Lecture on Worldwide Effects of the Flood and the Rainbow Covenant

Review of Flood Effects

• Physical World Changes:

  • Extreme climate changes.
  • Earth's surface now mostly water and mountains.
  • Dissolution of water vapor layer -> genetic changes, diseases.

• Social World Changes:

  • Only Noah's family to repopulate.
  • Establishment of human government.
  • Introduction of meat into diet.

• Spiritual World Changes:

  • Hostile environment reminds of man's fallen state.
  • Command to repopulate reiterated (Genesis 9:7).

Reassurances from God

• Despite changes, God reassures Noah and his descendants.
• Two Forms of Reassurance:
  • God's word that the new environment will sustain life (Genesis 8:22).
  • Physical token: the Rainbow Covenant.

The Rainbow Covenant

• Genesis 9:8-17: Covenant includes Noah, his descendants, and all animals.
• Promise: No more worldwide destruction by flood.
• Significance of the Rainbow:
  • First appearance of a rainbow, given spiritual meaning.
  • Reminder of God's promise.

Sons of Noah and Races

• Genesis 9:18-19: Earth repopulated by Noah's three sons.
• Henry Morris: Genetic variations among Noah's sons and their wives led to different races.
• Incident of Noah's Drunkenness (Genesis 9:20-23): Reveals character of Noah's sons.
  • Ham: Delighted in Noah's shame, indicative of a rebellious nature.
  • Shem & Japheth: Covered Noah respectfully, showing their principle-driven actions.

Prophecy of Noah

• Ham's Descendants:

  • Cursed to be servants to Shem and Japheth.
  • Contributions to early civilizations but not benefiting from them.

• Shem's Descendants:

  • Ancestors of Abraham and Jesus.
  • Spiritual and theological influence.

• Japheth's Descendants:

  • Enlarged in curiosity and philosophy.
  • Historical development in science and commerce.

Similarities between Noah and Adam

1. Command to fill/replenish the earth.
2. Ancestors of all men before/after the flood.
3. Sinned by partaking of forbidden fruit.
4. Nakedness revealed post-sin.
5. Covered by others (God for Adam, sons for Noah).
6. Resulted in prophecies affecting future generations.
7. Promise of future blessing along with the curse.

Conclusion

• Noah's Life Post-Flood:
  • Lived 350 years after the flood (total 950 years).
  • Marked transition to shorter human lifespans.
• Next Topic: Tower of Babel and development of nations.