of the rainbow as a sign of that covenant.

God addresses Noah and his sons in verse 8, expressing His intention to establish a covenant with them and their descendants. This covenant extends not only to humanity, but also to every living creature that emerged from the ark. It emphasizes the broad parameters of God’s redemptive plan and the universal scope of His covenant. The covenant assures that never again will all flesh be destroyed by a flood. God promises to preserve the earth and its inhabitants, signaling a new era of mercy and grace. The covenant is everlasting, emphasizing God’s faithfulness and His commitment to His creation.

To seal this covenant, God designates the rainbow as a sign of the agreement. He places His bow in the clouds, and it becomes a visible reminder of His covenant with Noah, future generations, and all living creatures. The rainbow signifies God’s promise to never again destroy all flesh by a flood.

The implications of this promise are important. Romans 12:19 reminds us that God will take vengeance on wickedness. In the meantime however, He entrusts the responsibility of maintaining order and justice to human governments, as stated in Romans 13:1-7. These passages highlight the role of political structures in upholding societal well-being and the importance of good governance. Furthermore, 1 Timothy 2:1-2 emphasizes the significance of prayer and intercession for those in positions of authority, acknowledging that politics, while not providing ultimate salvation, do matter in the context of our earthly existence.

Jeremiah 29:7 further emphasizes our responsibility as citizens to seek the welfare of the communities we belong to. In other words, the welfare of our citizens matter, our borders matter, our laws matter, America matters. Remember that Jeremiah wrote this about those in captivity to a corrupt foreign government. The ramifications are relevant.

1 Peter 2:18 reminds us that we are to be subject even to our unjust leaders. Though Christians have a specific mandate to make disciples in a world that is passing away (2 Pet 3), we are nonetheless to be more than mere exiles. We are called to be dual citizens, to involve ourselves in the structures and prerogatives of common grace, even seemingly corrupt ones run by corrupt people, until our perfect King comes back.

Even as it reveals His restraint

In Genesis 8:20-9:17, we witness the aftermath of the flood and the establishment of God’s covenant with Noah and all living creatures. The flood didn’t fix our fallenness, but in the civics of common grace we have a mandate to steward His image, to sustain His image, to safeguard His image, and to spread His image. The rainbow serves as a reminder of this responsibility while also revealing God’s restraint.

The rainbow becomes a significant symbol in this passage. It is a visual reminder of the covenant between God, Noah, and all living creatures. As we see the rainbow, we are prompted to remember our role in upholding God’s image and the covenantal relationship we share with Him. We are to see and remember, recognizing the divine mandate placed upon us.

By remembering the flood and God’s covenant, we also remember His restraint. Genesis 6:5 and 12 serve as reminders of the fallen state of humanity before the flood, highlighting the need for redemption and transformation. This remembrance leads us to reflect on the cross of Christ, as seen in Mark 15:25-32, where Jesus exhibited incredible restraint in order to exhibit extraordinary grace. The rainbow reminds us of God’s restraint in not destroying all flesh until His ultimate plan of redemption is accomplished.

Moreover, the book of Revelation amplifies our remembrance of the rainbow into eternity. Revelation 4:1-3 presents a vision of God’s heavenly throne room, where the rainbow surrounds the throne, serving as a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness and His covenantal relationship with His creation. It reminds us of His restraint until He, the true King, comes back (Rev 1:4-7). It reminds us that behind every earthly king, behind every corrupt king, there is a higher authority and ultimate King who is coming back to permanently eradicate evil and to rule and reign with perfection for eternity.