Noah, a righteous man
First among many biblical characters who loved and worshiped the one God, Noah “found grace in the eyes of the Lord”—and he is described as “a just man and perfect in his generations” (Genesis 6:8, 9). His story has been retold through the ages to show God’s comprehensive protection of the righteous.
In the account of a great flood, Noah is instructed to prepare by building a huge vessel to hold him and his immediate family, as well as male and female specimens of the world’s animals. Several months after the flood begins, according to the scriptural record, “God remembered Noah” (8:1)—likely meaning not that God had forgotten him, but that He recognizes Noah’s fidelity and obedience.
When the flood recedes, Noah builds an altar in gratitude to God. In response, God establishes a covenant with this righteous man, guaranteeing the regular, uninterrupted rhythm of life. His promise of continuing care is sealed with the symbol of a rainbow (see 9:8–17). Hebrew prophecy later cites this pledge as exemplifying God’s kindness and mercy (see Isaiah 54:9, 10). And the New Testament honors Noah in a summary of the faithful (see Hebrews 11:7).
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