Genesis 9:8-17

During the Sundays between Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday, our Scripture readings will come from the Old Testament or, as Biblical scholars refer to them, the Hebrew Scriptures. On this first Sunday in Lent, our reading comes from the first book in the Bible, reading from Genesis 9:8-17.

This familiar story includes the very first covenant between God and creation.

Who initiates the covenant? How is this different from we humans seeking to “strike a deal” with God such as, “If I promise to be good, will you cure me? Bless me? Favor me?”

Usually, a Biblical covenant is patterned after other ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties, in which a conqueror confers rights to the conquered, but requires responsibilities of them. How is Genesis 9:8-17 different?

Go back and re-read Genesis 6, the beginning of the flood narrative. Why did God flood the earth to begin with? Do you think the new covenant will prevent bad human behavior? If not, how will God respond going forward?