For All Generations To Come

Genesis 9

Joel Miles

January 28, 2024

With a friend, your family or in your small group, discuss the following questions:

1. Develop a summary of the story of Genesis so far (i.e. of Genesis 1-9). How would you describe God’s desire for the world and humanity? How would you describe God’s purpose of humans? In what ways does the flood story display God recreating and recommissioning the world and humanity?
2. Read Genesis 9:12-17. The word often translated “rainbow” is actually the Hebrew word for “bow” or “war bow.” What is the significance of God hanging his weapon in the sky as a sign of his covenantal commitment to humans and the earth? Why is it important to note that the bow points away from the earth and up to the heavens?
3. Compare Genesis 3 with 9:18-29. What similarities to do you see?
4. If we read Genesis 9:22 in light of Leviticus 18 and 20:17, it seems likely that Ham’s seeing of his father’s nakedness is an idiomatic reference to Ham sleeping with (likely forcing himself on) Noah’s wife. How does this help explain why Noah reacted to strongly, and why he cursed Canaan? 
5. What do you think about Noah’s curse of Canaan? Why do you think immediately after Noah’s curse it speaks of Noah’s death? Why is it significant that Leviticus 20:17 says that one who sleeps with his mother shall receive that punishment on his own head? 
6. Compare Noah’s reaction to Ham’s sin to God’s covenant and sign of the bow. How are they different? Why do we need God’s gracious justice rather than Noah’s? How does the cross of Jesus Christ answer this?