Day-by-Day Chronological Reading Plan, a 7-Day IntroductionCampione

Read Genesis 8:15–9:7, discerning how these verses echo the first three chapters of Genesis. 

• Why might the author have included these echoes?
• Now read chapter 9 and notice the differences from Genesis 1–3.
• How do these differences develop the overall story of Genesis?

A covenant with God is at the heart of the story of the Old Testament. A covenant is basically an agreement between two parties. God established a covenant with the Jewish people, first through Abraham, and then renewed it with various leaders throughout the Old Testament. The covenant stated that if the people kept God’s law, he would be their God, and they would be his people.

• What role does the covenant play in Genesis 9?      

Reflect especially on verse 5 of Psalm 12. Worship God as One who rises up to help those burdened by evil people, providing a safe place for them. If you are being hurt by wickedness, cry out to God for help even as you worship.