FBCHS Bible Study "An Everlasting Covenant"

An Everlasting Covenant

Genesis 9:8-17

As for me, behold, I establish my covenant” (v. 9a). The wording is emphatic—it is God who initiates this covenant. In this covenant, God obligates himself not to destroy all life by floodwaters again, and does not require any particular response from Noah and his family. God does not say, “I will agree not to destroy all life by floodwaters again IF you will do thus and so.” God simply says, “I will establish my covenant with you: all flesh will not be cut off any more by the waters of the flood, neither will there ever again be a flood to destroy the earth“ (v. 11)—end of sentence—no “ifs,” “ands,” or “buts”—no response required from Noah.

Godly covenants are not always unconditional. Sometimes God requires a response. A little later, God will tell Abram, “Get out of your country, and from your relatives, and from your father’s house, to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you. All of the families of the earth will be blessed in you” (12:1-3). While the word covenant is not used in this passage, the agreement has the characteristics of a Godly covenant—initiated by God—terms dictated by God—benefits provided by God—and a response required of Abram (“Get out of your country…to the land that I will show you”).