Who Was Noah in the Bible?
The Name of Significant Individuals in the Old Testament
In the Bible, the name Noah (נֹחַ in Hebrew) is associated with two distinct figures, both playing crucial roles in their respective contexts. The most well-known is Noah, son of Lamech, famous for his pivotal role in the Genesis flood narrative. The other Noah is a daughter of Zelophehad, mentioned in the Book of Numbers.
Noah, Son of Lamech
Noah, the son of Lamech, is one of the most significant figures in the Old Testament. His story is extensively detailed in Genesis chapters 5 through 9.
A Righteous Man in a Corrupt World
Noah is first mentioned in Genesis 5:29 as the son of Lamech. He was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God (Genesis 6:9). This sets Noah apart in a world that had become exceedingly wicked and corrupt.
Genesis 5:29 (ESV)
“He called his name Noah, saying, ‘Out of the ground that the Lord has cursed, this one shall bring us relief from our work and from the painful toil of our hands.'”
Genesis 6:9 (ESV)
“These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.”
The Command to Build the Ark
Because of the widespread corruption and violence on the earth, God decided to bring a great flood to destroy all flesh. However, He chose to save Noah and his family due to Noah’s faithfulness. God instructed Noah to build an ark, specifying the exact dimensions and materials to use. Noah’s obedience in constructing the ark is a testament to his unwavering faith and trust in God’s word.
Genesis 6:14-16 (ESV)
“Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch. This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits, its breadth 50 cubits, and its height 30 cubits.”
The Great Flood and God’s Covenant
Noah followed God’s instructions precisely, and when the floodwaters came, he and his family, along with pairs of every kind of animal, entered the ark. The flood lasted for forty days and forty nights, covering the earth and destroying all living things outside the ark. After the waters receded, Noah, his family, and the animals emerged from the ark.
God made a covenant with Noah, promising never again to destroy the earth with a flood. This covenant was symbolized by a rainbow.
Genesis 9:12-13 (ESV)
“And God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.'”
Noah in the New Testament
Noah’s faith and obedience are also highlighted in the New Testament. In Hebrews 11:7, he is commended for his faith in building the ark, which saved his family and condemned the world, making him an heir of righteousness.
Hebrews 11:7 (ESV)
“By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.”
Peter refers to Noah as a preacher of righteousness, emphasizing his role in warning the world of the coming judgment.
2 Peter 2:5 (ESV)
“If he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly.”
Noah, Daughter of Zelophehad
The second Noah mentioned in the Bible is a daughter of Zelophehad, from the tribe of Manasseh. She is noted for her role in a significant legal case in Israel regarding inheritance rights. Along with her sisters Mahlah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, she requested to receive her father’s inheritance as he had no sons.
Numbers 26:33 (ESV)
“Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters. And the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.”
This request led to a change in the inheritance laws in Israel, ensuring that daughters could inherit if there were no sons, highlighting God’s concern for justice and equity.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Faith and Obedience
Noah’s story teaches modern Christians the importance of faith and obedience to God. Despite living in a corrupt society, Noah’s faithfulness set him apart and led to his salvation. Christians today are called to trust in God’s promises and obey His commands, even when it goes against societal norms.
The Importance of Justice
The story of Noah, daughter of Zelophehad, underscores the importance of justice and advocating for what is right. Her actions led to significant changes in inheritance laws, showing that God values fairness and the proper treatment of all individuals, regardless of gender.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Faithfulness
God’s covenant with Noah demonstrates His faithfulness and mercy. Despite humanity’s sinfulness, God provided a means of salvation and promised never to destroy the earth with a flood again. This reflects God’s loving and covenant-keeping nature, reassuring Christians of His steadfast love.
Provision and Protection
God’s instructions to Noah and the subsequent preservation of his family illustrate God’s provision and protection. Modern Christians can take comfort in knowing that God is their protector and provider, guiding them through life’s challenges.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Foreshadowing of Salvation
Noah’s ark is a foreshadowing of the salvation found in Jesus Christ. Just as the ark provided physical salvation from the flood, Jesus provides spiritual salvation from sin. Christians are called to enter into the safety of Christ’s redemption, just as Noah entered the ark.
Preacher of Righteousness
Noah’s role as a preacher of righteousness parallels Jesus’ ministry on earth. Both called people to repentance and warned of impending judgment. Jesus, the ultimate preacher of righteousness, offers hope and redemption to all who believe.
Conclusion
Noah, whether as the faithful builder of the ark or as the daughter advocating for justice, provides profound lessons for modern Christians. These stories emphasize faith, obedience, justice, and the loving nature of God. They also point to the greater salvation and righteousness found in Jesus Christ. Through these narratives, believers are encouraged to trust in God’s promises, live righteously, and advocate for justice in their own lives.