Christian Education for Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012 - Genesis 9:8-17; The Covenant with Noah

February 26, 2012; 1^st Sunday of Lent

Genesis 9:8-17

The Covenant with Noah

Theme: This passage describes the covenant between God and Noah and all creation that is to come. This passage concludes the restoration of humanity to God in relationship following the flood. This section includes allusions to other portions of the Ancient near East primeval creation mythology.

Background: God has just destroyed all creation except for the family of Noah and the creatures in the ark. God has given rules to Noah regarding killing and has blessed Noah, imploring him to repopulate the earth. In this section of the primordial history, God establishes rules of life in creation and gives assurance that God will never again destroy the world by a flood.

Questions to Ponder

* Describe the setting for this passage; where this passage fits into the story of the Old Testament.

* What has happened that caused God to destroy all creation with a flood?

* What regulations had God enacted that might cause him to generate this covenant with Moses, his sons, and the animals that were in the ark?

* Why might God make a covenant with animals yet make the covenant with Noah?

* Typically, a covenant places requirements on both parties in the covenant; yet in this case, God does not require humans to do anything to receive the benefit of the covenant. What might be the intent of the writer relating this covenant as a unilateral covenant between God and humanity?

* Do you think the rainstorm that created the flood was the first instance of a storm with a rainbow? Why or why not?

* If the rainbow had occurred previously, why would God use a simple symbol as the marker of his covenant with all humanity?

* What might the significance of the rainbow be, especially taking into account the “timing” of a rainbow during a storm?

* How is humanity expected to remember the covenant with God, especially since they have no requirements within the covenant?

* Why might this be read on the first Sunday of Lent? What is the significance of this passage when viewed through the lens of the intent of our Lenten journey?

* How might we apply the principles of this passage and this covenant to our relationship with this church; with our community; and with God?