“Genesis 6–8—‘Noah Did … All That the Lord Commanded,’” Old Testament Seminary Student Manual (2026)
Genesis 6–11; Moses 8: Lesson 20
Genesis 6–8
“Noah Did … All That the Lord Commanded”
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
God lovingly asks us to obey His commandments. Some commandments may be difficult to understand, but they are always for our good. Noah’s family was saved from the Flood because they obeyed God’s commandment to build an ark. This lesson can help you increase your desire to obey God’s commandments.
Study the Scriptures
What’s the first word you think of when you hear the word commandments? Some people misunderstand the purpose of God’s commandments. As you read or listen to the following quotes, identify God’s purpose for giving commandments.
The commandments and covenants He offers you are not tests to control you. They are a gift to lift you toward receiving all the gifts of God and returning home to your Heavenly Father and the Lord, who love you. (Henry B. Eyring, “Legacy of Encouragement,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 100)
God’s plan includes directions for us, referred to in the scriptures as commandments. These commandments are neither a whimsical set nor an arbitrary collection of imposed rules meant only to train us to be obedient. They are linked to our developing the attributes of godliness, returning to our Heavenly Father, and receiving enduring joy. (Dale G. Renlund, “Choose You This Day,” Liahona, Nov. 2018, 105)
The story of Noah also teaches about the value of commandments.
Read Moses 8:17, 20, 22, 28–29. Mark what you learn about the condition of the people in Noah’s day.
Now read Genesis 6:14–22; 7:1–12. As you read, mark what the Lord commanded Noah to do to protect the obedient.
After reading, make a note next to Genesis 7:12 answering the following question:
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What does the story of Noah teach you about the value of God’s commandments?
Review the following study options. Complete one or more.
Option A
Why does it often feel hard to keep the commandments?
Sometimes, it can be challenging to understand why the Lord gives us certain commandments.
President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) shared some reasons why Noah and his family needed faith in Christ to fulfill the commandment to build the ark.
As yet there was no evidence of rain and flood. [Noah’s] people mocked and called him a fool. His preaching fell on deaf ears. His warnings were considered irrational. There was no precedent; never had it been known that a deluge [or flood] could cover the earth. How foolish to build an ark on dry ground with the sun shining and life moving forward as usual! (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 140–41)
What are some of the Lord’s commandments that people ignore or mock today? Why do you think Noah and his family were willing to follow the Lord anyway?
President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) shared one of the greatest lessons we can learn:
Noah had the unwavering faith to follow God’s commandments. May we ever do likewise. May we remember that the wisdom of God ofttimes appears as foolishness to men; but the greatest lesson we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and we obey, we will always be right. (“Models to Follow,”Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2002, 61)
What are some commandments the Lord has given that you have been blessed for obeying?
Think about two commandments you can obey more faithfully. Now search the scriptures and the words of modern prophets in general conference, looking for guidance on how you can better live those commandments. For example, you might search for guidance on gratitude or chastity.
Option B
How can following the Lord’s commandments protect me from sin?
One blessing that always comes from following commandments is drawing closer to Jesus Christ. In addition, the Lord can also give us commandments to keep us safe from harm.
Both Noah and the brother of Jared were blessed by following the Lord’s commandments as they built boats. Read the following passage about Noah and the brother of Jared. As you read, look for similarities in the commandments the Lord gave each prophet.
You may want to link these passages.
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Noah—Genesis 6:14 (Note: Pitch is a tar-like substance used for waterproofing.)
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The brother of Jared—Ether 2:16–17
Make a note next to Genesis 6:14 explaining how following the Lord’s commandments kept Noah safe.
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What are some ways we can spiritually “pitch [our lives] within and without” to keep sin from sinking us?
Consider linking the following poem quoted by President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) to Genesis 6:14.
All the water in the world,
However hard it tried,
Could never sink the smallest ship
Unless it [gets] inside.
And all the evil in the world,
The blackest kind of sin,
Can never hurt you the least bit
Unless you let it in.
(Author unknown. Quoted by Boyd K. Packer, “The Spirit of Revelation,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 24)
What are some commandments the Lord has given you that can help keep you safe from sin?
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you increase your desire to obey God’s commandments.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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One or two commandments and blessings you have experienced by keeping these commandments.
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How keeping the commandments in your life has been like Noah applying pitch to the ark.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?