Genesis 7:17 - Divine judgment lifts righteous.

The Duration of the Flood

The verse states that the flood lasted forty days (אַרְבָּעִים יוֹם). Rashi (Bereshit 7:17) explains that this period corresponds to the formation of a fetus, which takes forty days to develop. This symbolizes that the flood was a complete "rebirth" of the world, as if it were being recreated. The number forty is significant in Torah as a period of purification or transformation (e.g., the forty days Moshe spent on Har Sinai).

The Rising of the Waters

The phrase "וַיִּרְבּוּ הַמַּיִם" ("the waters increased") is interpreted by the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 32:10) as a gradual escalation of Divine judgment. The waters did not rise all at once but incrementally, giving the wicked an opportunity to repent. However, their refusal to do so led to their ultimate destruction.

The Ark Being Lifted

The verse describes how "וַיִּשְׂאוּ אֶת־הַתֵּבָה" ("the waters bore up the ark"). The Ramban (Bereshit 7:17) notes that this was a miraculous act—despite the ark's immense weight, the waters lifted it effortlessly, demonstrating Hashem's direct intervention in preserving Noach and his family. The phrase "וַתָּרָם מֵעַל הָאָרֶץ" ("it was raised above the earth") further emphasizes the ark's elevation above the destruction below, symbolizing Divine protection amidst judgment.

Symbolism of the Ark

• The Zohar (1:67a) teaches that the ark represents the Torah—just as the ark saved Noach, the Torah sustains those who cling to it.
• The Baal HaTurim (Bereshit 7:17) highlights that the word תֵּבָה ("ark") also means "word," alluding to the power of prayer and Torah study to elevate a person above worldly turmoil.