Genesis 7:1-11:32
Read Dr. Spina’s commentary at www.spu.edu/lectio
Summary
There’s no doubt that Noah is a major figure in the
history of God’s salvation. In the
context of the floodwaters of judgment on a world full of evil, Noah stood
alone in nonconformity and righteousness. God’s plan of
salvation rested on Noah’s faithfulness.
And faithful he was…or was he?
Noah and the LORD enjoyed a close relationship, a pleasing relationship.
- 6:8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD
- 6:9 Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God
- 6:22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him
- 7:5 And Noah did all that the LORD commanded him
- 8:3 But God remembered Noah
- 8:20-21 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD…and the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma
- 9:1 Then God blessed Noah
- 9:8-9 Then God said to Noah…”I now establish my covenant with you”
Stumbling – the Tragic
Flaw (Hamartia)
Self-indulgence: A love for wine, a tendency toward
getting drunk
He should have known better...after all, if age equals wisdom, he had 600 years to learn his lesson. But perhaps Noah's tragic flaw is one that doesn't automatically resolve with age (might the struggle intensify?). At the end of the Noah story in
Genesis 9, there’s an episode usually dropped from the child
storybooks. That’s because it’s R-rated
due to alcohol, drunkenness, and nudity.
From the text we learn that Noah was a man of the soil who planted a vineyard
(was Noah’s the first winery?). Noah
drank some of the wine, became drunk, and lay “uncovered” inside his tent. His son Ham evidently entered the tent and
saw Noah’s nakedness. When he told his
two brothers, they evidently responded correctly, walking into the tent and
covering up their father without viewing his naked body. Noah then curses Ham’s son Canaan into
slavery to Ham’s two brothers.
This is a tough story to interpret. Ham seems to get a raw deal: could he really
have avoided this predicament? What responsibility does Noah have for his drunken
exposure? At the very least, the full biblical teaching on alcohol tends
to look down on drunkenness. In Hebrew
wisdom, the love for alcohol is a character flaw…not necessarily a sin in and
of itself, but certainly a risky behavior that may lead to ruin.
Personal
Identification Questions
- Where might this tragic flaw show up in your story?
- How has your desire to indulge in alcohol or other pleasures made you vulnerable to sinful behavior or negative consequences? Have you see this in family members, friends, or notable public figures?
- What practices help hold you accountable in the realm of seeking pleasure? If you like drinking wine, what measures do you take to ensure that you don’t become drunk…and inflict embarrassment or danger upon others?
Restored Reputation
The main focus of this story is how Ham’s behavior leads to judgment on his son Canaan, who represents the people living in the Promised Land who are not God’s chosen. In the text, Noah is not held accountable. But that doesn’t mean that every reader of this passage through history hasn't winced when reading it – it’s safe to say this is not a flattering portrayal! But Noah continues in the biblical record as the face of God’s generous covenant with humanity. He’s at the top of a long list of people who walked with God – imperfectly – and yet are included securely in God’s gracious covenant love. Long down the list you’ll find your name, as I also find mine.
Prayer of
Confession
LORD, why does self-indulgence figure so prominently in
my story, or the story of those in my generation upon the earth? I’m sorry…-
For seeking pleasure more than I seek after you and your kingdom
- For the pain I have caused others while in a state of drunkenness or self-absorption
- For taking for granted the gifts of your Spirit meant to relieve stress and promote well-being
Encouragement
Matthew 11:19(Jesus said) “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
Ephesians 5:15-18
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as
wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand
what the Lord’s will is. Do not get
drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit...
Proverbs 23:19-21
Listen, my son, and be wise,and set your heart on the right path:
Do not join those who drink too much wine
or gorge themselves on meat,
for drunkards and gluttons become poor,
and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
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