Noah, the son of Lamech, is a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative, known for his righteousness and obedience to God during a time of widespread corruption and violence on the earth. After the great flood, which God sent to cleanse the world of its wickedness, Noah emerges as a central character in the reestablishment of human life and worship of God.

Biblical Context

Noah's account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 6 through 9. He is introduced as a righteous man, "blameless among his contemporaries," who "walked with God" (Genesis 6:9). God, seeing the wickedness of humanity, decides to bring a flood to destroy all flesh, but He establishes a covenant with Noah, instructing him to build an ark to save his family and pairs of every living creature (Genesis 6:18-19).

The Altar and Sacrifices

After the floodwaters recede and Noah, his family, and the animals disembark from the ark, Noah's first recorded act is one of worship and gratitude. Genesis 8:20 states, "Then Noah built an altar to the LORD. Taking from every kind of clean animal and clean bird, he offered burnt offerings on the altar." This act of sacrifice is significant for several reasons:

1. Expression of Gratitude and Worship: Noah's immediate response upon leaving the ark is to acknowledge God's deliverance and mercy. The building of the altar and the offering of sacrifices signify his deep gratitude and reverence for God, who preserved him and his family through the flood.

2. Reestablishment of Worship: The altar represents the reestablishment of formal worship on the renewed earth. Noah's sacrifices are the first recorded offerings after the flood, setting a precedent for future generations in their relationship with God.

3. Divine Acceptance: The sacrifices are pleasing to God, as indicated in Genesis 8:21 : "When the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, He said in His heart, 'Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.'" This divine response underscores the importance of sacrificial worship and God's commitment to His creation.

4. Covenantal Significance: Following Noah's sacrifices, God establishes a covenant with Noah and his descendants, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again. The rainbow is given as a sign of this covenant (Genesis 9:11-13). Noah's act of sacrifice is thus intertwined with the establishment of a new covenantal relationship between God and humanity.

Theological Implications

Noah's building of the altar and offering of sacrifices highlight several theological themes:

· Obedience and Faith: Noah's actions demonstrate his unwavering faith and obedience to God. Despite the unprecedented nature of the flood and the challenges he faced, Noah remains faithful, exemplifying the virtues of trust and submission to God's will.

· Atonement and Reconciliation: The sacrifices offered by Noah symbolize atonement and the desire for reconciliation with God. They foreshadow the sacrificial system that would later be established under the Mosaic Law and ultimately point to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the atonement of sin.

· God's Mercy and Grace: The acceptance of Noah's sacrifices and the subsequent covenant reveal God's mercy and grace. Despite humanity's sinful nature, God chooses to preserve and bless His creation, offering hope and a future through His promises.

In summary, Noah's building of an altar and offering of sacrifices is a profound moment in biblical history, reflecting themes of worship, covenant, and divine grace. His actions set a pattern for future generations in their relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, and gratitude.Genesis 8:20,21
And Noah built an altar to the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
Nave's Topical Index

Chapter iv
... Jabal-Jubal-Tubal Cain Methuselah Lamech Noah Shem-Ham ... have a sevenfold measure of
punishment, Lamech, not needing ... own arm, re-enforced by his son's weapon, a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm

Why did Noah get drunk after the flood? | GotQuestions.org

What was it like in the days of Noah? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Noah was a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5)? | GotQuestions.org

Noah: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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