The verse stands in the opening genealogical record that traces the generations from Adam to Noah and names Noah with his three sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth after the preceding generations. The genealogies to which it belongs trace the origin and distribution of the human races and so provide material for the study of ethnology. The name Noah in the verse means rest or consolation.
Taken with the preceding names from Adam onward, the names form a message of redemption in which humanity created in the image of God and placed in Eden became mortal and miserable through sin, yet the blessed God would come down to teach, die, send messengers to the humble, and bring rest and consolation to the afflicted. Noah's refuge in the ark foreshadows the rest that remains for God's people. Spiritual truths are scattered through such genealogical records.
The verse is fully inspired Scripture, preserved and directed to be kept by God's Spirit, no less inspired than the twenty-third Psalm even when its purpose for spiritual growth is not immediately clear. As part of the word that fully equips people, its inclusion is needed even when its use is not obvious. The genealogy helps establish the development and certainty of the gospel. The divinely directed genealogical records show that a faithful record of every soul is kept in heaven.
The verse stands in the opening genealogical record that traces the generations from Adam to Noah and names Noah with his three sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth after the preceding generations. The genealogies to which it belongs trace the origin and distribution of the human races and so provide material for the study of ethnology. The name Noah in the verse means rest or consolation.
Taken with the preceding names from Adam onward, the names form a message of redemption in which humanity created in the image of God and placed in Eden became mortal and miserable through sin, yet the blessed God would come down to teach, die, send messengers to the humble, and bring rest and consolation to the afflicted. Noah's refuge in the ark foreshadows the rest that remains for God's people. Spiritual truths are scattered through such genealogical records.
The verse is fully inspired Scripture, preserved and directed to be kept by God's Spirit, no less inspired than the twenty-third Psalm even when its purpose for spiritual growth is not immediately clear. As part of the word that fully equips people, its inclusion is needed even when its use is not obvious. The genealogy helps establish the development and certainty of the gospel. The divinely directed genealogical records show that a faithful record of every soul is kept in heaven.