In Genesis 6-7 we have the story of the worldwide flood. Within this narrative holds some more clues about the classification of animals in the ancient world. There are different classifications of animals in these chapters than there were in Genesis 1. Let’s break these down to explain further.
V.2-3
- Seven pairs of clean animals
- Two pairs of unclean animals
- Seven pairs of birds
God provides the reasoning for Noah bringing these animals and a set numbered paired with him in v.3- “to keep their various kinds alive” after the flood waters receded. God was trying to save the creatures he had made or there would be nothing living after the flood, they would’ve all been wiped out.
V.8
- Clean and unclean
- Birds
- Creatures that move along the ground
Here in v.8, the animals God prescribed to come to Noah approach him and they all board the ark to avoid the flood.
V.14-15 will review the animals listed on the ark similar to the Genesis 1 narrative.
- Wild animal
- Livestock
- Creature that moves along the ground
- Bird (everything with wings)
These animals were male and female in pairs and they were there according to their kind. As mentioned previously, this does not mean every species of every animal was on the ark. Every kind of animal was on the ark with enough variety to allow the genetic variations in species we have today after the flood.
Clean and unclean animals were provided for Noah and his family for the sacrifice after the flood and the later Torah.
V.8 focuses on animals coming to Noah in pairs for reproduction after
V.14-15 reminds us of the fullness of creation and the biological groupings God designed and the Bible uses.
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