Noach
24 Oct 2009
Genesis 6:9-11:32
Isaiah 54:1-55:5
1 Peter 3:18-22
Noach was a righteous man, in his own generation; all
others perverted the ways of G-d. G-d then instructs him to build and
outfit the ark.
Noach is told to enter the ark, along with all the
animals. Then the flood began. For forty days and nights the waters
increased, destroying all living things, and the waters raged upon the
surface of the earth for 150 days. They then receded for the next 150
days. Finally the ark rested on Mount Ararat. Noach sends out the raven
and then the dove. Exactly one solar year after it began, the earth was
dry.
Noach and his family exit the ark and built an altar to
offer sacrifices to G-d. G-d accepted the offering and declared a
covenant with Noach, his sons, mankind and all creatures. They were
instructed to keep G-d’s commandments and He promised to never again
destroy the world by waters. The rainbow is designated as a symbol of
that covenant (Genesis 8:20ff).
The story then continues with the recounting of the
vineyard, and the subsequent blessings and curses are related. The
descendants of his children are listed and then Noach died.
The story of the Tower of Babel tells of Nimrod's
kingdom. This showed the rebellion against G-d. We know that rebellion
is as the sin of witchcraft as stated in 1 Samuel 15:23. The ten
generations of Shem are listed. The introduction of Abraham and Sarah
are recorded.
The ark served an alternative purpose. It was a vehicle
of rescue to serve a select group of humans, animals and fowl from
certain destruction. The ark was a structure without which humanity
would have been decimated.
G-d will never forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). Remember,
G-d keeps His promises (1 Kings 8:56). We need to be faithful to Him by
being a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to Him (Romans 12:1-2).
G-d judges us on the basis of faithfulness, not popularity (1
Corinthians 4:2-5). Be courageous, be faithful. G-d desires
faithfulness!
Shalom U’Bracha
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z.