Noah and His Works of Righteousness

 

Excerpt of an ongoing study for an upcoming video:

Obedience and righteousness are inseparable in the Scriptures.

The word “righteous” first appears in Genesis chapter 6, when this man Noah comes into view. Verse 8 tells us that Noah “found favor in the eyes of Yahweh.” As we continue reading, we see the record of his offspring and then we’re told that he was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with Elohim. He found grace in Yahweh’s eyes.

So let’s examine some of Noah’s attributes, since he has been given to us a good prototype that fulfils the example of 1 Peter 4:18.

Righteous: Hebrew "tsadiq" (First Mention) He was just and lawful. (Next mention is Abraham)

Blameless/Perfect: (First Mention) Hebrew tamim – complete and whole; in accord with truth (Next mention? Abraham)

Walked with Elohim: What one might expect. Also seen when Adam and Eve were “walking in the cool of the day” in Genesis, when Yahweh called out to them.

Found favor/grace: (First mention.) Favor and acceptance in the sight of another.

So, Noah was righteous and lawful; blameless/perfect and he walked with Elohim, finding favor/grace.

Importantly, in Genesis 7:5 we see that "Noah did all that Yahweh had commanded him."

This is why he was chosen. This is the evidence of who he was – the attributes that we just looked at. His works didn't make him righteous, friends. His obedience and his works were the confirmation of his righteousness. To Yahweh and all others who knew of him!

We also see this same pattern within Abraham. Because of who these men were, we see the fruit play out within what they did. As we say often, the condition of the hearts of righteous men had evidence - works of righteousness.