Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean that Noah found favor in God's eyes?
A: The verse (Genesis 6:8) means that Noah was righteous and morally upright in a generation that was corrupt and violent. According to Rashi, Noah stood out because he maintained his integrity even when everyone around him was sinful. The term 'found favor' (מָצָא חֵן) implies that God chose to show Noah kindness and grace because of his righteous behavior.
Q: Why is Noah described as finding favor specifically 'in the eyes of God'?
A: The phrase 'in the eyes of God' emphasizes that Noah's righteousness was recognized by Hashem, even if the people of his time did not appreciate it. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 30:9) explains that Noah was different from his generation—while they were wicked, he walked with God (Genesis 6:9). This divine approval set him apart and led to his being saved from the flood.
Q: What can we learn from Noah finding favor with God?
A: We learn that even in a corrupt society, an individual can choose righteousness and earn divine favor. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:1) teaches that a person should strive to be among the righteous, even if they stand alone. Noah's example shows that moral integrity is precious to God, and one should not be swayed by the wrongdoing of others.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: Just as Noah remained steadfast in his righteousness despite societal corruption, we too must uphold Torah values even when they go against popular trends. The Talmud (Shabbat 112a) teaches that in a generation where morality declines, those who hold firm to truth are especially praiseworthy. Noah’s story reminds us that personal integrity is always meaningful to Hashem.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Noah's favor before describing the flood?
A: The Torah highlights Noah's righteousness first to explain why he was chosen to survive the flood. Rashi notes that this verse introduces the reason for Noah’s salvation—his merit. The flood narrative (Genesis 6-9) shows that while God judges the wicked, He also protects and rewards the righteous, as seen with Noah and his family.
Noach's Favor in Hashem's Eyes
The verse states, "וְנֹחַ מָצָא חֵן בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה" ("But Noach found favor in the eyes of the Lord"). This indicates that Noach was unique in his generation, meriting divine favor despite the corruption around him.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereishit 6:8) explains that Noach found חֵן (favor) because he was righteous in his actions. Unlike his contemporaries, Noach upheld moral integrity, leading Hashem to show him grace. Rashi emphasizes that this favor was not arbitrary but earned through Noach's righteousness.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 30:5) elaborates that Noach's favor was a response to his תְּפִלָּה (prayer) and צְדָקָה (charitable deeds). The Midrash contrasts Noach with his generation, highlighting that while others were steeped in theft and immorality, Noach pursued justice and kindness.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchos Dei'os 6:1) teaches that Noach's favor stemmed from his בְּחִירָה חָפְשִׁית (free will) to choose righteousness despite societal pressures. This aligns with the principle that divine favor is granted to those who actively uphold Torah values, even in adverse circumstances.
Key Lessons