Genesis 7:17

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

وكانَ الطُّوفانُ أَربَعينَ يَومًا على الأَرض، فكَثُرَتِ المِياهُ وحَمَلَتِ السَّفينةَ فٱرتَفَعَت عَنِ الأَرض.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes the flood continuing for forty days, with waters rising so high that they lifted Noah's ark above the earth. It highlights the intensity and duration of the flood. There is no speaker mentioned in this verse, but the message emphasizes God's powerful intervention to save Noah and his family.

Explained for Children

Imagine a big bathtub filled with water. Now, picture the water rising so high that a toy boat starts floating above the toys on the bottom. That's what this verse is saying, but with a real boat called an ark, and the water was so high it covered everything!

Historical Background

The book of Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses, written around 1446-1406 BC. The audience was the Israelites who were about to enter the Promised Land. The story of Noah and the flood would have served as a reminder of God's power and the importance of obedience.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, imagine a family preparing for a severe flood. They need to trust the experts' advice and take immediate action, much like Noah trusted God's warning and built the ark. This story encourages us to heed warnings and trust in divine guidance.

Topics

• obedience
• judgment
• salvation
• trust
• God's power
• natural disasters

Related Verses

• Genesis 6:19-21
• Genesis 8:4
• Luke 17:26-27
• 1 Peter 3:20
• 2 Peter 2:5

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God send the flood?

According to the Bible, God sent the flood because of the wickedness and violence of humans. This was a divine judgment to cleanse the earth and start anew with those who remained faithful, like Noah.

How can we apply the story of Noah to our lives today?

We can learn from Noah's faith and obedience. Just as he built the ark in response to God's command, we can trust God's guidance and act on His word, even when circumstances seem dire.

What does the ark symbolize in the story?

The ark symbolizes salvation and divine protection. It was the means by which Noah and his family were saved from the flood, representing God's provision and care for those who obey Him.

What does the duration of the flood signify?

The forty days of the flood signify the thoroughness of God's judgment and the complete cleansing of the earth. It also emphasizes the long-term commitment and faith required to endure through difficult times.