Genesis 8:20 - Verse Explanation
Verse Spotlight
After surviving the flood, Noah's first act is to worship God. He built an altar, which was a place of sacrifice and worship, and offered some of every clean animal and bird. These 'burnt offerings' were a way of expressing gratitude, devotion, and submission to God. Noah acknowledged that his survival was not due to his own ability but was a gift from God.
Who Wrote It
Moses penned this incredible account of Noah and the flood. Mind you, Moses wasn't just writing history. He was also teaching something about God - His judgement of sin, His mercy, and His faithfulness to His promises. This detail of Noah building an altar and offering sacrifices shows the centrality of worship in our relationship with God, even in a fresh-start world.
What It Means
After surviving the flood, Noah's first act is to worship God. He built an altar, which was a place of sacrifice and worship, and offered some of every clean animal and bird. These 'burnt offerings' were a way of expressing gratitude, devotion, and submission to God. Noah acknowledged that his survival was not due to his own ability but was a gift from God.
Where and When
This event took place right after the great flood, which had wiped out all life on earth except for Noah's family and the animals on the ark. In Noah's time, burnt offerings were a common way to worship and thank God. It was a tangible act of faith and obedience in a world that had no churches, Bibles, or other forms of spiritual guidance.
Why It Matters
This verse reminds us that God deserves our worship in all circumstances, especially when He delivers us from trials. Noah's act of worship is a model for us, showing that God's faithfulness and mercy should always lead us to gratitude and worship, even when we're stepping into the unknown.
How to Apply
We may not be building physical altars, but we can still offer ourselves as 'living sacrifices' to God (Romans 12:1). This can be through prayer, acts of kindness, or using our talents for His glory. We should also remember to give thanks in all circumstances, recognizing God's provision and mercy in our lives.
Chapter Context
Genesis 8 marks the end of the flood and the beginning of a new world. Noah's act of worship is the first recorded human action in this renewed world, highlighting its importance in our relationship with God. It's a fitting response to God remembering Noah (Genesis 8:1) and keeping His promise to save him.