Topical Encyclopedia
Noah is a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative, known primarily for his role in the events surrounding the Great Flood. He is introduced in the Book of Genesis as a righteous man chosen by God to preserve humanity and animal life through the construction of an ark. Noah's account is foundational in understanding God's judgment and mercy, as well as the covenantal relationship between God and humanity.
Genealogy and Early LifeNoah is a descendant of Adam through the line of Seth, the son of Lamech, and the grandson of Methuselah. His genealogy is detailed in
Genesis 5, which traces the lineage from Adam to Noah, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan through the generations.
Genesis 5:29 states, "He named him Noah, saying, 'He will comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands, caused by the ground the LORD has cursed.'"
Righteousness and Divine FavorNoah is described as a man of righteousness in a time of widespread corruption and violence.
Genesis 6:9 declares, "Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God." This characterization sets Noah apart from his contemporaries and underscores his unique relationship with God. His righteousness is further highlighted by the fact that he found favor in the eyes of the Lord (
Genesis 6:8).
The Great FloodThe narrative of the Great Flood begins with God's observation of humanity's wickedness and His decision to cleanse the earth. In
Genesis 6:13-14 , God communicates His plan to Noah: "Then God said to Noah, 'The end of all living creatures has come before Me, because through them the earth is full of violence. Now behold, I will destroy both them and the earth. Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out.'"
Noah's obedience is a central theme, as he meticulously follows God's instructions for building the ark.
Genesis 6:22 affirms, "So Noah did everything precisely as God had commanded him." This obedience is a testament to Noah's faith and trust in God's word.
The Covenant with NoahAfter the floodwaters recede, Noah emerges from the ark and offers sacrifices to God, an act of worship and gratitude. In response, God establishes a covenant with Noah and his descendants, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again.
Genesis 9:11 records God's promise: "I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth."
The sign of this covenant is the rainbow, as stated in
Genesis 9:13 : "I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth." This covenant underscores God's mercy and faithfulness, providing assurance of His ongoing commitment to creation.
Noah's LegacyNoah's life and actions have profound theological implications. He is often seen as a precursor to later biblical figures who mediate between God and humanity. His account is a testament to the importance of faith, obedience, and righteousness in the face of a corrupt world. Noah's legacy is also reflected in the New Testament, where he is mentioned in the context of faith and divine judgment (
Hebrews 11:7,
1 Peter 3:20).
In summary, Noah's role as a prophet is characterized by his intimate relationship with God, his obedience to divine commands, and his participation in God's redemptive plan for humanity. His account serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice, mercy, and the enduring nature of His promises.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 9:25-27And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Hymns on the Nativity. Hymn i. This is the Day that Gladdened Them ...
... Shamed is that people which holds the prophets as true; for unless our Saviour has ...
Noah saw the sons of God, saints that sudden waxed wanton, and the Holy Son ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymns on the nativity hymn.htm
In Regard to the Prophets among the Jews, Some of them were Wise ...
... We have the history of the life of each of the prophets; but it will be enough ... you
will go back to more remote times, think of the life of Noah, who prophesied ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter vii in regard to.htm
The Blessings, and Also the Curse, Pronounced by Noah were ...
... Thus it is written: And Noah awoke from the wine, and knew what his younger son ... and
recognise the truth in His own words and those of His prophets, know that ...
/.../chapter cxxxix the blessings and also.htm
Fragment Liii. With Regard to Christ, the Law and the Prophets and ...
... prophets; the Angel among angels; the Man among men; Son in the Father; God in God;
King to all eternity. For it is He who sailed [in the ark] along with Noah, ...
/.../fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/fragment liii with regard to.htm
The Prophets were Sent from one and the Same Father from whom the ...
... who planted the vineyard, who led forth the people, who sent the prophets, who sent
His ... He declares one and the same Lord, who in the times of Noah brought the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxvi the prophets were sent.htm
Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... history of the world during which Christ has never ceased to be preached,"in five
foretold by the prophets, and in ... Noah himself, too, was the tenth from Adam ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm
Noah's Justice
... whole thing as a mere fancy of ill-health; now why did not Noah do the ... As it is written,
"If they believe not Moses and the prophets, neither will they believe ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon x noahs justice.htm
On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ...
... He also came down upon all righteous men and Prophets; Enos, I mean, and Enoch,
and Noah, and the rest; upon Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; for as regards Joseph ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvi on the article.htm
"Woe unto You, Because Ye Build the Tombs of the Prophets, and ...
... For this cause do I send prophets and scribes." This did the prophets also lay ... Which
He saith to Noah likewise, "I will require all blood that is shed." [2713 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxiv woe unto you.htm
The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
... a few:"It cannot be doubted that it is on purpose that Noah, when speaking of ... of
Shem, "the churches which the apostles, the sons of the prophets, have built ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessings of noah upon.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about false prophets? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the Major Prophets and Minor Prophets? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the school of prophets? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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