Sabbath School

Adult Sabbath School Bible study guide.

God wants to rescue humanity. Even after the Fall, He sought a relationship with Adam and Eve, and, for a time, the inhabitants of earth called “on the name of the Lord” (Gen. 4:26). As generations passed, the number of those who walked with God decreased. Those who continued to follow God testified to His goodness, condemned the sins of those around them, and warned of the consequences of their actions.

By the time of Noah, however, the inhabitants of the earth were so wicked that God chose to destroy them (Gen. 6:5–7). Noah, a preacher of righteousness (2 Pet. 2:5), no doubt warned all who would listen about the destruction to come. God also gave Noah instructions for building a lifeboat (the ark) for the saving of all who would listen to his warnings and repent.

Read Hebrews 11:7, 2 Peter 2:5, and Genesis 6:9. In what ways was Noah a “preacher of righteousness”?

The Flood was a pivotal moment in human history, and the account appears repeatedly throughout both the Old and New Testaments as an example of the depths of human depravity and the height of God’s amazing grace. God’s righteousness is manifested in His judgment against a sinful creation and in His deliverance of all who would accept salvation.

“Amid the prevailing corruption, Methuselah, Noah, and many others labored to keep alive the knowledge of the true God and to stay the tide of moral evil. A hundred and twenty years before the Flood, the Lord by a holy angel declared to Noah His purpose, and directed him to build an ark. While building the ark he was to preach that God would bring a flood of water upon the earth to destroy the wicked. Those who would believe the message, and would prepare for that event by repentance and reformation, should find pardon and be saved.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 92.

God not only told Noah about the Flood and rescued the occupants of the ark, He also established a covenant with Noah and all creation, promising never to destroy the world again with water (Gen. 9:8–17). Every rainbow contains the promise, and the hope, of redemption.

Next time you see a rainbow, think about the promise found there. Why should it give you comfort, knowing that God keeps His promises?

Supplemental EGW Notes

On one occasion Jehoshaphat visited the king of Israel at Samaria. Special honor was shown the royal guest from Jerusalem, and before the close of his visit he was persuaded to unite with the king of Israel in war against the Syrians. Ahab hoped that by joining his forces with those of Judah he might regain Ramoth, one of the old cities of refuge, which, he contended, rightfully belonged to the Israelites. Although Jehoshaphat in a moment of weakness had rashly promised to join the king of Israel in his war against the Syrians, yet his better judgment led him to seek to learn the will of God concerning the undertaking. “Inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord today,” he suggested to Ahab. In response, Ahab called together four hundred of the false prophets of Samaria, and asked of them, “Shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?” And they answered, “Go up; for God will deliver it into the kings’s hand.” Verses 4, 5. Unsatisfied, Jehoshaphat sought to learn for a certainty the will of God. “Is there not here a prophet of the Lord,” he asked, “that we might inquire of him?” Verse 6. “There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord,” Ahab answered; “but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.” 1 Kings 22:8. Jehoshaphat was firm in his request that the man of God be called; and upon appearing before them and being adjured by Ahab to tell “nothing but that which is true in the name of the Lord,” Micaiah said: “I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.” Verses 16, 17. The words of the prophet should have been enough to show the kings that their project was not favored by Heaven, but neither ruler felt inclined to heed the warning. Ahab had marked out his course, and he was determined to follow it. Jehoshaphat had given his word of honor, “We will be with thee in the war;” and after making such a promise, he was reluctant to withdraw his forces. 2 Chronicles 18:3. “So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead.” 1 Kings 22:29. During the battle that followed, Ahab was shot by an arrow, and at eventide he died. “About the going down of the sun,” “there went a proclamation throughout the host,” “Every man to his city, and every man to his own country.” Verse 36. Thus was fulfilled the word of the prophet.—Prophets and Kings, pp. 195, 196.

The above quotations are taken from Ellen G. White Notes for the Sabbath School Lessons, published by Pacific Press Publishing Association. Used by permission.