“And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.”
Context: Genesis 8:20 is part of the narrative of Noah and the events following the Great Flood. After the floodwaters receded and the ark came to rest on Mount Ararat, Noah and his family emerged from the ark and offered sacrifices to God. This particular verse describes Noah’s act of building an altar, selecting clean animals, and offering burnt offerings on the altar.
Noah’s Altar: Noah’s act of building an altar was a significant act of worship and gratitude to God. The altar was a place of offering and communion with God, symbolizing a sacred space where sacrifices were made. In this case, Noah’s act of building the altar showed his reverence and thanksgiving to God for preserving his family and the animals during the flood.
Clean Animals: The verse mentions that Noah took “of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl” for the burnt offerings. In the context of the Old Testament law given later to the Israelites, certain animals were considered “clean” and suitable for sacrifice, while others were considered “unclean.” The distinction between clean and unclean animals is found in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 and would later become relevant for the Israelites’ dietary and sacrificial laws.
Burnt Offerings: The burnt offerings were a specific type of sacrifice in which the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar. This act symbolized complete surrender, devotion, and atonement for sin. The burnt offerings were seen as a pleasing aroma to God, and they represented the worshiper’s desire to offer themselves fully to God.
Spiritual Significance: The building of the altar and the offering of burnt sacrifices by Noah hold spiritual significance. It shows Noah’s faith, obedience, and worship toward God. After experiencing the catastrophic judgment of the flood, Noah’s act demonstrates his acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and his desire to live in accordance with God’s will. The burnt offerings also prefigure the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, which would later fulfill the need for sacrificial offerings.
Application: Genesis 8:20 serves as a reminder of the importance of worship, gratitude, and surrender in our relationship with God. Like Noah, we are called to acknowledge God’s faithfulness, express our gratitude, and offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). It is through worship and surrender that we grow closer to God and align ourselves with His purposes.
In summary, Genesis 8:20 portrays Noah’s act of building an altar, selecting clean animals, and offering burnt offerings as an expression of worship and gratitude to God after the flood. It reminds us of the significance of worship, surrender, and thanksgiving in our own lives as we seek to honor and draw near to God.
