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Noach

Genesis 6:9-1132

Isaiah 54:1-55:5

Readers often dismiss the Bible's flood story as a fairy tale. Whether or not the flood account is true and can or cannot be supported by archaeological evidence is inconsequential. What is important is the message this allegory provides for how individuals ought to live their lives.

Reading the text for its metaphoric meanings yields a number of significant principles that can serve the reader well. Some of Noah's rules for common-sense living have been circulating on the Internet.

This expanded list, with principles in italics, is provided as food for thought for students of the Torah:

The biblical flood story was modeled after the Gilgamesh Epic, the Mesopotamian account featuring Utnapishtim, the Babylonian precursor of Noah.

It is not necessary to reinvent the wheel. When someone has a good idea, borrow it.

The weather was sunny and beautiful when Noah started building his ark.

Always plan for a rainy day.

Hecklers and skeptics laughed at Noah for building an ark in the middle of a desert.

Don't listen to critics — do what has to be done when you know you are right.

Noah lost patience with his wife for constantly saying, "Into each life a little rain must fall."

When a situation is serious, it is no time for jokes.

Noah took two of each kind of animal into the Ark.

For safety's sake, always travel in pairs.

When planning a big trip, always take along a spare.

Noah stocked the ark with ample supplies.

Always have plenty of food and drink when you have guests visit, especially if they are planning to stay for a long time.

Noah had no previous boat-building experience.

Never underestimate an amateur's ability: The ark was built by one and the Titanic was built by professionals.

Noah did not need an environmental impact statement, building permit, zoning variance, or equal opportunity employment regulations.

Too many rules interfere with the creative process.

Noah built the ark with great care according to specific dimensions set forth by God.

God does not ask for extraordinary deeds but rather to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.

Noah's wife is not named.

Always recognize the good work of all people who labor to accomplish a valuable effort.

The unicorn was too late to board the ark.

Don't miss the boat.

Plan ahead.

Animals, naturally antagonistic toward each other, all got along on the ark.

We are all in the same boat.

The rainbow appeared as a sign of God's covenant with humanity.

No matter how bleak a situation may look, there is always some good to be found in it.

Noah planted a vineyard after he set foot on dry ground.

A little wine makes a bleak situation look better.

Always plan for the future.

Noah was 600 years old when God sent him on his mission.

Stay fit. You never know when you will be called upon to do something really big.

Noah lived another 350 years after the ark landed on dry ground.

Once you think your work is complete, start making plans.

Good clean living has its rewards.