Resonating pt. 1

 

Genesis 6

Intro

The most remarkable thing we have upon record concerning the old world is the destruction of it by the universal deluge, the account of which commences in this chapter, wherein we have, 

I. The abounding iniquity of that wicked world (v. 1-5, 11, 12). 

II. The righteous God's just resentment of that abounding iniquity, and his holy resolution to punish it (v. 6, 7). 

III. The special favour of God to his servant Noah. 

1. In the character given of him (v. 8-10) 

2. In the communication of God's purpose to him (v. 13, 17). 

3. In the directions he gave him to make an ark for his own safety (v. 14-16). 

4. In the employing of him for the preservation of the rest of the creatures (v. 18-21). 

Lastly, Noah's obedience to the instructions given him (v. 22). 

And this concerning the old world is written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the new would have come.

(Admonition: an act or action of admonishing; authoritative counsel or warning.)

Verses 1-2

For the glory of God's justice, and for warning to a wicked world, before the history of the ruin of the old world, we have a full account of its degeneracy, its apostasy from God and rebellion against him. The destroying of it was an act, not of an absolute sovereignty, but of necessary justice, for the maintaining of the honour of God's government.

 1. The increase of mankind: Men began to multiply upon the face of the earth. This was the effect of the blessing (ch. 1:28), and yet man's corruption so abused and perverted this blessing that it was turned into a curse. (MY)

Verse 3

...the Spirit of the Lord, being provoked by their resistance of his motions, ceased to strive with them, and then all religion was soon lost among them. This he warns them of before, that they might not further vex his Holy Spirit, but by their prayers might stay him with them. Observe in this verse,

I. God's resolution not always to strive with man by his Spirit. The Spirit then strove by Noah's preaching (1 Pt. 3:19, 20) and by inward checks, but it was in vain with the most of men; therefore, says God, He shall not always strive. Note, 1. The blessed Spirit strives with sinners, by the convictions and admonitions of conscience, to turn them from sin to God. 2. If the Spirit be resisted, quenched, and striven against, though he strive long, he will not strive always, Hos. 4:17

II. None lose the Spirit's strivings but those that have first forfeited them.

III. A reprieve granted...Justice said, Cut them down; but mercy interceded, Lord, let them alone this year also...Note, The time of God's patience and forbearance towards provoking sinners is sometimes long, but always limited: reprieves are not pardons; though God bear a great while, he will not bear always.

Matthew Henry Bible Commentary Genesis 6