a9:1-7
b9:1
d9:1
e1:28
f9:2-3
g1:28
hExod 23:27-31
iDeut 11:25
j31:8
kGen 1:29
l9:4
mLev 3:17
n7:26-27
o17:10-14
pDeut 12:16
rDeut 14:21
sLev 17:11
tHeb 9:22
u9:5-6
v4:8
w6:11
yPs 9:12
zExod 21:12-14
aaLev 24:17-22
abNum 35:16-34
acDeut 17:6-7
ad19:15
af1:26-28
agExod 21:23-25
ahRom 12:17-19
aiRom 13:1-7
ak9:5-6

‏ Genesis 9:1-7

Summary for Gen 9:1-7: 9:1-7  a God’s first post-flood speech opens and closes with blessing (9:1  b, 7  c). In it, human and animal relationships are again defined, with some modification of the original created order. The sanctity of life is given special focus. 9:1  d Be fruitful and multiply: The blessing and mandate first given to Adam (1:28  e) are now reissued to Noah, the “Adam” of the newly cleansed world in need of repopulation.
Summary for Gen 9:2-3: 9:2-3  f There are two modifications to the original created order. (1) Previously, humans reigned over the animals (1:28  g), but now animals would live in terror of humans (similar military language is found in Exod 23:27-31  h; Deut 11:25  i; 31:8  j). (2) The animals’ terror was related to a change in human diet. Humans were now permitted to eat the meat of animals to supplement their subsistence on grains, fruits, and vegetables (Gen 1:29  k).
9:4  l A key restriction is imposed. Since blood was identified with life, it had to be drained from a slain animal before its meat could be eaten (see Lev 3:17  m; 7:26-27  n; 17:10-14  o; Deut 12:16  p, 23  q). The law of Moses prohibited eating animals that died naturally, since their blood had not been drained (Deut 14:21  r). God provided animal blood to atone for human sin (Lev 17:11  s; Heb 9:22  t).
Summary for Gen 9:5-6: 9:5-6  u Violence, including murder, was a major factor in bringing about God’s judgment of the flood (4:8  v; 6:11  w, 13  x). At this new beginning for humans, God affirmed the sanctity of human life and established a system of retributive justice for the taking of human life (see also Ps 9:12  y; thematic note for Retribution at end of chapter). The function of law is to restrain human wickedness and preserve moral order. This law was further developed in the law of Moses (Exod 21:12-14  z; Lev 24:17-22  aa; Num 35:16-34  ab; Deut 17:6-7  ac; 19:15  ad).
9:6  ae For God made human beings in his own image: The death penalty has a theological basis. God’s image gives humans a unique status and authority within creation (1:26-28  af). Since murder destroys a person made in God’s image, the ultimate penalty must be imposed on a murderer. See also Exod 21:23-25  ag. We are not to pursue personal revenge (Rom 12:17-19  ah) but are to uphold the justice of the “governing authorities” that God has established (Rom 13:1-7  ai).
9:7  aj Now be fruitful and multiply, and repopulate (literally swarm and fill): In contrast to those who would destroy human life (9:5-6  ak), God’s desire is that human life should abound and flourish.
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