Why the Flood Generation Was Snared and Noah Went Free

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Noach 16:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

[Another interpretation of (Genesis 8:16): GO FORTH FROM THE ARK.] This is what Scripture said (in Proverbs 12:13): “In the transgression of the lips lies a snare for the {wicked} [evil], but a righteous one went forth from trouble.” “In the transgression of the lips lies a snare for the wicked”, these are the generation of the flood, who sinned with their mouths, as it is stated (in Job 21:14–15): “[And they said to God, Depart from us…] What is Shaddai that we should serve Him?” Thus, “in the transgression of the lips lies a snare for the wicked.” And it is written (in Genesis 7:23): “And He blotted out every living thing….” “But a righteous one went forth from trouble”, this is Noah, of whom it is stated (in Genesis 6:9): “a righteous man, perfect.” Therefore it is stated (in Genesis 8:16): GO FORTH FROM THE ARK.

Themes

RighteousnessDivine JusticeNoah

Biblical References

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