Definition: And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 8:20. It’s a really important story about God’s protection and a turning point in human history. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Noah was showing his faith – he was offering sacrifices to God. Here's a more detailed explanation: “Noah built an altar unto the LORD”: This is the key part. Noah was building a special altar (a platform for worship) specifically dedicated to God. It shows that he was serious about approaching the Lord with respect and devotion. “and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl…” This means he gathered all the best animals – cows, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, etc. "Clean" here refers to animals that were free from sin or wrongdoing. “…and offered burnt offerings on the altar.” This is the most significant part. He was offering burned offerings . “Burning” signifies a sacrifice – something that represents a sincere and heartfelt devotion. He wasn't just giving food; he was presenting his faith, his love, and his repentance to God. What’s the significance of this story? This verse is often seen as a sign that God was about to intervene in a terrible situation. It suggests: God was concerned about humanity’s wickedness: The world was becoming increasingly plagued by sin and violence. God was offering a way to avert disaster: Noah's actions were a desperate attempt to appease God and prevent a catastrophic flood that would wipe out most of the earth. In short, it’s a story about faith, repentance, and God’s protection through sacrifice. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this story (when did it happen)? Explore why this story is considered significant in religious tradition?