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Book of Genesis - Chapter 7 - Verse 23

7:23
And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.

Meaning

In this verse, Genesis 7:23, we see the aftermath of the great flood that covered the earth. It describes how every living creature, from man to cattle to birds, was destroyed by the flood waters. The only survivors were Noah, his family, and the animals that were with him in the ark. The verse illustrates the devastating effects of the flood and highlights the importance of Noah's obedience to God's command to build the ark. It also emphasizes the significance of God's protection and provision for those who are faithful to him. This event serves as a warning of God's judgment for disobedience but also offers hope in the form of salvation for those who trust in God's guidance and follow his instructions, just like Noah did.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the concept of divine judgment and the importance of obedience to God. In this passage, we see that God sent a flood to destroy all living creatures on the earth due to their wickedness, sparing only Noah and his family. This event signifies the consequences of sin and the importance of following God's commands. The word "destroyed" carries the weight of God's justice and the severity of His judgment upon the earth. The preservation of Noah and his family in the ark symbolizes God's mercy and grace towards those who are faithful and obedient to Him. Through this story, we learn about the nature of God as a just and merciful being, who rewards righteousness and punishes wickedness. The word "ark" is significant as it represents safety and protection in the midst of chaos and destruction, highlighting God's provision for those who trust in Him.

American Standard Version

And every living thing was destroyed that was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and creeping things, and birds of the heavens; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only was left, and they that were with him in the ark.
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