Genesis 8:12 - Exposition

And he stayed . וַיִּיָּחֶל ; Niph. fut. of יָחַל (Gesenius); cf. וַיָּחֶל . ( Genesis 8:10 ), Hiph. fut. of חוּל (Furst, Delitzsch). Tayler Lewis, following Jewish authorities, would derive both from יָחַל ; with Aben Ezra making the first a regular Niphal, and with Rashi the second a contracted Piel. Yet other seven days . The frequent repetition of the number seven clearly points to the hebdomadal division of the week, and the institution of Sabbatic rest ( vide Genesis 2:1-3 , Expos.). And sent forth the dove. "The more we examine these acts of Noah, the more it will strike us that they must have been of a religious nature. He did not take such observations, and so send out the birds, as mere arbitrary acts, prompted simply by his curiosity or his impatience; but as a man of faith and prayer he inquired of the Lord. What more likely then that such inquiry should have its basis in solemn religious exercises, not arbitrarily entered into, but on days held sacred for prayer and religious rest?" ( T . Lewis). Which returned not again (literally, and it added not to return ) unto him any more.