Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 7:17-19
(17-19) The waters increased . . . —The swelling of the flood is told with great power in these verses but every stage and detail has reference to the ark, as if the author of the narrative was one of those on board. First, the “waters increased,” and raised up the ark till it floated. Next, “they became strong and increased exceedingly”—the word rendered “prevailed” really signifying the setting in of mighty currents (see on Genesis 8:1), as the waters sought the lower ground—and at this stage... read more
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 7:1-24
The Flood (continued)2. By sevens] RV ’seven and seven,’ or seven pairs. The clean animals might be used for food, and would also be required for sacrifice. Observe that in Genesis 6:19 this distinction between clean and unclean is not noticed, and that there also the animals are chosen in single pairs, ’two of every sort.’ Lists of ’clean’ and ’unclean’ animals are given in Leviticus 11.11. The second month] The year is here supposed to begin in autumn (cp. Exodus 34:22), so that the second... read more