Reading Notes: Noah, Part A

Today's reading on Noah featured both fresh and familiar accounts of the Biblical narrative. I began by reading the included pieces from the King James translation of the Bible, Genesis chapters 5 - 11. Then, I read a few related excerpts from Louis Ginzberg's Legends of the Jews. To follow along, read portions 1-8 of section A here.

 Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat by Simon de Myle

Unlike the previous readings for which I have written notes, which were mostly short fables, today's reading is a more continuous story. Within the story presented in these readings, several aspects of Noah's life stood out to me, including the wickedness of the generation in which he lived, the meaning of his name, and his relationship with his grandfather, Methuselah.

A Wicked Generation
In both the Biblical translation and Ginzberg's Legends, emphasis is placed on the evil nature of mankind. "God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth,...his heart was only evil continually." Ginzberg goes on to explain that at the time, fallen angels had committed multiple acts of fornication with human women, resulting in a strong but sinful race. Thus, Noah exists in stark contrast to all other people. He is sent as a hero that will restore God's creation to peace and purity. In my writings about Noah, I hope to capture this sense of endowment upon Noah's life, continuing to create contrast between him and his surroundings.

No Normal Name
In Ginzberg's "The Birth of Noah," Noah's name is said to indicate that "he would cause the earth to rejoice in compensation for all destruction." However, he is called Menahem, which means comforter. Ginzberg states that Noah could have been a comforter to his fellow men, if only they had repented from their wicked ways. This information about Noah has two possible implications for future stories. First, it goes a long way in characterizing Noah, presenting him as someone who is gentle and relatable. Next, it could provide the basis for a story explaining how Noah kept peace between the animals in the confines of the ark.

Mighty Methuselah
In the same story that details Noah's birth, Ginzberg shares that Noah's grandfather was the only one to refer to him as Noah, rather than Menahem. Methuselah also advocated on behalf of Noah when Noah's father, Lamech, is troubled by Noah's behavior and appearance. In later stories, it is also noted that God did not allow the flood to come upon the earth until after the death of Methuselah, who, besides Noah, was the only "pious" man on earth. Such facts lend themselves to the idea that Noah's purpose is closely connected to his grandfather.