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Genesis 9:8 - Divine covenant with Noah's descendants

Genesis 9:8 - בראשית 9:8

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים אֶל־נֹחַ וְאֶל־בָּנָיו אִתּוֹ לֵאמֹר׃

English Translation

And God spoke to Noaĥ, and to his sons with him, saying,

Transliteration

Vayomer Elohim el-Noach ve'el-banav ito lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶל־נֹ֔חַ וְאֶל־בָּנָ֥יו אִתּ֖וֹ לֵאמֹֽר׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶל־נֹ֔חַ וְאֶל־בָּנָ֥יו אִתּ֖וֹ לֵאמֹֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Address to Noach and His Sons

The verse states, "And God spoke to Noach, and to his sons with him, saying," marking a pivotal moment after the flood when Hashem establishes a covenant with humanity. Rashi (Bereshit 9:8) notes that this phrasing emphasizes that the divine communication was directed not only to Noach but also to his sons, indicating that the ensuing commandments and covenant would apply to all future generations.

Inclusion of Noach's Sons in the Covenant

The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 9:1) explains that the seven Noahide laws, which form the foundation of moral and ethical conduct for all humanity, were given at this time. By addressing Noach's sons as well, Hashem ensured that these laws would be binding upon their descendants—the entire human race. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 34:9) further elaborates that this inclusion signifies the universal responsibility of mankind to uphold justice and righteousness.

The Significance of "With Him" (אִתּוֹ)

  • Unity in Divine Service: The term "with him" (אִתּוֹ) suggests that Noach and his sons were united in their commitment to Hashem's will. The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 9:8) highlights that this unity was essential for rebuilding a moral world after the flood.
  • Continuity of Leadership: The Sforno (Bereshit 9:8) observes that addressing the sons "with him" implies that they were to continue Noach's legacy of righteousness, ensuring the perpetuation of divine teachings.

The Transition from Noach to His Descendants

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 70a) discusses how this moment marks a shift from Noach as an individual tzaddik to a broader covenant with humanity. The Malbim (Bereshit 9:8) adds that this transition underscores the collective responsibility of all people to uphold the Noahide laws, as opposed to the pre-flood generation, which had largely abandoned ethical conduct.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did God speak to Noah and his sons together in Genesis 9:8?
A: According to Rashi, God addressed Noah and his sons together because the covenant that follows (the rainbow covenant) applied not just to Noah, but to all future generations. This teaches that major divine promises often have communal significance.
Q: What is the significance of God speaking directly to Noah in this verse?
A: The Rambam explains that prophecy requires preparation and spiritual readiness. Noah merited direct communication from God because he had demonstrated righteousness and obedience during the flood. This shows how divine communication follows human spiritual growth.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'his sons with him' in Genesis 9:8?
A: The Midrash notes this emphasizes that Noah's sons shared in his merit and mission to repopulate the earth after the flood. It teaches that children can inherit spiritual legacies when they join their parents' righteous path.
Q: How does Genesis 9:8 connect to the rainbow covenant that follows?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) explains this introduction shows the covenant wasn't just with Noah personally, but with all humanity through his descendants. The rainbow serves as a sign of this universal promise never to destroy the world again with water.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how God spoke to Noah and his sons together?
A: The Sforno teaches this demonstrates that divine messages often come through family units and communities. Just as Noah's sons received the covenant alongside him, we see that Torah values are transmitted through generations when families learn together.