Genesis 9:1-7 And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.… I. PROVISION FOR THE CONTINUANCE OF ITS PHYSICAL LIFE. This divinely appointed provision for the continuance of man upon the earth — 1. Raises the relation between the sexes above all degrading associations. 2. Tends to promote the stability of society. 3. Promotes the tender charities of life. II. PROVISION FOR ITS SUSTENANCE. The physical life of man must be preserved by the ministry of other lives — animal, vegetable. For this end God has given man dominion over the earth, and especially over all other lives in it. We may regard this sustenance which God has provided for man's lower wants — 1. As a reason for gratitude. Our physical necessities are the most immediate, the most intimate to us. We should acknowledge the hand that provides for them. We may regard God's provision herein — 2. As an example of the law of mediation. Man's life is preserved by the instrumentality of others. God's natural government of the world is carried on by means of mediation, from which we may infer that such is the principle of His moral government. That "bread of life" by which our souls are sustained comes to us through a Mediator. Thus God's provisions for our common wants may be made a means of educating us in higher things. Nature has the symbols and suggestions of spiritual truths. 3. As a ground for expecting greater blessings. If God made so rich and varied a provision to supply the necessities of the body, it was reasonable to expect that He would care and provide for the deeper necessities of the soul. III. PROVISION FOR ITS PROTECTION. 1. From the ferocity of animals. 2. From the violence of evil men. IV. PROVISION FOR ITS MORALITY. V. PROVISION FOR ITS RELIGION. 1. Mankind were to be educated to the idea of sacrifice. 2. Mankind were to be impressed with the true dignity of human nature. 3. Mankind must be taught to refer all authority and rule ultimately to God. (T. H. Leale.) Parallel Verses KJV: And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. |
    |