Meaning of Genesis 8:20

This verse marks a pivotal moment following the catastrophic global flood, depicting Noah's immediate and profound response to God's deliverance. After disembarking from the ark, Noah's first act is not one of personal comfort or rebuilding his dwelling, but rather a direct act of worship and thanksgiving directed towards the Lord. The selection of "all the clean animals and clean birds" signifies a deliberate choice, indicating an understanding of ritual purity and sacrifice as prescribed by God, even in this nascent stage of humanity's re-establishment. The act of offering "burnt offerings" underscores the complete surrender and devotion inherent in this sacrifice, a recognition of God's sovereignty and the life-giving covenant He had just made.

Context and Background

The narrative of Genesis 8:20 unfolds immediately after the cessation of the Great Flood described in the preceding chapters. The ark, carrying Noah, his family, and representatives of all living creatures, has finally come to rest on the mountains of Ararat. God has spoken to Noah, promising never again to destroy all life with a flood and establishing a covenant marked by the rainbow. This verse, therefore, occurs within the context of a world being repopulated and a renewed relationship between God and humanity, albeit one still marked by the consequences of sin, which necessitated the flood. Noah's action is a direct response to God's covenant and His preservation of life.

Key Themes and Messages

Several key themes emerge from this verse. Firstly, Gratitude and Thanksgiving: Noah's sacrifice is a profound expression of thankfulness for his and his family's survival, and for the preservation of the animal kingdom. Secondly, Worship and Obedience: The act of building an altar and offering sacrifices is an act of worship, demonstrating Noah's submission to God's will and his understanding of proper divine protocol. Thirdly, Purity and Sacrifice: The emphasis on "clean" animals and birds points to an early understanding of ritual purity, suggesting that God had already established principles for acceptable worship, even if not fully detailed as in later Mosaic Law. Finally, Covenant and Re-establishment: This act serves as a foundational acknowledgment of the new covenant God had just made with Noah and all living creatures, initiating a renewed relationship based on God's faithfulness.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, Noah's act serves as a timeless model of how humanity should respond to divine grace and deliverance. It underscores the importance of acknowledging God as the source of all blessings and the sustainer of life. The sacrifice, particularly the burnt offering, symbolizes a complete offering of oneself to God. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, calling believers to offer themselves as "living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" (Romans 12:1). It teaches that genuine faith is not passive but actively expresses itself in devotion, reverence, and a commitment to honoring God above all else.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Genesis 8:20 is foundational to the biblical narrative of covenant, redemption, and worship. It establishes a precedent for the sacrificial system that would later be elaborated in the Mosaic Law. The concept of clean and unclean animals, while not fully defined here, anticipates the dietary laws and sacrificial regulations given to Israel. This act foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose perfect sacrifice atones for sin and establishes a new and eternal covenant. Noah's altar, therefore, is a primitive echo of the cross, a tangible expression of humanity's need for atonement and God's provision for it.

Analogies

One analogy for Noah's altar and sacrifice is a student who, after narrowly escaping a dangerous situation, immediately writes a heartfelt letter of thanks to the rescuer and offers a valuable gift as a token of deep appreciation. Another analogy is a family that, having survived a natural disaster, gathers to give thanks and dedicate their rebuilt home to the divine power that protected them. In both cases, the act transcends mere relief; it is a deliberate and outward expression of profound gratitude and a recognition of a higher power's intervention.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse connects to numerous other biblical passages. God's promise of a covenant in Genesis 9:8-17, marked by the rainbow, directly follows this act of worship, suggesting that Noah's obedience and gratitude were integral to the establishment of this new relationship. The concept of clean and unclean animals is further developed in Leviticus, where detailed instructions for sacrifices and dietary laws are provided. The theme of sacrifice as a means of appeasing God and seeking atonement is central to the entire Old Testament sacrificial system and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in passages like Hebrews 9:11-14, which speaks of Christ's superior sacrifice. Furthermore, the call to offer oneself as a living sacrifice in Romans 12:1 directly echoes the spirit of Noah's burnt offering.