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Genesis 8:13 - New world begins, hope emerges.

Genesis 8:13 - בראשית 8:13

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי בְּאַחַת וְשֵׁשׁ־מֵאוֹת שָׁנָה בָּרִאשׁוֹן בְּאֶחָד לַחֹדֶשׁ חָרְבוּ הַמַּיִם מֵעַל הָאָרֶץ וַיָּסַר נֹחַ אֶת־מִכְסֵה הַתֵּבָה וַיַּרְא וְהִנֵּה חָרְבוּ פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה׃

English Translation

And it came to pass in the six hundred and first year, in the first month on the first day of the month, that the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noaĥ removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.

Transliteration

Vayehi be'achat veshesh-me'ot shanah barishon be'echad lachodesh charvu hamayim me'al ha'aretz vayasar Noach et-michseh hateivah vayar vehinei charvu pnei ha'adamah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַ֠יְהִ֠י בְּאַחַ֨ת וְשֵׁשׁ־מֵא֜וֹת שָׁנָ֗ה בָּֽרִאשׁוֹן֙ בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ חָֽרְב֥וּ הַמַּ֖יִם מֵעַ֣ל הָאָ֑רֶץ וַיָּ֤סַר נֹ֙חַ֙ אֶת־מִכְסֵ֣ה הַתֵּבָ֔ה וַיַּ֕רְא וְהִנֵּ֥ה חָֽרְב֖וּ פְּנֵ֥י הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃
וַ֠יְהִ֠י בְּאַחַ֨ת וְשֵׁשׁ־מֵא֜וֹת שָׁנָ֗ה בָּֽרִאשׁוֹן֙ בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ חָֽרְב֥וּ הַמַּ֖יִם מֵעַ֣ל הָאָ֑רֶץ וַיָּ֤סַר נֹ֙חַ֙ אֶת־מִכְסֵ֣ה הַתֵּבָ֔ה וַיַּ֕רְא וְהִנֵּ֥ה חָֽרְב֖וּ פְּנֵ֥י הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Timing of the Waters' Recession

The verse states that the waters dried up in the six hundred and first year of Noaḥ's life, on the first day of the first month. Rashi (Bereshit 8:13) explains that this refers to the month of Nisan, marking a new beginning for the world after the flood. The Torah emphasizes the precise date to teach that just as the redemption from Egypt occurred in Nisan, the rebirth of the world after the flood also began in this month of renewal.

Noaḥ's Removal of the Ark's Covering

Noaḥ removed the covering of the ark to assess the state of the earth. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 33:7) notes that Noaḥ acted with caution—he did not immediately leave the ark but first inspected the land. This demonstrates his wisdom and patience, as he waited for a clear sign from Hashem before disembarking. Ramban (Bereshit 8:13) adds that Noaḥ's actions reflect his trust in divine timing rather than rushing ahead based on his own assumptions.

The Condition of the Earth

The phrase "חָרְבוּ פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה" ("the face of the ground was dry") indicates that while the surface was dry, the earth was not yet fully restored. Ibn Ezra (Bereshit 8:13) explains that complete recovery took additional time, as the verse later states (8:14) that the earth was entirely dry by the 27th of the second month. This teaches that natural processes, even after miracles, often follow gradual progression.

Spiritual Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Precision: The exact dating underscores that Hashem's plans unfold at designated times, as seen in both the flood and future redemptions.
  • Prudent Action: Noaḥ's measured response teaches the importance of patience and verification before making major decisions.
  • Renewal: The drying of the earth symbolizes the potential for rebirth after destruction, a recurring theme in Jewish thought.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 8:13 mean when it says the waters 'were dried up'?
A: The verse describes the end of the Flood, when the waters had completely receded from the earth. According to Rashi, this marks the point when the land was finally dry enough for Noaĥ and his family to leave the ark, though they waited until G-d commanded them to exit (Genesis 8:16).
Q: Why is the specific date (first day of the first month) mentioned in Genesis 8:13?
A: The Torah gives precise dates to show the exact timeline of the Flood. Ramban explains that this emphasizes the miracle of the Flood's duration and its calculated end. The date also marks a new beginning for the world, symbolizing renewal after destruction.
Q: What can we learn from Noaĥ removing the ark's covering in Genesis 8:13?
A: Noaĥ's action teaches the importance of taking initiative within divine boundaries. Though he saw the land was dry, he waited for G-d's command before leaving (Talmud Sanhedrin 108a). This shows a balance between human observation and faithful obedience to G-d's timing.
Q: How does the drying of the earth in Genesis 8:13 relate to repentance?
A: The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 33:9) connects the receding waters to the concept of spiritual renewal. Just as the earth was purified through water, repentance (teshuvah) cleanses a person. The dry land symbolizes a fresh start, mirroring how teshuvah offers a new beginning.
Q: Why didn't Noaĥ leave the ark immediately when the ground dried in Genesis 8:13?
A: As explained by Rashi, Noaĥ demonstrated his righteousness by waiting for G-d's explicit permission to exit (Genesis 8:16). This teaches that even when circumstances seem favorable, we must seek divine guidance before acting, especially after major transitions or trials.