Who was Noah in the Bible?

Table of Contents

Noah is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known for his role in the survival of humanity through the great flood, an event that marked a turning point in God’s dealings with the world. His story is found primarily in the Book of Genesis, chapters 6 through 9, and his legacy extends beyond his immediate family to the broader themes of God’s judgment, mercy, and covenant promises. This article will explore his life, focusing on his background, his faithfulness in the face of divine judgment, the construction of the ark, the flood itself, the aftermath, and his significance in biblical theology, drawing primarily from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible.

The Genealogy and Background of Noah

Noah’s story begins in Genesis 5, which provides a genealogy of the descendants of Adam through his son Seth. He is introduced as the tenth generation from Adam, the son of Lamech, and the grandson of Methuselah. Genesis 5:28-29 states:

“Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-two years, and had a son. And he called his name Noah, saying, ‘This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands because of the ground which the Lord has cursed.'” (Genesis 5:28-29, NKJV)

The name “Noah” means “rest” or “comfort,” and his father Lamech prophesied that Noah would bring relief from the curse on the ground that had been inflicted because of Adam’s sin (see Genesis 3:17-19). Lamech’s words foreshadow Noah’s pivotal role in God’s plan to preserve life and begin anew after the flood.

Noah’s background is significant in understanding his character and the divine call on his life. He was born into a world that had become increasingly corrupt, as seen in the preceding chapters of Genesis. The genealogy in Genesis 5 shows the contrast between the faithful descendants of Seth and the corruption that spread among humanity. This corruption is particularly evident in the description of the “sons of God” and the “daughters of men” in Genesis 6:1-2, which is often interpreted as a reference to fallen angels or the intermarriage between the godly descendants of Seth and the ungodly descendants of Cain.

The Wickedness of Humanity and God’s Judgment

The Bible describes the world in Noah’s time as being filled with wickedness. In Genesis 6:5-7, it is written:

“Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, ‘I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.'” (Genesis 6:5-7, NKJV)

God’s judgment is pronounced because of the overwhelming sinfulness of humanity, which had reached such a point that it grieved God to the heart. The evil was so pervasive that it extended not only to humans but to the animal kingdom as well. God’s decision to destroy the earth and start anew is framed as an act of sorrow, indicating the depth of His grief over the state of His creation.

The pervasive wickedness of humanity sets the stage for the salvation of Noah and his family. This godly man is presented as the lone exception to this universal corruption, a man who “found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8).

Noah’s Faithfulness and Obedience

The key characteristic that sets Noah apart from the rest of humanity is his righteousness and faithfulness to God. Genesis 6:9 states:

“This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.” (Genesis 6:9, NKJV)

This man’s righteousness is emphasized here, particularly his integrity and his personal relationship with God. The phrase “Noah walked with God” mirrors the description of Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah, who also “walked with God” and was taken by God without experiencing death (Genesis 5:24). Walking with God is symbolic of a life of close communion with God, characterized by obedience to His will and trust in His guidance.

In the midst of a corrupt and rebellious world, his obedience to God’s commands is remarkable. When God instructed him to build the ark, Noah did so without question, demonstrating his unwavering faith and submission to God’s authority. Hebrews 11:7 offers a glimpse of Noah’s faith in this regard:

“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” (Hebrews 11:7, NKJV)

Noah’s obedience is highlighted as an example of faith, even in the face of something as unimaginable as a global flood. He did not see the flood coming, yet he trusted in God’s word and acted on it.

The Building of the Ark

God’s command to Noah was specific and detailed. In Genesis 6:14-16, God instructs his servanrt on how to build the ark:

“Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. And this is how you shall make it: the length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks.” (Genesis 6:14-16, NKJV)

The ark was to be an immense vessel, approximately 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. Its precise construction was essential to ensure the survival of Noah, his family, and the animals. The ark was not just a means of escape; it was a symbol of God’s provision and protection for those who trusted in Him.

Noah’s faithful execution of this task, despite the apparent impossibility of the situation, was a testament to his trust in God’s plan. It is important to note that the ark was built in a time when rain and floods were unheard of. The Bible tells us that the earth had been watered by mist from the ground (Genesis 2:6), and the idea of a worldwide flood would have seemed preposterous to his contemporaries. Nonetheless, this godly man persisted, trusting in God’s warning and obeying His instructions to the letter.

The Flood and God’s Judgment

Once the ark was completed, Noah, his family, and the animals were to enter the ark. Genesis 7:11-13 describes the onset of the flood:

“In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights. On the very same day Noah and Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark.” (Genesis 7:11-13, NKJV)

The flood was both a natural and supernatural event. The “fountains of the great deep” were broken up, and “the windows of heaven were opened,” resulting in forty days and forty nights of continuous rain. This massive deluge caused the waters to cover even the highest mountains, as Genesis 7:19-20 states:

“And the waters prevailed exceedingly on the earth, and all the high hills under the whole heaven were covered. The waters prevailed fifteen cubits upward, and the mountains were covered.” (Genesis 7:19-20, NKJV)

The flood destroyed all life outside the ark, confirming the extent of God’s judgment. However, Noah, his family, and the animals were spared because of his righteousness and obedience to God’s commands.

The Aftermath and God’s Covenant

After the floodwaters receded, Noah and his family emerged from the ark, and God’s covenant with Noah was established. In Genesis 9:1-2, God blesses Noah and his family, giving them dominion over the earth:

“So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand.'” (Genesis 9:1-2, NKJV)

God then establishes a covenant with Noah, symbolized by the rainbow, as recorded in Genesis 9:13-17. God promises never again to destroy the earth with a flood, and the rainbow serves as a sign of this everlasting covenant. Genesis 9:16 states:

“The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9:16, NKJV)

This covenant marks the beginning of a new era in the history of creation, where God’s promise to Noah extends not only to him but to all future generations.

Noah’s Legacy and Significance

Noah’s legacy is not only that of a survivor of the flood but also that of a faithful servant of God. He is remembered as a man who, in a time of widespread sin and corruption, stood firm in his faith and obedience to God’s will. His story emphasizes several important theological themes:

God’s Judgment and Mercy: Noah’s story highlights the balance between God’s judgment against sin and His mercy toward those who trust in Him. While the flood was a catastrophic event of divine judgment, it also represented God’s mercy in preserving Noah and his family.
The Importance of Righteousness: Noah’s righteousness stands in stark contrast to the wickedness that filled the earth. His faith and obedience to God set him apart, and his example serves as a model for believers who seek to remain faithful in a corrupt world.
The Covenant of God: The covenant God made with Noah after the flood is foundational to understanding God’s relationship with humanity. The rainbow serves as a visible reminder of God’s faithfulness and His commitment to His creation.

Noah’s faith is also celebrated in the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews 11:7, where he is listed among the heroes of faith:

Noah’s faith was instrumental in the salvation of his family, and his story serves as an enduring example of trusting in God’s word even in the face of the unknown.

Conclusion

Noah’s story in the Bible is a powerful narrative that combines themes of judgment, mercy, faith, and covenant. As the one righteous man in a corrupt world, this man stood as a beacon of faith and obedience to God. His role in preserving life through the flood and the subsequent covenant with God has profound theological significance for understanding God’s relationship with humanity. Noah’s example of righteousness, faithfulness, and obedience serves as a model for believers today, reminding them of the importance of trusting in God’s promises and remaining faithful in the face of a world that often rejects His ways. Through Noah’s story, we see both the seriousness of God’s judgment on sin and the hope of salvation for those who walk in faithfulness with Him.