The ancient rabbis certainly did. They grappled with the nature of prophecy: who gets it, and why?

Philo of Alexandria, a Jewish philosopher living in Egypt around the time of Jesus, offered his own thoughts on this very question. In The Midrash of Philo, specifically in fragment 29, he tells us something fascinating about the prophets of old. He says that the "fathers of the saints" – the great figures of the Bible – didn't just spout prophecies willy-nilly. They prophesied "for grave reasons and on important occasions." It wasn't an everyday occurrence, but a response to something significant.

Think about it. They weren't predicting the weather or the stock market. When they did speak, it was tied to something profound, something they deeply understood. Philo emphasizes that this isn't just some random detail. It's an "emblem and an example" for us.

And that brings us to Noah.

Philo tells us that Noah is like a "surname of righteousness." What does that mean? Well, when our intellect—our understanding—embraces righteousness, it brings us rest from wickedness. It frees us from sorrow and fear, making us secure and joyful. It even, Philo suggests, allows us to rest from that earthly nature, "which has been previously laid under a curse." This earthly nature, he says, is connected to the body, especially when it’s chasing pleasures. It’s a fascinating idea, connecting righteousness to a kind of liberation from the burdens of physical existence.

Now, here's where it gets a bit tricky. Philo acknowledges a potential problem. If we just read the story of Noah literally, we might be confused. After all, the flood came during Noah’s time, wiping out nearly everything! Where's the "putting down of evils" Philo associates with Noah's righteousness? Instead, there was "a more vehement obstinacy in sin and great afflictions, and the unprecedented event of the deluge." A bit counterintuitive, right?

So, what’s the answer?

Philo urges us to pay close attention: "Noah is the tenth in generation from the earth-born Adam."

Why is this genealogy so important? Perhaps Philo wants us to understand that even within a lineage tainted by sin, righteousness can emerge. Perhaps the fact that he is the tenth generation means he is the beginning of a new cycle, a fresh start. Maybe it’s a hint that redemption is possible even after generations of wrongdoing.

The rabbis often used numerology and genealogy to unlock deeper meanings in the text. This is a common theme in Midrash, where stories are retold and expanded upon to reveal deeper truths and offer moral lessons. As we find in Midrash Rabbah, the rabbis saw hidden meanings everywhere in the Torah, waiting to be discovered.

Philo’s interpretation of Noah is a reminder that righteousness isn’t always about immediate, tangible results. It's about a deeper transformation, a shift in perspective that ultimately leads to rest, security, and joy – even in the face of overwhelming challenges. It's a message that resonates just as powerfully today as it did thousands of years ago. What does it mean for you to embrace righteousness? How can you find rest from the anxieties of the world?