_A.M. 1556. B.C. 2448._ In this chapter we have, (1,) _ The abounding iniquity of that wicked world, Genesis 6:1, and, Genesis 6:11._ (2,) _ God's just resentment of that iniquity, and his holy resolution to punish it,, Genesis 6:6._ (3,) The special favour of God to his servant Noah.1. In the ch... [ Continue Reading ]
For the glory of God's justice, and for a warning to a wicked world, before the history of the ruin of the old world, we have a full account of its degeneracy, its apostacy from God, and rebellion against him. The destroying of it was an act, not of absolute sovereignty, but of necessary justice; fo... [ Continue Reading ]
_The sons of God_ Those who were called by the name of the Lord, and called upon that name; married _the daughters of men_ Those that were profane, and strangers to God. The posterity of Seth did not keep to themselves as they ought, but intermingled with the race of Cain: they _took them wives of a... [ Continue Reading ]
_My spirit shall not always strive with man_ The Spirit then strove by Noah's preaching, 1 Peter 3:19, and by inward checks, but it was in vain with the most of men; therefore, saith God, he shall _not always strive, for that he_ (man) _also is flesh_ Incurably corrupt and sensual, so that it is lab... [ Continue Reading ]
_There were giants_ Men so called partly for their high stature, but principally for their great strength and force, whereby they oppressed and tyrannised over others. For this is mentioned as another sin and cause of the flood.... [ Continue Reading ]
_God saw that the wickedness of man_, &c. Abundance of sin was committed in all places, by all sorts of people; and those sins in their own nature most gross, and heinous, and provoking; and committed daringly, and in defiance of heaven. _And that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was o... [ Continue Reading ]
_It repented the Lord, it grieved him at his heart_ Properly speaking, God cannot repent, Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:11; for he is perfectly wise and unchangeable in his nature and counsels, Malachi 3:6, and James 1:17. Neither is he liable to grief or disappointment, being constantly happy. But thi... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will destroy man_ The original word is very significant, _I will wipe off man; from off the earth_ As dirt is wiped off from a place which should be clean, and thrown to the dunghill. Or, _I will blot out man from the earth_, as those lines are blotted out of a book which displease the author, or... [ Continue Reading ]
_Noah found grace_ That is, he obtained mercy and favour; for although he was by nature corrupt and sinful, he had been renewed in the spirit of his mind, and by repentance and a lively faith, had _obtained witness that he was righteous._ This vindicates God's justice in his displeasure against the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Noah was a just man Justified_ before God by faith in the promised Seed; for he was an _heir of the righteousness which is by faith, Hebrews 11:7_. He was _sanctified_, and had right principles and dispositions implanted in him; and he was righteous in his conversation, one that made conscience of... [ Continue Reading ]
_The earth_ Put for its inhabitants; _was corrupt before God_ In matters of God's worship; either having other gods _before him_, or worshipping him by images; or _before the face of God_, whose eye was upon it, and in despite and contempt of his presence and justice. They sinned _openly_ and _impud... [ Continue Reading ]
_The end_, or ruin, _of all flesh is come before me_ Is approaching, is at the very door. It is come in my purpose and decree, and shall as certainly take place, as if it were come already, in what manner soever vain men may flatter themselves with hopes of longer impunity. _I will destroy them with... [ Continue Reading ]
_Behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth _ I, who am infinite in power and therefore can do it; infinite in justice, and therefore will do it. _But with thee will I establish my covenant_ 1st, _The covenant of providence_, that the course of nature should be continued to the end... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thus did Noah according to all that God commanded him_ And that both as to the matter and manner of it. And when we consider how laborious, tedious, and dangerous a work the building of the ark was, and what ridicule he would have to encounter from the ungodly and profane, while engaged in a busine... [ Continue Reading ]