Genesis 7

In Genesis 7, the focus shifts to the story of Noah and the great flood. This chapter begins with God instructing Noah to enter the ark along with his family and pairs of every kind of animal, both clean and unclean. The purpose of this is to preserve them during the impending flood that will cover the earth.

God then gives a specific detail about how much time they have - seven days - before the flood waters are going to come. Once Noah and his family and the animals are safely inside the ark, the rain begins to fall, and the floodwaters are released from the earth through rain and breaking open of the fountains of the deep.

For forty days and forty nights, the rain pours down, causing the waters to rise and covering all the high mountains on the earth. Every living thing outside the ark is destroyed, but Noah and those with him in the ark are kept safe.

After the flood waters have been on the earth for 150 days, they begin to recede, and the ark eventually comes to rest on the mountains of Ararat. Noah then sends out a series of birds - a raven and doves - to see if the waters have receded enough for them to exit the ark.

Overall, Genesis 7 provides a detailed account of the events surrounding the great flood and shows God's protection and provision for Noah and those with him during this time of judgment on the earth.Once the waters have receded enough, Noah and his family and all the animals exit the ark. Noah builds an altar to God and offers sacrifices as a sign of thanksgiving for their deliverance. God is pleased with this act of worship and makes a covenant with Noah, promising never again to destroy the earth by flood.

The chapter ends with a genealogy tracing Noah's descendants through his three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. This genealogy sets the stage for the next chapter in which we see how Noah's descendants repopulate the earth after the flood.

Overall, Genesis 7 serves as an important part of the larger narrative of creation and redemption in which God judges sin but also provides a way of salvation for those who trust in Him. It reminds us that even in times of great judgment, God is always faithful to His promises and provides for His people..