Genesis 7: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Genesis 7 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

In Genesis chapter 7, the narrative of the Great Flood continues as Noah and his family enter the ark as instructed by God. Noah, who has already received detailed plans for the construction of the ark and the gathering of the animals, obediently follows God's commands. The chapter recounts the onset of the flood, marking the divine judgment on the earth due to the pervasive wickedness of humanity.

Key verse

“The waters rose very high on the earth. All the high mountains that were under the whole sky were covered.”
Genesis 7:19 (WEB)

Outline

Genesis 7:1–5 Noah's Command to Enter the Ark
Genesis 7:6–10 The Onset of the Flood
Genesis 7:11–16 The Flood's Arrival
Genesis 7:17–21 The Rising Waters
Genesis 7:22–24 Total Destruction

Discussion questions

In v1, what does Yahweh say to Noah about his righteousness?
What instruction does God give in v2 regarding the animals Noah should take?
In vv. 11-12, how does the description of the flood's onset convey the seriousness of God's judgment?
In v23, why is it significant that only Noah and those with him were left?
When have you felt isolated or preserved in a difficult situation like Noah's in v16?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Genesis 7: Genesis 6, Isaiah 26, Genesis 8.

Before next time: read Genesis 8.