Welcome to Who's Who in the Bible. Today, we’ll take an overview of the life of Noah, a central figure in Judeo-Christian theology, revered as a righteous man, builder of the ark, and survivor of the Great Flood.
Noah lived approximately 4,300 years ago, according to biblical chronology, in the world before the Great Flood. His life, marked by faithfulness, obedience to God, and preservation of life, played a crucial role in God's plan to redeem humanity from corruption and sin.
The story of Noah begins with his characterisation as a righteous man in a corrupt generation (Genesis 6:9). Amidst widespread wickedness and violence, Noah found favour in the eyes of the Lord and walked blamelessly before Him. His righteousness highlights the theological principle of God's grace and the possibility of faithful living in the midst of moral decay.
God revealed His plan to Noah, instructing him to build an ark to escape the coming flood judgment (Genesis 6:13-22). Despite the seemingly impossible task and the mockery of his contemporaries, Noah obeyed God's command with unwavering faith and dedication. His obedience reflects the theological concept of faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:7).
For a long time Noah diligently worked on building the ark, following God's precise instructions regarding its dimensions and design (Genesis 6:14-16). Noah’s unwavering commitment to following God's instructions showcased his profound trust in divine providence, laying the foundation for the monumental task ahead. Noah's actions served as testament to his deep faith, a faith that remained firm even before the floodwaters engulfed the earth.
Noah, along with his wife, his three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and their wives, entered the ark as God commanded, along with pairs of every kind of animal, to be preserved from the destruction of the flood (Genesis 7:1-9). For forty days and forty nights, the rain poured down, and the floodwaters covered the earth, but the ark remained secure amidst the deluge, providing safety and refuge for Noah and his family.
After the floodwaters receded, and the ark came to rest on the mount of Ararat, Noah and his family emerged as the survivors of the cataclysmic event (Genesis 8:1-19). In gratitude and obedience, Noah offered sacrifices to God, and God made a covenant with him, promising never again to destroy the earth by flood and setting the rainbow as a sign of His covenant (Genesis 8:20-9:17). Noah's faithfulness and God's covenant demonstrate the theological principles of divine judgment, redemption, and covenant faithfulness.
Noah occupies a central place in religious tradition as a symbol of human obedience, and divine preservation. His story serves as a reminder of God's judgment upon sin, His provision for the righteous, and His faithfulness to His promises.
So what’s so special about Noah? He is not only a survivor of the Great Flood but also a testament to the power of faith and obedience in the face of adversity. His life challenges us to walk faithfully with God, to obey His commands, and to trust in His promises.
To explore more about Noah and his significance in the Bible, we encourage you to delve into the book of Genesis.
