TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

TORAH WEEK 02 NOACH

02 - Torah Portion: Noach נֹחַ ("Noah")

Portion Summary:
The Torah portion Noach (Genesis 6:1–11:32) recounts the story of Noah, the flood, and humanity's journey after this cataclysmic event. YHVH commands Noah to build an ark to preserve life, and after the flood subsides, YHVH makes a covenant with Noah and his descendants. The portion concludes with the account of the Tower of Babel, where humanity's unity in rebellion against YHVH leads to the confusion of languages and dispersal across adamah.

In this second reading in the Book of Genesis is named Noach, the Hebrew spelling for Noah. The word Noach means "rest." (Genesis 5:29) explains that Noah's parents named him Noach, hoping that he would bring rest from their toil (Nacham) due to the corruption of humanity and the presence of the Nephilem (Giants).

This portion recounts the story of the flood, the Tower of Babel, the Aramaic bloodline, and the fathers of the nations.

Torah:
Genesis 6–9:
Noah is instructed to build an ark due to the increasing wickedness on earth. YHVH brings a flood to cleanse the world, preserving Noah, his family, and various animals in the ark. After the flood, YHVH establishes the Noahic Covenant with the rainbow as a sign, promising never again to destroy the earth with water.

Genesis 10:
The Table of Nations traces Noah's descendants, illustrating how humanity repopulates and spreads after the flood.

Genesis 11:
The Tower of Babel, symbolizing human pride and defiance, results in the division of languages and dispersal of peoples.

Targum:
Genesis 11:8:
Expanded interpretation of the Babel account, emphasizing YHVH's intervention to disperse humanity and thwart its pride.

Nevi'im:
Daniel 2:44-45:
A prophecy of a kingdom that will never be destroyed, representing YHVH's sovereignty and plan for a future righteous kingdom.

Joel 2:1-17:
A call for repentance and warning of judgment, reflecting similar themes of impending disaster and the need for turning to YHVH, paralleling the flood story.

Amos 2:9; 9:7:
YHVH's power over nations and His intervention, reminding Israel of their accountability to Him.

Micah 5:
Prophecy of a ruler to come from Bethlehem, tying into the concept of divine intervention and future hope despite human failings.

Writings:
Psalms 25:9:
Acknowledges YHVH as a protector and guide for the humble, mirroring the divine protection provided to Noah and his family during the flood.

Psalms 27:1-5:
Praises YHVH as the light and salvation, echoing the refuge and protection YHVH granted Noah amidst the judgment of the flood.

Gospels and Epistles:
Matthew 24:35-51:
Y'shua references the days of Noah, drawing a parallel between Noah's time and the end times, urging readiness and vigilance.

Matthew 7:17-19:
Illustrates the fruit-bearing nature of good versus bad trees, which can be seen as a metaphor for the faithful versus the wicked, as seen in Noah's generation.

Matthew 17:17-19:
Y'shua addresses the faithlessness of the generation, comparing it to the time of Noah and their lack of preparedness for judgment.

Luke 17:26-37:
Reinforces the sudden nature of judgment, likening the days of Noah to the end times, urging readiness and watchfulness.

Luke 21:36:
Calls for prayer and vigilance, similar to the preparedness Noah had, as the day of judgment approaches unexpectedly.

Acts 2:1-16:
The coming of Shekinah (Holy Spirit) is marked in contrast with the scattering at Babel, illustrating the beginning of a new era of divine interaction with humanity, paralleling the start of Noah's family post-flood.