Why Did God Call Noah: Understanding the Prophetic Tradition

In the narrative surrounding the story of Noah, one might wonder why God chose to call him. This article delves into the deeper meaning behind God selecting Noah, exploring the role he played in the prophetic tradition and his significance in Jewish history.

The Nature of Prophecy

Prophecy, as taught in Judaism, is not just a call from God to an individual. It is a form of intense spiritual meditation that allows a person to visualize the eternal Divine Love and Will that permeates reality. This awareness, known as Yirat Shemayim (fear of God), can cause a person to enter a state of heightened awareness, sometimes resembling a seizure or trembling state.

The Prophets and Their Role

Noah, like many other figures in the ancient world, was part of the lineage of prophets, also known as Bnai Elokim (Sons of the Judges). These prophets were close to angelic in their holiness and were entrusted with preserving a valuable spiritual tradition. Among his contemporaries were the Nephilim, who ultimately fell from their elevated state due to their sins.

Noah stood out because he was the only one in his generation who did not commit sexual sins. He maintained the prophetic tradition, which was passed down from Adam. His primary contribution was ensuring the continuation of prophesy through his family, especially his son Shem, who later became the high priest Melchizedek.

Noah's Mission and the Prophetic Lineage

Noah's mission was not just about surviving a flood, but about ensuring the prophetic tradition would continue. The flood came as a result of the widespread immorality and lack of spiritual awareness in the world. The survival of Noah's family was necessary for the transmission of this sacred knowledge.

Shem, Noah's son, became the high priest of God, and his lineage ultimately led to the prophetic tradition being further developed by figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses eventually received the Divine Law (Torah) from God, which completed the prophetic tradition.

The Torah and Its Relevance

The Torah, which is the foundation of Judaism, is not limited to the Hebrews alone but offers a path for non-Jews as well. This is known as the Noachide Laws, which provide a framework for ethical living.

Noah’s mission was to ensure that the entrance to the Garden of Eden, represented by the Torah, would remain accessible to all people. The Ark, which contained the broken tablets of the first Covenant and the Torah given to Moses, symbolized this spiritual journey.

Conclusion

God calling Noah was not a random event but a pivotal moment in the transmission of the prophetic tradition. Noah played a crucial role in ensuring that this tradition would continue, leading eventually to the receiving of the Torah and the establishment of the Noachide Laws. Noah symbolizes the importance of spiritual purity and the ongoing quest for ethical living.

For more scholarly insights, refer to sources such as Rabbi Breinwein Stretener Rebbe TZL, who quotes from the Baal HaSulam, and Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato's Mishney Elyon/Derech Hashem/Daat Tevunot.