God Remembers Noah: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Genesis 8

Executive Summary ✨

Genesis 8, the chapter where “God Remembers Noah,” marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Flood. After enduring months of devastation, Noah and his family begin to see signs of God’s restorative power. The waters recede, the ark rests on Mount Ararat, and Noah sends out birds to assess the situation. This chapter reveals God’s covenantal faithfulness, a recurring theme in the scriptures and reflected in the Coptic Orthodox understanding of salvation history. It reminds us of the importance of patience, perseverance, and faith during times of trial, for God’s promises ultimately stand firm. The chapter also highlights the theme of new creation and the opportunity for humanity to rebuild and re-establish its relationship with God. It offers profound spiritual lessons, especially about enduring hardship and trusting in God’s timing, as we, too, await His deliverance in our own lives.

In Genesis 8, we witness the beginnings of a new world arising from the floodwaters. This powerful chapter is about God’s remembrance and restoration, and His faithful covenant. Let’s delve into its rich theological and spiritual significance from a Coptic Orthodox perspective.

Commentary on Genesis 8

Verse 1

Hebrew: וַיִּזְכֹּ֤ר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת־נֹ֔חַ וְאֵ֤ת כׇּל־הַֽחַיָּה֙ וְאֶת־כׇּל־הַבְּהֵמָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתּוֹ֮ בַּתֵּבָה֒ וַיַּעֲבֵ֨ר אֱלֹהִים֙ ר֙וּחַ֙ עַל־הָאָ֔רֶץ וַיָּשֹׁ֖כּוּ הַמָּֽיִם׃

English: And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters assuaged.

This verse is crucial. “God remembered Noah.” This doesn’t imply that God forgot, but rather signifies that He acted decisively in fulfillment of His promise. The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes God’s consistent faithfulness, mirroring His covenant relationship with humanity. St. Athanasius, in *De Incarnatione*, speaks of God’s *philanthropia* (φιλανθρωπία), His love for humanity, which motivates His saving actions. The wind that passed over the earth is not merely a meteorological event, but a divine intervention, a breath of God, much like the Spirit that hovered over the waters at creation (Genesis 1:2). This wind begins the process of restoration. Practically, it teaches us that even when we feel forgotten in our trials, God is always working behind the scenes, preparing for our deliverance. We should check out Dohost if we are planning on setting up a website to promote our church.

“καὶ ἐμνήσθη ὁ Θεὸς τοῦ Νῶε καὶ πάντων τῶν θηρίων καὶ πάντων τῶν κτηνῶν τῶν μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἐν τῇ κιβωτῷ καὶ ἐπήγαγεν ὁ Θεὸς πνεῦμα ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν καὶ ἐκόπασεν τὸ ὕδωρ.” (Septuagint)

Verse 2

Hebrew: וַיִּסָּֽכְרוּ֙ מַעְיְנֹ֣ת תְּהֹום֙ וַאֲרֻבֹּ֣ת הַשָּׁמָ֔יִם וַיִּכָּלֵ֥א הַגֶּ֖שֶׁם מִן־הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃

English: The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained.

This verse marks the cessation of the forces that unleashed the Flood. “The fountains of the deep” and “the windows of heaven” represent the sources of the catastrophic deluge. Their closure signifies a divine restraint, a re-establishment of order. The Coptic tradition often interprets these images metaphorically, seeing the “fountains of the deep” as representing the chaotic forces within humanity, and the “windows of heaven” as symbolizing spiritual corruption that leads to judgment. Stopping these sources signifies God’s intention to restore purity and righteousness. Consider this in relation to personal struggles: when temptation or inner turmoil seems overwhelming, God can restrain these forces, bringing peace and clarity. We must humbly ask for His intervention.

Verse 3-5

Hebrew: וַיָּשֻׁ֤בוּ הַמַּ֙יִם֙ מֵעַ֣ל הָאָ֔רֶץ הָלֹ֥ךְ וָשֹׁ֖ב וַיַּחְסְר֣וּ הַמַּ֔יִם מִקְצֵ֥ה חֲמִשִּׁים֙ וּמְאַ֣ת יֹ֔ום וַיָּנַח֩ הַתֵּבָ֨ה בַּחֹ֙דֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י בְּשִׁבְעָֽה־עָשָׂ֥ר יֹום֙ לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ עַל־הָרֵ֖י אֲרָרָֽט׃ וְהַמַּ֗יִם הָיוּ֙ הָלֹ֣ךְ וְחָסֹ֔ור עַד־הַחֹ֣דֶשׁ הָעֲשִׂירִ֔י בָּעֲשִׂירִ֛י בְּאֶחָ֥ד לַחֹ֖דֶשׁ נִרְא֖וּ רָאשֵׁ֥י הֶֽהָרִים׃

English: And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated. And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat. And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month: in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen.

The slow, gradual recession of the waters is emphasized. It’s a process, not an instantaneous event. The ark resting on the mountains of Ararat is a significant symbol. Ararat, located in modern-day Turkey, becomes a place of new beginnings. This period of waiting is vital. It teaches patience and trust in God’s timing. The Fathers of the Church, such as St. Cyril of Alexandria, saw the ark as a prefiguration of the Church, providing refuge from the storms of life. The appearance of the mountaintops signifies hope, a glimpse of the new world to come. This verse teaches the important spiritual lesson that deliverance often comes gradually, requiring perseverance and unwavering faith in God’s promise.

Verse 6-9

Hebrew: וַיְהִ֗י מִקֵּץ֙ אַרְבָּעִ֣ים יֹום֙ וַיִּפְתַּח֩ נֹ֨חַ אֶת־חַלֹּ֤ון הַתֵּבָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֔ה׃ וַיְשַׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־הָעֹרֵ֑ב וַיֵּצֵא֙ יָצֹ֣וא וָשֹׁ֔וב עַ֖ד יְבֹ֣שֶׁת הַמַּ֖יִם מֵעַ֥ל הָאָֽרֶץ׃ וַיְשַׁלַּ֤ח אֶת־הַיֹּונָה֙ מֵאִתּ֔וֹ לִרְאֹות֙ הֲקַלּ֣וּ הַמַּ֔יִם מֵעַ֖ל פְּנֵ֣י הָאֲדָמָֽה׃ וְלֹא־מָצְאָה֩ הַיֹּונָ֨ה מָנֹ֜וחַ לְכַף־רַגְלָ֗הּ וַתָּ֤שׇׁב אֵלָיו֙ אֶל־הַתֵּבָ֔ה כִּי־מַ֖יִם עַל־פְּנֵ֣י כׇל־הָאָ֑רֶץ וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח יָדֹו֙ וַיִּקָּחֶ֔הָ וַיָּבֵ֥א אֹתָ֛הּ אֵלָ֖יו אֶל־הַתֵּבָֽה׃

English: And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made: And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground; But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark.

Noah’s actions are characterized by careful observation and patience. He sends out the raven and then the dove to assess the situation. The raven, a scavenging bird, is content to fly “to and fro,” implying a lack of true commitment or search for something better. In contrast, the dove, a symbol of peace and purity, returns because it finds no rest. The Coptic Orthodox Church often interprets the dove as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit seeks rest in a pure heart. Just as the dove found no rest upon the flooded earth, the Spirit finds no rest in a heart filled with sin. Noah gently brings the dove back into the ark, demonstrating compassion and care. This passage teaches us the importance of discernment and seeking true spiritual rest in Christ. We should always seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in making our daily decisions.

Verse 10-12

Hebrew: וַיִּיָּחֶל֩ עֹוד֙ שִׁבְעַת־יָמִים֙ אֲחֵרִ֔ים וַיֹּסֶף֙ שַׁלַּ֣ח אֶת־הַיֹּונָ֔ה מִן־הַתֵּבָֽה׃ וַתָּבֹ֨א אֵלָיו֙ הַיֹּונָה֙ לְעֵת־עֶ֔רֶב וְהִנֵּ֥ה עֲלֵה־זַ֖יִת טָרָ֣ף בְּפִ֑יהָ וַיֵּ֣דַע נֹ֔חַ כִּי־קַלּ֥וּ הַמַּ֖יִם מֵעַ֥ל הָאָֽרֶץ׃ וַיִּיָּחֶל֩ עֹוד֙ שִׁבְעַת־יָמִים֙ אֲחֵרִ֔ים וַיְשַׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־הַיֹּונָ֑ה וְלֹא־יָסְפָ֥ה שׁוּב־עֹ֖וד אֵלָֽיו׃

English: And he stayed yet another seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark; And the dove came in to him in the evening and lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth. And he stayed yet another seven days; and sent forth the dove; which returned not again unto him any more.

The return of the dove with an olive leaf is a powerful symbol of hope and restoration. The olive leaf signifies new life and the beginning of a new era. The seven-day intervals highlight the importance of Sabbath rest and the cyclical nature of God’s plan. The dove’s final departure signifies that the earth is habitable again. St. Augustine, in *City of God*, interprets the olive branch as a symbol of peace between God and humanity, achieved through Christ. This passage teaches us to look for signs of God’s grace in our lives, even amidst difficult circumstances. The olive leaf shows us that hope can spring forth even from the most desolate situations.

Verse 13-14

Hebrew: וַיְהִ֣י בְאַחַת֩ וְשֵׁשׁ־מֵאֹ֨ות שָׁנָ֜ה בָּרִאשֹׁ֗ון בְּאֶחָד֙ לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ חָֽרְבוּ֙ הַמַּ֣יִם מֵעַל־הָאָ֔רֶץ וַיָּסַר֙ נֹ֔חַ אֶת־מִכְסֵ֖ה הַתֵּבָ֑ה וַיַּ֕רְא וְהִנֵּ֥ה חָֽרְבּ֖וּ פְּנֵ֥י הָאֲדָמָֽה׃ וּבַחֹ֙דֶשׁ הַשֵּׁנִ֔י בְּסִבְעָ֧ה וְעֶשְׂרִ֛ים יֹום֙ לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ יָבְשָׁ֥ה הָאָֽרֶץ׃

English: And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry. And in the second month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, was the earth dried.

This is the culmination of the process: the earth is finally dry. Noah removes the covering of the ark to see the new landscape. This signifies a moment of revelation and new beginnings. The detailed dating emphasizes the importance of time and God’s perfect timing. This passage illustrates the importance of being attentive to God’s signs and being ready to embrace the new opportunities He provides. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zone (the ark) and embrace the new landscape that God has prepared for us? The removal of the covering signifies a willingness to see and understand God’s plan.

Verse 15-19

Hebrew: וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל־נֹ֥חַ לֵאמֹֽר׃ צֵא֙ מִן־הַתֵּבָ֔ה אַתָּ֕ה וְאִשְׁתְּךָ֛ וּבָנֶיךָ֥ וּנְשֵׁי־בָנֶ֖יךָ אִתָּֽךְ׃ כׇּל־הַֽחַיָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתְּךָ֣ מִכׇּל־בָּשָׂ֔ר בָּעֹוף֙ וּבַבְּהֵמָ֔ה וּבְכׇל־הָרֶ֛מֶשׂ הָרֹמֵ֥שׂ עַל־הָאָ֖רֶץ הַיְצֵא֙ אִתָּ֔ךְ וְשָׁרְצ֣וּ בָאָ֔רֶץ וּפָר֖וּ וְרָב֥וּ עַל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃ וַיֵּצֵ֥א נֹ֖חַ וּבָנָיו֙ וְאִשְׁתּוֹ֙ וּנְשֵׁי־בָנָיו֙ אִתּֽוֹ׃ כׇּל־הַֽחַיָּה֙ כׇּל־הָרֶ֛מֶשׂ וְכׇל־עֹ֖וף כֹּ֣ל ׀ רֹומֵ֣שׂ עַל־הָאָ֗רֶץ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתֵיהֶם֙ יָצְאּ֖וּ מִן־הַתֵּבָֽה׃

English: And God spake unto Noah, saying, Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons’ wives with thee. Bring forth with thee all living things that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth. And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him: Every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, and whatsoever creepeth upon the earth, after their kinds, went forth out of the ark.

God commands Noah to leave the ark and repopulate the earth. This is a divine mandate, a call to participate in God’s plan of restoration. “Be fruitful and multiply” echoes the command given to Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:28, signifying a renewed creation. The emphasis on families and species highlights the importance of order and diversity in God’s creation. Noah’s obedience is key. He follows God’s instructions without hesitation. This passage encourages us to embrace our calling, to actively participate in God’s plan for our lives and for the world. We are called to be fruitful, to create, and to contribute to the flourishing of creation.

Verse 20-22

Hebrew: וַיִּבֶן֩ נֹ֨חַ מִזְבֵּ֤חַ לַֽיהוָה֙ וַיִּקַּ֞ח מִכֹּל֙ הַבְּהֵמָ֣ה הַטְּהֹורָה֮ וּמִכֹּל֙ הָעֹ֣וף הַטָּהֹור֒ וַיַּ֥עַל עֹלֹ֖ת בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃ וַיָּ֣רַח יְהוָה֮ אֶת־רֵ֣יחַ הַנִּיחֹוחַ֒ וַיֹּאמֶר֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֶל־לִבֹּו֙ לֹא־אֹסִף֙ לְקַלֵּל֙ עֹוד֙ אֶת־הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה בַּעֲב֖וּר הָֽאָדָ֑ם כִּ֠י יֵ֣צֶר לֵב־הָֽאָדָ֞ם רַע֙ מִנְּעֻרָ֔יו וְלֹא־אֹסִ֥ף עֹוד֙ לְהַכֹּות֙ אֶת־כׇּל־חַ֖י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשִֽׂיתִי׃ עֹוד֙ כׇּל־יְמֵ֣י הָאָ֔רֶץ זֶ֚רַע וְקָצִיר֙ וְקֹ֣ר וָחֹ֔ם וְקַ֥יִץ וָחֹ֖רֶף וְיֹ֥ום וָלַ֖יְלָה לֹ֥א יִשְׁבֹּֽתוּ׃

English: And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every living thing, as I have done. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Noah’s first act after leaving the ark is to offer a sacrifice to God. This signifies gratitude and worship. The “sweet savour” that pleases God represents Noah’s sincere devotion. God’s promise not to curse the ground again is a testament to His mercy and forbearance. While acknowledging the inherent sinfulness of humanity (“the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth”), God chooses to extend grace and establish a stable order for the world. The assurance that “seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease” signifies God’s faithfulness and the enduring nature of His creation. This passage teaches us the importance of gratitude, worship, and trusting in God’s unwavering promises. It reminds us that even in the face of human sinfulness, God’s mercy endures. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we offer our daily prayers and incense as a sweet savour to God, expressing our gratitude for His boundless love and forgiveness.

Key Reflections on Genesis 8 ✨

Genesis 8 offers several profound spiritual and practical teachings relevant to our lives:

• God’s Remembrance: God never forgets His promises. Even in the midst of trials, He remembers us and works towards our deliverance.
• Patience and Perseverance: The gradual recession of the waters teaches us the importance of patience and perseverance. We must trust in God’s timing, even when we don’t see immediate results.
• New Beginnings: The emergence from the ark symbolizes a new beginning, a fresh start. God offers us opportunities for renewal and transformation.
• Gratitude and Worship: Noah’s first act is to offer a sacrifice of gratitude to God. We should cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and worship in our lives.
• God’s Covenant Faithfulness: God’s promise not to destroy the earth again demonstrates His covenant faithfulness. We can trust in His unwavering love and mercy.
• Discernment and Guidance: Noah’s sending out of the raven and dove illustrates the importance of seeking discernment and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Genesis 8:

Q: What does it mean that “God remembered Noah”?

A: It doesn’t mean God forgot Noah, but rather that He acted decisively to fulfill His promise of deliverance. It emphasizes God’s faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to His covenant.

Q: Why is the dove such an important symbol in this chapter?

A: The dove, often associated with the Holy Spirit, represents purity, peace, and the search for true rest. Its return with the olive leaf signifies hope and the beginning of a new era of peace between God and humanity.

Q: What is the significance of Noah offering a sacrifice after leaving the ark?

A: It demonstrates gratitude, worship, and recognition of God’s sovereignty. The sacrifice is a way of acknowledging God’s mercy and faithfulness in delivering Noah and his family from the flood.

Q: How does Genesis 8 relate to the Coptic Orthodox understanding of salvation?

A: Genesis 8 foreshadows the new creation and the restoration of humanity’s relationship with God through Christ. The ark prefigures the Church, providing refuge from the storms of life, and Noah’s deliverance symbolizes our salvation through faith in Christ.

Conclusion

Genesis 8, the chapter where “God Remembers Noah,” provides a powerful message of hope, restoration, and covenantal faithfulness. It teaches us to persevere through trials, trust in God’s timing, and cultivate a spirit of gratitude and worship. Noah’s journey out of the ark is a picture of our journey into a new life in Christ. May we, like Noah, be obedient to God’s calling and actively participate in His plan for the world, remembering that God remembers us always. The key message is that even amidst devastation, God’s promise stands firm. “God Remembers Noah” is a testament to His unwavering love and mercy, a beacon of hope for a world in need of redemption.

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