Chapter 3: Noah and the Flood

Study notes

Yahweh sees how great human evil has become and says he will wipe out humans and animals, but Noah finds favor with Yahweh and does all that God commands. A flood covers even the high mountains and only those in the ark are left, and afterward God sets his bow in the cloud as a sign of his covenant.

From Genesis 6:5–8 (KoS), Genesis 6:22 (KoS), Genesis 7:17–24 (KoS), Genesis 9:12–15 (KoS).

These notes and questions are original study helps written for this site, not scripture. The verses shown with each question are quoted from the Kingdoms of Scripture Bible.

Notice and discuss

Read each passage, then think about the question on your own or talk it over with others. No answers are collected.

1. Who does God say will go into the ark along with Noah?

   I will establish my covenant with you. You will come into the ark, you, and your sons, and your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.

   Genesis 6:18 (KoS)

   Note · Translation Berit is printed “covenant.” See the glossary. This is its first use in the book.

2. What does the dove bring back at evening, and what happens when Noah sends it out seven days later?

   The dove came to him at evening, and look, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in her mouth. Noah knew that the waters had lessened from the earth. He waited another seven days and sent the dove out, and she did not return to him again.

   Genesis 8:11–12 (KoS)

3. What does God say he will remember when the bow is seen in the cloud?

   God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I am giving between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for generations, for all time. I have set my bow in the cloud, and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring a cloud over the earth, the bow will be seen in the cloud, and I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh, and the waters will not again become a flood to ruin all flesh.

   Genesis 9:12–15 (KoS)