By Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg
Thank you to my friends and family for your support and prayers!
In the Torah, we encounter a tapestry of remarkable figures whose lives illuminate the profound dynamics of obedience, faith, and intercession in their relationship with God. These individuals, often descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are celebrated for their unfailing obedience to divine commands, shaping the spiritual legacy of Israel. Nevertheless, among these towering personalities, one man stands apart, uniquely distinguished in the sacred text: Noah, the only individual explicitly called a “righteous man” in the entire Torah (Gen. 6:9). This designation is striking, not only for its singularity but also because Noah was not part of the covenantal lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the patriarchs chosen to establish God’s holy nation, Israel. While Noah’s righteousness is undeniable, it is the descendants of these patriarchs that God designates as a “holy nation” and a “kingdom of priests” (Ex. 19:6). This recognition raises a profound question: Why, despite Noah’s unparalleled title of righteousness, was he not included among the founders of God’s chosen people? The answer, I propose, lies in the distinct ways Noah and the patriarchs approached God, particularly in moments of divine judgment, revealing deeper dimensions of faith, intercession, and relational engagement with the divine.
God’s “Yes” man
To explore this, let us first consider Noah’s response to God’s pronouncement of judgment. In Genesis 6, God reveals to Noah that a catastrophic flood will destroy the earth due to humanity’s pervasive wickedness. God instructs Noah to build an ark to preserve his family and representatives of every animal. Noah’s response is immediate and unequivocal: “Noah did everything just as God commanded him” (Gen. 6:22). His obedience is exemplary, marked by silence and compliance. Noah does not question God’s decree, nor does he intercede for the doomed generation. His righteousness manifests in his faithful execution of God’s command, ensuring the survival of his household and the created order. This obedience is profound, reflecting a deep trust in God’s justice and sovereignty. However, Noah’s approach is passive in terms of engaging with God beyond the task assigned. He accepts the divine will without challenge, embodying a form of righteousness that prioritizes submission over dialogue.
God’s wrestling friend
In contrast, the only person in the entire Hebrew Bible to be called God’s friend was Abraham (Isa 41:8, 2 Chron 20:7, James 2:23). Yet Abraham’s response to God’s announcement of judgment against Sodom and Gomorrah reveals a strikingly different posture. In Genesis 18:16-33, God informs Abraham of His intent to destroy the cities due to their egregious sin. Rather than agreeing and accepting, Abraham engages God in a bold, almost audacious dialogue. He pleads for mercy on behalf of the cities, hoping to find even a small number of righteous inhabitants. Abraham’s language is daring:
“Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? … Far be it from you to do such a thing … Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (Gen. 18:23-25).
This is not mere compliance but a priestly act of intercession, where Abraham risks divine displeasure to advocate for others. His persistence—bargaining with God to spare the cities for fifty, then forty-five, down to ten righteous people—demonstrates a relational intimacy with God, one that dares to wrestle with divine intentions. Ultimately, Abraham accepts God’s will, as Noah did, but only after exhausting every possibility to influence the outcome. This intercessory stance aligns with the priestly role Israel is later called to embody, mediating between God and the nations.
God’s wrestling family
The etymology of the name “Israel,” which originates from Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, further illuminates the contrast between Noah and Abraham. The name Israel (Yisrael) stems from the Hebrew root שרת (sarat), meaning “to wrestle” or “to exercise influence.” This is rooted in Genesis 32:24-30, where Jacob wrestles with a mysterious figure, later identified as divine, through the night. Refusing to let go until he receives a blessing, Jacob’s tenacity earns him the name Israel, signifying a struggle with God that shapes his identity and that of his descendants. This wrestling is not rebellion but a profound engagement, a willingness to grapple with the divine will while remaining faithful. Jacob’s encounter mirrors Abraham’s intercession, reflecting a pattern among the patriarchs of approaching God with both reverence and boldness. Unlike Noah’s silent obedience, Jacob’s struggle embodies a dynamic relationship with God, one that involves questioning, persistence, and transformation.
This pattern of wrestling and intercession is not unique to Abraham and Jacob but is echoed in other biblical figures who, like the patriarchs, engage God in ways that deepen their covenantal role. Consider Moses, another pivotal figure in Israel’s story, whose interactions with God exemplify this approach. In Exodus 32, after the Israelites sin by worshiping the golden calf, God declares His intent to destroy the people and start anew with Moses. Moses’ response is immediate and courageous: he intercedes, pleading with God to relent.
“Why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? … Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent… Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self, “I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.” (Ex. 32:11-13).
Moses even invokes God’s reputation among the nations and His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, urging God to remember His promises. Moses demonstrates his boldness by declaring, “If you will not forgive their sin, please blot me out of the book you have written” (Ex. 32:32), thereby offering his life for the sake of the people. Like Abraham, Moses acts as a mediator, standing in the gap between God and Israel, and his intercession secures divine mercy. This priestly role, rooted in relational intimacy and courage, aligns with Israel’s calling as a nation of priests, distinguishing Moses’ approach from Noah’s faithful compliance.
Jesus’ ministry aligns with Abraham’s trajectory, not Noah’s, by embodying bold intercession and relational engagement with God. Like Abraham, who pleaded for Sodom, and Moses, who interceded for Israel, Jesus mediates for humanity, praying for forgiveness (Luke 23:34) and engaging God’s will through intimate dialogue (John 17). Unlike Noah’s faithful obedience, Jesus’ intercessory priestly role that stands at the core of his mission reflects Abraham’s dynamic faith, wrestling for redemption, fulfilling Israel’s calling as a “kingdom of priests” (Ex. 19:6). All New Covenant believers, rooted in the Jewish Messiah, follow Abraham’s vibrant path, not Noah’s silent obedience. Jesus exemplifies this, boldly interceding for humanity, inviting us to engage God with courage, and mediating His boundless love and justice to the world. Today, we are called to imitate Jesus, embracing a dynamic faith that wrestles, loves fiercely, and trusts deeply, shaping history as a kingdom of priests radiating God’s transformative grace.
Conclusion
Noah’s singular righteousness stands as a beacon of obedience, preserving humanity through unwavering compliance with God’s command. Nevertheless, the patriarchs—Abraham, Jacob, and Moses—embody a dynamic faith that intertwines submission with bold intercession, wrestling with God to shape His redemptive purposes. Their courage to dialogue, plead, and struggle reflects a profound trust in God’s justice and mercy, forging Israel as a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. This legacy challenges us to embrace a faith that not only obeys but engages, dares to intercede, and trusts in God’s relational heart. As heirs of this calling, we are invited to stand in the gap, mediating God’s love and justice to a world in need. Let us, like the patriarchs, wrestle boldly, love fiercely, and trust deeply, shaping history through a faith that dares to partner with the Divine.
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Impact: Lifetime
Indeed.
תודה רבה!
בבקשה
Thant you Merci Very interesthing what you mention about Noah i never took note of that NOAH The ONLY Righteous Man.
True what U say about the Bble NEEDS to REREAD Yes read it Daily
Armand
Thank you, Armand, let’s keep thinking and growing together!
It is for sure a Lifetime impact. Thank you for bringing such content and analysis.
Amen! Amen! Amen!
May we all serve Gods whole holy will
in an ever deepening relationship
with God,
ourselves
and all of our family of God.
❤️✨🙏
Truly enlightening! The point of passivity regarding Noah’s obedience is well noted and taken. This’s a call to intercessory prayer life, again thank you for your Spirit filled teaching!!
Blessings!
This is very impactful and the insights raises my awareness of my own relationship with God, ant the response to him as he speak to me daily.
Let’s us approach our God with boldness of Abraham!
Dr Eli, great job and indeed an eye-opener. immensely, i appreciate and encourage you please keep it up for the betterment and advancement of His kingdom education here on earth. love you
Thank you, Dr. Ekpo Ubong! It means a lot! Blessing in your work in Nigeria!
Dr Eli,
Shalom in Messiah Yeshua! Great article showing the contrasting difference between Righteous Noah & Abraham,jacob & Moses. The later did indeed bodly wrestle with God ✝️✝️✝️
regarding moses! ive just learned that in the world of biblical archeology, many place moses as coming up in egypts 18 th dynasty,based on 1Ki.6:1;. That dynasty is called *The New Kingdom,and how ironic it is that the founder of it was named *AHMOSES. Hahaha! incredible.
Thanks for article. In Christ We Live. AL
I am not really up-to-date on egyptology and the Bible. Area of growth for me.
I truly enjoyed this . Thanks Dr Eli
Let us all grow in our godly hutzpah!
Wow, I really enjoyed reading your blog Dr. Eli.
It’s all written with a great perspective and Hashem placed everything into its proper purpose.
Now I understand what the Holy Hutzpah’s purpose is. Thank you for this.
You are most welcome, Shoshanna!
There was so much clarity to the difference as to the reason and purpose of Israel’s calling as to be a Holy Nation among the Gentiles.
Thank you so much
Janice, welcome to the blog!
I found this very meaningful R.Eli .I would very much like this view of Israel taken through to a consideration of the New Covenant .Thanks .
Let’s keep thinking together, Brian. Thanks for your participation.
Thank you Dr. ELI. Your knowledge and understanding blesses me everyday.
So encouraging to hear this, Kevin!
Dr. Eli
while you mean well, don’t assume on God. In His omniscience, He predestined and created each person in his generation for a specific purpose: to bring about the plan of salvation. You cannot compare God’s servants, how He calls and uses them. “In the fullness of time…”
Dorcas, thank you for your comment. May the Lord be with you.
Beautifully explained. Thank you Dr Eli.
Sylvia, good to see you here! Blessings!
it was Indeed eye opening Eli… keep it going.
Derin, thanks so much! (You can see in IN WORKS section, what is next).
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and God-given insight. i love these tid-bits that throw open a door to deeper understanding of His Word. Be blessed and courageous as you continue teaching and sharing God’s ❤️
Li, thank you so much!
What a wonderful insight into God’s relationship with His covenantal people!
Thank you, Christina!
Is the name Noah (meaning rest) portrait Noah’s character of submissiveness?
Psalm 46:10 NKJV
[10] Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Hebrews 4:11 NKJV
[11] Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.
Praise the Lord.
Good insight. Perhaps. Eddie.
I thought it says Noah was a preacher of righteousness?
The Torah describes Noah as righteous in Genesis 6:9, which states: “These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God.” The Hebrew term used for “righteous” here is tzaddik (צַדִּיק), indicating his moral and spiritual integrity relative to his time.
Perhaps Noah found ‘rest’ by finding eternal life in Heaven. In the Akkadian version of the Bible flood, Noah is named Utnapishtim ‘He who found life’. Humorously, Gilgamesh, after many travails, finds Utnapishtim and addreses him: Gilgamesh said to him, to Utnapishtim the Faraway: I look upon you, Utnapishtim, Your appearance is not strange; you are like unto me; My heart had regarded you as prepared to do battle; Yet you lie idly on your back! How did you enter the assembly of the gods, And obtain life eternal? — Well, maybe that was Utnapishtim’s ‘Rest’! :^)
Interesting. Something similar happens to Enoch in 3rd Enoch.
:^) Note that the name ‘Utnapishtim’ contains the Semitic word , ‘nephesh’ – life, in this instance ‘eternal life’.
A linguistic connection between “Utnapishtim” and the Hebrew word nafesh is unlikely based on available evidence. Utnapishtim, a name from the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh, derives from Sumerian or Akkadian roots, possibly meaning “he found life” (ut = found, napishtu = life/breath in Akkadian). Nafesh in Hebrew, meaning “soul,” “life,” or “breath,” shares a semantic overlap with napishtu in the concept of “life” or “breath.” Both terms may trace back to a shared Semitic linguistic heritage, as Akkadian and Hebrew are Semitic languages with common roots. However, no direct etymological link ties Utnapishtim’s name to nafesh beyond this broad semantic and cultural connection. The similarity reflects shared ancient Near Eastern ideas about life and survival, especially in flood narratives, but the names themselves appear distinct in origin and construction.
“A linguistic connection between “Utnapishtim” and the Hebrew word nafesh is unlikely based on available evidence” – Babel – IMHO… 🤷♂️. Thank you, Dr. Your insight has depth!
May you receive blessings and much peace!
Noah, Moses, and the Patriarchs demonstrate separate qualities within with the result being God-honoring righteousness. Agree?
Yes, but in the Torah no one is called righteous other than Noah.
I appreciate your interpretation, Dr. Eli! I’d likely never have noticed this difference in their natures. I couldn’t help but think of a couple of other examples of Godly patriarchs who were mentioned as “blameless”; namely, Job, Zechariah & Elizabeth. And Abraham’s faith brought God to reckon him righteous, which gives all of us reason to be supremely thankful!
Lynette, indeed. Thank you for your comment!
Hello, First of all, I want to thank you for this presentation of the history of the Jewish🇮🇱people and their journey in this long, arduous and extremely valuable history of humanity. Thanks to this article, I learned more. Thank you very much🙏, Alberti
May the Lord bless you, Albert!
True, as far as in the Torah, but in the book of Hebrews, when the writer refers to Abraham, he says that Abraham’s faith was accounted to him for righteousness.
Yes, the point is not that only Noa was righteous in Torah. Other people were too :-). Take Enoch for example. But only Noa is called so.
Question…Ezekiel mentions Noah, Daniel, and Job as righteous. Although this is in the Prophets, not the Torah. And Job does pray and intercedes for his friends; Daniel intercedes several times. Is the righteousness dealt with on a separate level?
Good question Lowry. I am not sure. Generally in the Bible the issue of righteousness is the issue of right standing before God, not perfection or sinfulness that much is clear.
I think the key is their faith was accounted to them for righteousness. As is recorded in Hebrews ‘Without faith it is impossible to please Him (God).” In other words, there is NOTHING man can do to be righteous in God’s eyes. As is found in the prophet Isaiah “all of our righteousness is as filthy rags.” It is ONLY by accepting Christ’s sacrifice that we can become righteous.
A breathed one by the Holy Spirit! Best indeed.
Thanks be to God! Thank you for your gift!
This is such a beautiful humanly rooted illustration from the lives of Abraham and his descendants of the kind of deep trust in God’s goodness and the self-sacrifical love for others that motivated them. What a challenge to our all too often ego centered nature. Transformational stuff. Well done Dr Eli.
Thank you, Edward. God bless you!
Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom and teachings on scriptures. I have one question however . What about other characters like : Enoch ? Wasn’t he translated without dying because he walked perfect and was righteous with God ?! Or are there finer nuances or distinctions between them that’s more fully revealed in the original Hebrew ?!
Larry, the Torah does not explicitly call Enoch “righteous” in the same direct way it describes Noah. In Genesis 5:24 the phrase “walked with God” implies a close, faithful relationship with God, suggesting righteousness, but the specific Hebrew term for “righteous” (tzaddik) is not used for Enoch in the Torah text. The description of him walking with God and being taken by God indicates a special status, often interpreted as righteousness in Jewish and Christian traditions, though the explicit label is absent.
Seems you miss an important point in your opening without Noah there was no Abraham etc
Dale, I didn’t :-).
Beautiful article Dr. Eli. Thanks for doing this, indeed inspired! Gloria a Dios!!
Shalom Shalom
Blessings and peace!
2Peter 2:5 Noah, a preacher of righteousness,… Noah spent 120 years interceding with the people that didn’t listen.
yes.
Unless you forget the book of 1 Chronicles, you cannot say that Noah was not of the same lineage as Abraham, et al.
Jim, my dear, of course Abraham came from Noah and his family. There were none left after the flood. My point was that Noah was not part of ISRAEL. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob became its founders. Noah was not, in spite of the fact that he ALONE was called righteous in the entire Torah!
Dr. Eli, thanks for the insights that you share from the Old Testament. I am reading it through the link in the mail. Thanking God for the Jewish people through whom God sent us the Savior. Blessings on you and God’s chosen people.
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Whao!!! I never gave a thought to what Noah did compared to what the Patriarchs did. The same message, but different approaches. In Ezekiel 18:32, GOD said He is not interested in the death of a sinner, but for him/her to repent and leave. We worship an Awesome GOD. Thanks Eli.
Indeed!
thank you Dr. Eli ! So motivating for a more trusting and daring intercession , with G.od’s help and wisdom.
Never realized the difference beween Noah and the patriarchs. Toda rabaaaa : ) shalom and rich blessings
Bevakasha! Blessings and much peace!
Thank you Dr. Eli for this exposition. It is now crystal clear that although God would work out His counsel regardless of our faith response, He’d have us look beyond self and be more outreaching.
Blessings!
Love love love this insight on our brother Noah. Rarely if not never has Noah been credited for his obedience in such context.
This and your books have been a teaching tool for me.
As you Dr. Eli say, “ let’s continue to learn together.”
Shalom
Amen!
This truly was an informative article. Thank you, Dr. Eli.
Blessings, Della!
The earth was to be destroyed. Noah accepted that fact because the earth was totally corrupt and saved his family through the ark. God said he would not destroy the earth again. Therefore the intercession of Abraham et al focussed on mitigation of God’s destructive power upon the nation of Israel which was not totally corrupt. If the earth was not totally corrupt, Noah might have bargained with God. If Israel was totally corrupt, Abram might have passively accepted God’s judgment.
Glenn, its the end of my day. Need to chew more on this. Blessings!
Thank-you! May God grant many more souls, Hebrew and non-Hebrew alike, the holy hutzpah and also God’s gifts of grace, repentance and faith necessary to hear and accept the words of Moses and other true prophets of God; words that have been inspired and preserved by God; words that introduce and serve to identify the ultimate suffering servant Messaih and conquering King Messiah as being Yeshua/ Jesus; and words that can help them- as we, and all penitents accept, profess and benefit from God’s plan of salvation, and to join/ re-join the kingdom of God! With Love!
Amen!
May we humble ourselves before the only righteous God in heaven so that we maybe found worthy before His throne of Grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you, David! No doubt about that. But the point of the article was that this is not enough. If we want to become children of Abraham we need to act the way he acted before God!
Thank you very much. While there is no record of Noah not responding to God in prayer for his family or the people, it doesn’t necessarily mean he didn’t do it. It is likely that he answered questions put to him, perhaps a bit like what Peter encouraged the believers in 1 Peter, 3: 15 &16. Shalom. Norman.
Perhaps.
“God-Interaction” is not the same for all, everyone is unique, in unique paths. Noah, others mentioned, performed as best as they could in their roles, helping others around, and had their capacities, limitations. The rest was beyond them, not in their hands. It is the nature of the world, nature itself, humanity, life, matter, environment, universe. “Better Deal” negotiation efforts was the path for some, following self-confidently correctly understood “righteous path” worked well for the other. Results, impacts known afterwards only, not predictable. It is “Uncertainty Principle”, in God-matters, “Faith” was “righteous”, worthwhile, in all cases. BEAUTIFUL. Jai Jesus.
Amazing insight. Thank you Dr. Eli
Blessings, Keith! Keep up the good work!
Great article! We are called like our patriachs to exercise radical faith and to step into radical obedience. The article also serves as a wake up call! Thank you Dr Eli.
Thank you, Sylvia! Indeed!
Was Noah righteous ? He did curse generations of unborn children for ever… Whatever did happen with Canaan, it seems exagerate. About 1/3 of humanity (which didn’t choose their faith, as some angels did). Whatever did Canaan, his father, it happened because Noah was drunk. Righteous ? The Bible isn’t ambiguous. Romans 3:10 “As it is written » (Psalms 14:3, 53:4), “There is no one righteous; no, not one.”
Genesis 6:9 […] Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time […] Among the people of his time, so wicked that The Loving God had no other choice but to eliminate them all (they probably deserve it more than intercession, btw). Nowadays we could almost declare that a man is righteous just because he remained so and married a female woman X)
Noah was righteous IN HIS TIME, says french translation. Is it so, or clearly separated in hebrew ?
The New Testament highlights several individuals as righteous for their faith and obedience to God. Joseph, Mary’s husband, is called a righteous man in Matthew 1:19, showing compassion and trust in God’s plan. John the Baptist is described as righteous in Mark 6:20, living a holy life dedicated to preparing the way for Jesus. Simeon, who blessed the infant Jesus, is noted as righteous and devout in Luke 2:25, guided by the Holy Spirit. Anna, the prophetess, is implied as righteous in Luke 2:36-37 for her constant worship and devotion. Zacharias and Elizabeth, John’s parents, are both called righteous in Luke 1:6, faithfully keeping God’s commandments. These figures exemplify righteousness through their devotion, moral integrity, and trust in God’s purpose, serving as inspiring examples in the New Testament.
Elisabeth, protestant Reformation has many good things about it. Insisting that no one can be called righteous (because of Ps. 14 & 53) is not one of them 🙂 as my previous answer clearly shows. We MUST take these NT verses into account as well.
wonderful reading today. love the comparision between the five of God’s chosen Leaders including Jesus.
Blessings and much peace!
Thank you for this very interesting and true perspective. And for the encouragement to engage and wrestle boldly!
Amen!
Very interesting… Obeying GOD is very important with faith, I would say with all one’s heart.
Très interessant…Obéir à DIEU ,c’est trés important avec la foi,dirais je de tout son coeur.
There is a question about that. However, a relationship with God HAS TO BE the context of such obedience.
Thanks for this good artical on the two types of faith, Noah’s and that of Israel’s family, which is of priestly type.
How about the rest of the people who are not in the Israel’s family, what type of faith do they have to exercise?
You have joined Israel and therefore you are part of the same tradition.
Thank you for deep thoughts and sharing, this encourage my further attempts for understanding of what is written. May our Father bless you.
Thank you!
Hi Dr Eli thank you for this article, it challenged me to read the Bible and think about my own relationship / frienship with my Father, can only result in following His insructions and obedience. You refer to the Torah and under the heading God’s wrestling friend you refer to “in the entire Bible” . I refer to John15:15 disciples and followers – He calls us His friends. John11 Lazarus is referred to as His friend. Heartwarming to read about close relationships with our Father all through the Bible and learn about their close walk with God. King David my favourite. Thank you again for challenging us to read and know more about specific detail in the bible, in this case “Friend”. We can apply and learn from them ( Abraham, Noah etc.) and deepen our own relationship with our Creator.
Good point. I will adjust the text. (I just changed from the entire Bible to the entire Hebrew Bible). But come to think of it, it is a bit different with Jesus, I think. Jesus in the Bible is not only God; he is also fully human. So the point about Abraham, I think, still stands: he is alone, referred to by God, the Father (to use theological language).
This makes me feel the spiritual connection between creation and our Creator. A cry of my heat of submission to search the ways of Adonai. To fulfill my spiritual significance within the presence of Adonai
In the end that’s the difference between Islamic approach (all submission) and Judeo-Christian approach (interactive relationship)
righteousness is the whole duty of a man on earth.. lets aall live right.. Thank you Dr
Blessings!
Wow. Thank you so much Dr. Eli for this analysis. In particular, I am impressed by the priestly role of intercession… Israel as a people, and I dare say, the Church today has an inherent capacity to ‘stand before the throne’ of God and plead their cause and for the rest of humanity.
These patriachs certainly did not have the ‘spirit of timidity..’, they approached the throne with boldness (Heb 4:16).
I feel inspired to take my personal prayer life a notch higher.
Thank you.
Indeed, Nesbert! Indeed!
I love these teachings and have been a subscriber for many years. Your ministry is exceptional and invaluable. However, I will ask: Do you think Abraham argued for Sodom because he knew Lot and family lived there? By contrast, the text about Noah says everyone was corrupt except Noah and family so Noah simply agreed with God.
Thank you, Kathryn! Abraham likely argued for Sodom due to his nephew Lot and family residing there (Genesis 13:12). His plea in Genesis 18:22-33 shows concern for the righteous, bargaining with God to spare the city if even ten righteous people were found. This suggests personal investment, as Lot’s safety weighed on him. Conversely, Noah faced a world described as wholly corrupt (Genesis 6:5-8), with only his family deemed righteous. Noah’s silence and obedience in building the ark (Genesis 6:22) reflect acceptance of God’s judgment, as no one else warranted saving. Abraham’s intercession highlights his compassion and familial ties, while Noah’s compliance underscores the unique corruption of his era, leaving no room for advocacy. Both responses align with their contexts: Abraham’s hope for redemption versus Noah’s acceptance of inevitable judgment.
Thank you for answering, Dr. Eli. Yes, I see your point – both redemption and judgment to learn from the narrative. Both to keep in mind. I am supporting your ministry as I can right now; perhaps more in the future. I also tell many people about Israel Bible Center.
I am deeply grateful!
Very well explained, and having a faith does indeed require we wrestle, trust, and love. Many thanks for this.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, Arthur, as you wrestle with Him!
I really found this article helpful and informative, thank you for sharing it with your readers, God Bless you.
warm regards,
Regina Smith
Blessings and much peace, Regina!
Thankyou for the etymology, being English there are so many similarities in translation, jumping to conclusions is easily done
Regards and Shalom
Blessings!
Dr Eli thank you for the very insightful and educational comparison of Noah and the Patriarchs.
i seek to be like both in my walk – submitted and obedient as Noah and a friend, reasoning together with my Savior, as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob…..
Indeed, if we are his children, we will behave likewise.
As ever, the wisdom shown here sheds new light and a deep understanding of God’s will as portrayed by Israel’s founders.
Thank you, Peter.
love this article. well written, never thought of the true men of God in the way you wrote it. thank you a for blessing , I pray I can do as these great men did in these last days before Christ return. God bless.
Amen and amen, John!
Very interesting! I had not seen the difference before had read the accounts but had not joined them as Dr. Eli did. Muchlyappreciaated.
Blessings, Allen!
Beautiful!
Blessing to you, Connie!
Wonderful depth of understanding and a loving and continual developing of the type of relationship required of a “son of God.”
Thank you, Louise! Sonship and daughtership of God is so crucial!
Thank you Dr. Eli, I really enjoyed reading this article, looking forward to more of your teachings.
Naomi, I am on it. Pray for me for the Lord to keep giving His light.
Hi Dr Eli
If the name Israel is derived from the Hebrew root Sarat meaning to struggle or wrestle, is the word Samaritan derived from the same root? With maybe a slightly different slant due to an m and a vowel added.
Shalom
Jon, hi. No, the word “Samaritan” is derived from SHAMAR to “keep/guard.” Samaritans are essential guardians. In my book the Jewish Gospel of John which I provide here free in its audio version https://drelisblog.com/play-audiobook/
Noah is called a preacher of righteousness. So he was very probably seeking God’s will and interceding.
Indeed.
I value this publication. Please see new email address below
Thank you, Lord bless you Jo Ann!
Did I miss something or misunderstand the Bible verses I read? My readings say it was Lot that pleaded with God for Sodom!
You’re correct that Lot didn’t directly plead with God to spare Sodom, based on the account in Genesis 18-19. It was Abraham who interceded with God, asking Him to spare Sodom if righteous people were found there (Genesis 18:20-33). Abraham negotiated with God, starting with 50 righteous people and lowering the number to 10, hoping to save the city. Lot, however, is not depicted as pleading for Sodom’s salvation. Instead, in Genesis 19, Lot is warned by angels to flee Sodom before its destruction and negotiates to escape to the small town of Zoar rather than the mountains (Genesis 19:17-22). If your readings suggest Lot pleaded for Sodom, you might have misread or encountered a source that confuses the roles of Abraham and Lot. Always cross-check with the text itself to clarify such details.
Interesting indeed, Noah as a righteous man, Abraham’s faith counted as righteousness. Thanks very much. Good read.
Blessings, Dr. Ruby Arthur!
wow. Wow. WOWWWWWW…..
Wow.
I thought the name of the river – J-B-K — was also the word for “wrestle”?
In Genesis 32:24-32, Jacob wrestles with a mysterious figure, often interpreted as God’s messenger or God Himself, near the Jabbok River. The name “Jabbok” (Hebrew: יַבֹּק, Yabbok) resembles the Hebrew word for “wrestle” (אָבַק, ‘abaq), suggesting a wordplay that emphasizes the struggle. This connection isn’t explicit in the text but is a linguistic observation scholars note, as the Hebrew root for “wrestle” and the river’s name share similar consonants. This event, where Jacob is renamed Israel (“he strives with God”), highlights his transformative encounter. The Jabbok’s name thus symbolically underscores the wrestling theme central to the narrative.
Here’s the translation:
I look at Noah, and I see an evangelist who, at over a hundred years old, tried to tell his contemporaries what GOD was going to do and that they should repent, but THE WORD is clear: that generation was evil. Abraham, Isaac, Israel did not have to evangelize a people who had not heard of the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, Israel… There was already history, but Noah was the first, in the midst of great wickedness. I just can’t understand how those peoples did not take into account the story of Enoch.
But I see in everything GOD testing man, to see if he is worthy of HIS LOVE for each human being.
Each one has their encounter, each one hears THE Voice of the GOD OF ISRAEL, and then we have a story, of David or Saul.
Muito bom!
Olho para Noé, e vejo um evangelista, que ao lindo, de mais de cem anos, tentou dizer aqueles contemporâneos, o que DEUS iria fazer e que se arrependessem, mas A PALAVRA é clara, aquela geração era má. Abraão, Isaque, Israel, não tiveram que evangelizar um povo que não tivesse ouvido falar no DEUS de Abraão, Isaque, Israel… Já havia história, mas Noé foi o primeiro, no meio de uma maldade grande. Só não consigo entender, como esses povos não tiveram em conta a história de Enoque.
Mas vejo em tudo DEUS provando o homem, para ver se é digno do AMOR DELE por cada ser humano.
Casa um tem seu encontro, cada ouve A Voz do DEUS DE ISRAEL, e aí temos uma história, de David ou Saul.
Thank you for your comment.
Amen thank you Uranus
Thank you Dr. Eli. This is a blessing.
So great to hear!!!!
Let us, like the patriarchs & matriarchs,
wrestle boldly, love fiercely, and trust deeply, shaping history through a faith that dares to partner with the Divine. 💗🙌🕊️
Amen!
Thank you, interesting. But, the building of the ark took at least 50 years. There must have been much information exchanged between Noah & God. I doubt Noah remembered all the dimensions of the ark, which animals to get, food, water ect.
The Bible doesn’t specify the construction timeline, but some scholars estimate 50–75 years based on Noah’s age (500–600 years old) during the process (Genesis 5:32, 7:6). God’s instructions included details on animals (clean and unclean) and provisions (Genesis 6:21). While the text implies divine guidance, it doesn’t detail ongoing communication or Noah’s memory challenges. Extra-biblical sources, like the Book of Jubilees, suggest divine aid in logistics, but no definitive evidence confirms Noah’s memory issues or the exact duration.
(Ex. 32:11-14) should probably be (Ex. 32:11-13)
THanks, Harald! Fixed.
Noah’s time was probably a period of giants (Nephilims), a deliberate act of the devil to contaminate pure human from Adam and Eve so as to stop the coming out of the woman’s Seed promised in Genesis 3:15.
The strange thing is giants would still be present after The Flood (Genesis 6:4), even though only 8 from Noah’s family remained.
Even stranger was that Noah only cursed Canaan (not Ham) after his own fault. Did Noah notice special character from Canaan? And one fact not to forget was Canaan was the place with many giants, even to David’s time.
So did Noah see Canaan was the ancestor of giants (by the power of the Holy Spirit) or indeed Canaan was already a giant, probably because his mother carried giant’s genes?
Praise the Lord.
Eddie, thank you for your comment.
Wow. Very profound and revelational. Many thanks
Blessings!
You know the covenant God made with Israel, and what happened after Israel breaks the covenant with God? What did God do? Hebrews 8:8 God makes a new covenant with the nation of Israel and the house of Judah. God puts it in the hearts of men to carry out His plan of salvation, created from the foundation of the world. Revelation 17:8 Names not written in the book of life will not be in God’s kingdom from the 1st time period (6 days 6000 years), the first resurrection John 5:22-29. You say it’s the engagement of men, but it’s what God puts in the hearts of men, because all was determined from the ‘foundation of the world’.
Thank you for your comment.
Thank you for this article. It stirs a lot of thoughts and questions, not about the incredible considerations you presented. What my inquiring mind was wondering was more about Abraham, and how he had such depth of revelation of Our Father and His character. I know I need to learn more of Abraham’s faith from its conception to his many years of walking in spiritual growth with God.
Hi, Val! I trust you saw this one if not here it is https://drelisblog.com/abraham-the-intercessor/
I understand your unfolding of faith and prayer by starting with Noah. I would say Noah lived in a world corrupted by fallen angels who interaction with mankind. The corrupted seed needed to be removed. Noah’s obedience seems to undo the disobedience of Adam and Eve. The Fathers of faith were a progression of obedience merged with the Fathers heart toward His people and the desire for redemption. All seem to be precursors and examples of what a relationship with YHVH looks like. Jesus opened the door and modeled complete relationship and invited all mankind to intercede that His kingdom would come and His will would be done.
Hard not to day Amen :-). Thanks Carol.