Genesis 8 Commentary

The rain stopped, and the underground waters were closed. God caused a wind to dry up the flood waters. The ark came to rest on the mountain tops of Ararat. Soon the tops of the mountains were visible. Specific dates are recorded, emphasizing that this is a historical record of an actual event.

Noah sent out a raven to see if the water had dried yet. It did not return, so Noah sent out a dove three times to test the status of the earth. Finally, a dove returned with an olive leaf, so Noah knew the waters had abated.

The flood waters had completely dried up. But Noah waited until God said to leave the ark before they left. God commanded them to be fruitful and multiply on the earth.

Noah, his family, and all the animals left the ark. Noah built the first altar and offered sacrifices to the Lord. God was pleased with Noah and his sacrifices, and promises to never curse the ground again or destroy every living thing like He had done in this case.