https://esv.literalword.com/?q=Genesis+9
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Saturday, 9 November 2024:
Genesis 9:1 — Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.
Again, God commands His people to grow and take control for His glory.
Genesis 9:3 — Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.
Notice that before the flood, God gave people “every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit.” (Gen 1:29) Notice that after the flood, God gave people animals to eat too. And, you will see that, in Genesis 7:2, God told Noah to take “seven pairs of all clean animals…. and seven pairs of birds” in order to provide both food and sacrifices to the Lord. Things changed after the flood, and much theory surrounds these changes, but what is clear is that God expects people to eat meat in a balanced way and has made provision for people to eat meat.
Genesis 9:6 — Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.
Many use verses such as this to argue against the death penalty without mentioning that the Biblical punishment for murder is public execution. Also, contrary to modern popular opinion, this verse again drives home the point that people are not just higher forms of animals — they are created by God with spiritual potential that animals cannot possess. Organizations that prioritize animals over people are unbiblical.
Here is an interesting teaching by the late Dr. R.C. Sproul on capital punishment — https://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/christian-ethics/capital-punishment
Genesis 9:13, 17 — I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth…. God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”
What does the rainbow really symbolize?
Genesis 9:21 — He drank of the wine and became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent.
The Bible warns against drunkenness for good reason. When we lose self-control, for any reason, we become susceptible to sin, risking sinfulness or vulnerability to the sins of others. Certainly, we can understand why Noah wanted to escape his reality for a while, having witnessed the destruction of the entire world, after having spent over a year in a boat, and now bearing the burden of rebuilding society starting with his family; however, “checking out” of reality for awhile, though often recommended by the world, is never helpful. People use all sorts of escapes today – alcohol, drugs, food, sex, entertainment, vacations, recreation, etc. However, we much never take a break from our responsibilities. Yes, we are called to rest, just like God rested from His work of creation on the seventh day. But just as God never rests from being God, just as our hearts and brains never rest from their essential functions in order that we would have life, there is no rest from our responsibilities to honor and glorify our God in all we do.
Genesis 9:22 — And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers outside.
Here is a short video discussion on Moses’ nakedness — https://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/themes-from-genesis/noahs-nakedness
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 9 November 2024: Today, identify any patterns or habits of escapism, avoidance, or denial you might have and eliminate them. Attack your responsibilities and challenges head on and relentlessly for God’s glory and for maximal benefit of others.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 