**How Did Noah Obey God’s Command?
A Detailed Exploration of Genesis 6–9**
Noah’s obedience is one of the most striking features of the Flood narrative. In a world characterized by violence, corruption, and moral decay, Noah stands out not only for being “righteous and blameless” but especially for his steady, consistent obedience to God’s instructions. Genesis emphasizes Noah’s faithfulness more than any other detail—his obedience is the foundation for humanity’s survival and the rebirth of creation after the Flood.
This article explores the many ways Noah obeyed God’s command, tracing his actions from the initial call to the final covenant.
1. Noah Heard and Believed God’s Warning
The first step of Noah’s obedience was internal:
he believed what God said, even before there was any physical evidence.
God warns Noah of impending judgment:
“I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth.” (Genesis 6:17)
Noah accepts this revelation in faith. This is remarkable because:
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There is no indication that such a worldwide catastrophe had ever occurred before.
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Noah lived in a generation where no one else believed or cared about God’s warnings.
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Obedience required long-term commitment to a seemingly impossible task.
Key Point:
Noah obeyed by taking God’s word seriously when no one else did.
2. Noah Followed God’s Instructions Exactly
Genesis repeatedly emphasizes Noah’s thorough, uncompromising obedience.
Twice the text says:
“Noah did all that God commanded him.”
(Genesis 6:22; 7:5—repeated again in 7:9 and 7:16)
This highlights the completeness and exactness of Noah’s response.
3. Noah Built the Ark According to God’s Specifications
God gave Noah detailed architectural instructions for the ark:
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Dimensions: 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, 30 cubits high
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Materials: Gopher wood
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Structure: Three decks, rooms, a single door, a roof with an opening
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Waterproofing: Coat inside and outside with pitch
Noah obeyed precisely, which involved:
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Massive engineering and labor
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Decades of construction
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Ridicule from a corrupt society
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Resource management
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Perseverance over the long term
Noah’s obedience was not a momentary act—it was a life-consuming project that required faith, stamina, and sacrifice.
4. Noah Gathered the Animals as God Commanded
God instructs Noah to bring:
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Seven pairs of every clean animal
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One pair of every unclean animal
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Seven pairs of every bird
While God brought the animals to Noah (Genesis 6:20; 7:9), Noah was responsible for:
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Receiving them
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Housing them
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Organizing them into compartments
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Ensuring their safety
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Preparing adequate food for all (Genesis 6:21)
This required planning, logistics, and careful stewardship.
5. Noah Prepared Food and Provisions for the Journey
God tells Noah:
“You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away.” (Genesis 6:21)
Noah obeyed by:
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Gathering vast supplies
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Ensuring sustainable rations
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Planning for an unknown duration
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Caring for his family and the animals
This obedience demonstrates foresight, diligence, and responsibility.
6. Noah Entered the Ark at God’s Command
God told Noah when to enter:
“Go into the ark, you and your whole family.” (Genesis 7:1)
Noah obeyed by:
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Entering at the appointed time
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Not entering early
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Trusting God’s timing
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Bringing his family under God’s protection
He entered even though the sky may have looked clear and the world seemed unchanged.
This was an act of faith-driven obedience.
7. Noah Waited Patiently During the Flood
The Flood lasted far longer than many people realize:
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40 days of rain
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150 days the waters held the earth in their grip
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Months as the waters receded
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Over a year total before Noah left the ark
During this time, Noah:
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Cared for the animals
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Managed provisions
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Sent out birds to test the conditions
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Waited for God’s instruction
Noah did not leave the ark until God commanded him to (Genesis 8:15–16).
This obedience required profound patience and trust.
8. Noah Offered Worship After the Flood
After exiting the ark, Noah’s first act is obedience through worship:
“Noah built an altar to the Lord and sacrificed burnt offerings.” (Genesis 8:20)
This demonstrates:
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Gratitude
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Reverence
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Recognition of God’s salvation
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Commitment to covenant relationship
His obedience pleased God and led to the promise never again to destroy the earth with a flood.
9. Noah Accepted the Covenant Responsibilities
God makes a covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:1–17), including commands:
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“Be fruitful and multiply.”
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Honor the sacredness of life.
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Abstain from blood.
Noah accepted this covenant as the head of the renewed human race.
10. Noah’s Obedience Sets a Pattern for Faith
The New Testament interprets Noah’s obedience as an example for all believers.
Hebrews 11:7
Noah acted “in holy fear, built an ark to save his family,” becoming an heir of righteousness.
1 Peter 3:20
Noah’s obedience symbolizes salvation through faith.
2 Peter 2:5
He is remembered as a “preacher of righteousness.”
Conclusion: A Life of Thorough, Persistent, Faith-Filled Obedience
Noah’s obedience is multi-dimensional:
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He listened when God spoke.
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He believed what God warned.
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He acted on God’s instructions fully and precisely.
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He persevered over many decades.
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He trusted God’s timing.
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He worshiped in gratitude.
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He embraced the covenant responsibilities.
Noah’s obedience was not passive—it was active, demanding, patient, and complete. It saved humanity, preserved creation, and established a pattern of faithful response to God that echoes throughout Scripture.