“And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard.”
This verse comes immediately after the account of Noah and his family exiting the ark following the great flood. Let’s explore the context and significance of this verse.
Historical Context:Genesis 9 records the aftermath of the flood, where Noah, his wife, his three sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth), and their wives were the only survivors. God made a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy all life on earth by a flood again. After this covenant, Noah and his family began to repopulate the earth.
Noah as a Husbandman:
Genesis 9:20 states that Noah “began to be a husbandman.” This phrase indicates that Noah became a farmer or cultivator of the land. It highlights the fact that Noah turned his attention to the task of working the soil and growing crops. As one of the few remaining inhabitants of the earth, Noah had to take up the responsibility of providing sustenance for himself and his family.
Planting a Vineyard:The verse continues, stating that Noah planted a vineyard. A vineyard is an area of land specifically cultivated for growing grapes, which are used for making wine. Noah’s decision to plant a vineyard suggests a desire to engage in agriculture beyond mere subsistence farming. He chose to invest time and effort into cultivating a crop that could yield grapes for making wine.
Symbolism and Lessons:
While this verse may seem straightforward, it holds symbolic and moral significance that can be explored:
- Diligence and Stewardship: Noah’s decision to become a husbandman reflects his diligence and sense of responsibility. It teaches us the value of hard work, stewardship of the earth’s resources, and the need to provide for our families.
- Moderation and the Misuse of Blessings: Later passages in the Bible highlight the potential dangers associated with alcohol misuse. While Genesis 9:20 doesn’t explicitly mention the outcome of Noah’s vineyard, subsequent events involving Noah and his consumption of wine caution against the abuse of blessings and the importance of moderation.
- Continuation of Life after the Flood: Noah’s engagement in farming and cultivation signifies the continuation of life and the rebuilding of society after the devastating flood. It demonstrates humanity’s ability to recover, adapt, and thrive in the face of adversity.
The Wider Context of the Story:It’s worth noting that the story of Noah and his vineyard serves as a bridge between the account of the flood and the subsequent events that unfold involving Noah’s drunkenness (Genesis 9:21) and its consequences for his family. This larger narrative emphasizes the fallibility of humanity and the need for redemption and grace.
In summary, Genesis 9:20 marks a significant moment in Noah’s life as he transitions from a survivor of the flood to a husbandman and cultivator of the land. This verse reminds us of the importance of diligence, stewardship, and the responsible use of blessings. It also highlights the resilience of humanity in the face of adversity, as Noah begins the process of rebuilding and sustaining life on earth.
