share torah logo

Genesis 8:4 - Divine timing on Ararat's peak

Genesis 8:4 - בראשית 8:4

Hebrew Text

וַתָּנַח הַתֵּבָה בַּחֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִי בְּשִׁבְעָה־עָשָׂר יוֹם לַחֹדֶשׁ עַל הָרֵי אֲרָרָט׃

English Translation

And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.

Transliteration

Va-tanach ha-teva ba-chodesh ha-shvi'i b'shiv'a-asar yom la-chodesh al hare Ararat.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתָּ֤נַח הַתֵּבָה֙ בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י בְּשִׁבְעָה־עָשָׂ֥ר י֖וֹם לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ עַ֖ל הָרֵ֥י אֲרָרָֽט׃
וַתָּ֤נַח הַתֵּבָה֙ בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י בְּשִׁבְעָה־עָשָׂ֥ר י֖וֹם לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ עַ֖ל הָרֵ֥י אֲרָרָֽט׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Timing of the Ark's Resting

The verse states that the ark came to rest on the seventeenth day of the seventh month. According to Rashi (Bereshit 8:4), this date corresponds to the 17th of Nisan, which is significant for several reasons:

  • This was the same day the floodwaters began to recede (Rashi, based on Bereshit Rabbah 33:6).
  • The 17th of Nisan is also the date when the Jewish people later crossed the Red Sea during the Exodus (Shemot 14:22), drawing a parallel between divine salvation in the time of Noach and the redemption from Egypt.

The Significance of the Seventh Month

The seventh month (Nisan) is highlighted by the Ramban (Bereshit 8:4) as being the month of redemption. He notes that Nisan is when nature renews itself (springtime), symbolizing a new beginning for the world after the flood. The Sforno adds that this timing demonstrates Hashem's mercy in allowing the ark to rest as soon as possible once the waters subsided.

The Mountains of Ararat

The location where the ark rested—the mountains of Ararat—is discussed in several commentaries:

  • Rashi explains that Ararat refers to a specific mountain range, indicating that the ark did not simply drift aimlessly but was guided by divine providence to a precise location.
  • The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) teaches that the ark came to rest on the highest peaks, symbolizing that the world's renewal began from a place of spiritual elevation.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Noach 11) suggests that Ararat was chosen because it was a distant and elevated place, ensuring that humanity would have to descend and repopulate the earth gradually.

The Numerical Significance of the Seventeenth Day

The number seventeen (י"ז) carries deeper meaning in Jewish thought:

  • The gematria (numerical value) of "טוב" (good) is 17, hinting that this day marked the beginning of a restored, "good" world after the destruction of the flood (Ba'al HaTurim, Bereshit 8:4).
  • Seventeen is also associated with the Hebrew word "חי" (life), as its numerical value is 18, and the ark rested one day before—symbolizing the transition from death (the flood) back to life.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 108b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussions about the flood and Noah's ark, particularly regarding the timing of the ark's resting on the mountains of Ararat.
📖 Zevachim 113b
Mentioned in a discussion about the geographical and temporal aspects of the flood narrative, including the resting place of the ark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that the ark rested on the mountains of Ararat?
A: According to Rashi, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat after the floodwaters began to recede. This marked the beginning of a new era for Noach and his family, as they could now leave the ark once the land was dry. The specific location shows that Hashem guided the ark to a safe place.
Q: Why is the date (17th of the seventh month) mentioned in this verse?
A: The Torah specifies the date to show the precise timeline of the flood. According to the Midrash, this date corresponds to the 17th of Nisan, which later became significant in Jewish history as the month of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt). This teaches that Hashem’s salvation often comes at appointed times.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the ark resting on Ararat?
A: The Rambam teaches that this event demonstrates Hashem’s control over nature and His mercy in preserving life. Just as Noach and his family were saved, we learn that Hashem provides refuge and salvation to those who follow His ways. The ark’s resting place also symbolizes a new beginning after hardship.
Q: How does the story of the ark apply to us today?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) explains that Noach’s survival teaches the importance of righteousness and following Hashem’s commandments even when the world around us is corrupt. Just as the ark was a sanctuary, we must create spiritual 'arks'—homes and communities built on Torah values.