Why Didn’t Noah Kill Those Two Mosquitoes?

In today’s Glimpses of Wonder, we explore a question that blends humor with profound insight: Why didn’t Noah kill those two mosquitoes? Picture Noah, after decades of labor constructing the ark and gathering the animals, finally seeking rest. Yet, amid the calm, the familiar high-pitched buzz of mosquitoes fills the air. Surely, swatting them would have been tempting! But Noah’s actions reflect something far deeper: obedience to Jehovah’s instructions.

Noah’s Exact Instructions

Jehovah’s guidance to Noah was clear and comprehensive:

“You must bring into the ark two of every sort of living creature to preserve them alive with you. They should be male and female.” (Genesis 6:19)

This command was not limited to the large or the seemingly significant but encompassed all living creatures—great and small. Jehovah’s plan for life preservation was purposeful and complete.

How did Noah respond? The Scriptures emphasize Noah’s unwavering obedience:

• Genesis 6:22: “And Noah did according to all that God had commanded him. He did just so.”

• Genesis 7:5: “Then Noah did everything that Jehovah had commanded him.”

Noah didn’t make exceptions or act on his own preferences. He followed Jehovah’s instructions “just so,” trusting Jehovah’s wisdom in preserving all forms of life, even creatures as small and irritating as mosquitoes.

What Can We Learn From This?

Noah’s actions teach us a valuable lesson about obedience. In life, we often face “mosquito moments”—those minor irritations, difficult tasks, or responsibilities that test our patience. When we’re tempted to “swat them away,” we can reflect on Noah’s example:

• Do we follow Jehovah’s instructions fully, even when we don’t understand the reasons?

• Can we trust that Jehovah’s wisdom and purpose are greater than our own?

Noah’s careful obedience saved his family and preserved life on Earth. His trust in Jehovah’s instructions brought blessings beyond measure. Similarly, when we strive to obey Jehovah fully—without shortcuts or exceptions—we show trust in His wisdom and align ourselves with His purpose.

The Smallest Creatures Have a Purpose

Even mosquitoes, though small and often bothersome, are part of Jehovah’s creation. Just as Jehovah included them in His plan for life, He includes us—each of us with a role and purpose. As Psalm 104:24 says:

“How many your works are, O Jehovah! You have made all of them in wisdom. The earth is full of what you have made.”

The next time we face something irritating or puzzling, let’s remember Noah’s example of doing things “just so.” Trusting in Jehovah’s wisdom, even when things seem small or difficult, brings blessings and peace. After all, if Jehovah could preserve even the tiniest creatures, He can certainly guide and sustain us.

Sources

• The Bible: Genesis 6:19, 6:22, 7:5

• Insight on the Scriptures (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society)

• Psalm 104:24

• National Geographic: Role of Insects in Ecosystems