Genesis 9:11 - Exposition

And I will establish my covenant with you . Not form it for the first time, as if no such covenant had existed in antediluvian times (Knobel); but cause it to stand or permanently establish it, so that it shall no more be-in danger of being overthrown, as it recently has been. The word "my" points to a covenant already in existence, though not formally mentioned until the time of Noah ( Genesis 6:18 ). The promise of the woman's seed, which formed the substance of the covenant during the interval from Adam to Noah, was from Noah's time downwards to be enlarged by a specific pledge of the stability of the earth and the safety of man (cf. Genesis 8:22 ). Neither shall all flesh —including the human race and animal creation. Cf. כָּל־בָּשָׂר mankind (Genesis vi 12), the lower creatures ( Genesis 7:21 )— be cut off any more by the waters of a flood . Literally, the flood just passed, which would no more return. Neither shall there any more be a flood (of any kind) to destroy the earth . Regions might be devastated and tribes of animals and men swept away, but never again would there be a universal destruction of the earth or of man.