Lincoln Cathedral

The story of Noah and the Flood yields some good observations about humanity’s current predicament. When reading this story as someone who is interested in ecology, I notice the treatment of the environment or creation, and it’s inclusion in God’s covenant. Additionally, Gordon Wenham points out that Noah’s care for God’s creation is shown in his treatment of the Dove during the flood.

After the waters recede, God gives the blessing to all of humanity and the animals, not just the sea creatures. Additionally, the animals now fear humanity. Humanity is not just told to rule or have dominion over the animal kingdom, rather the animals will fear humanity. These are two major changes that have taken place since the first blessing, and the fall.

But there is a hope expressed in Isaiah – who takes up the themes found in Noah’s story. The hope is that God will restore creation to it’s original and intended state. In effect, God’s will (or rule) will be done on earth.

This story makes the point that humanity is a part of God’s overall creation, and that God loves all of creation. Yet, humanity has a special place as God’s image bearer. So the text continues the theme of God’s care for his creation which began in Gen 1.