Target year level: Year Two

Scripture text

Genesis 9: 8-17

Introduction

Genesis 9:8-17 is situated in the Book of Genesis in a section dealing with ‘Primeval History’ (2:4—11:26) that is the story of universal beginnings against which the story of Israel is set. Genesis 1-11 contains narratives of Israel’s view of the first stages of the universe and of humankind. ‘A new relationship’ (9:8–17) is part of a sub-section ‘The flood’s aftermath’ (8:20—9:29).

For an outline of the Book of Genesis and further background information, see the The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE), Introduction to Genesis.

Genesis is numbered among the five books of the Old Testament - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy that are collectively known as the Pentateuch or Torah. The content of the five books include stories, character portraits, sagas, laws, regulations, rituals and historical narratives all at the service of establishing the foundational identity of the People of Israel and the Covenant relationship between Israel and Yahweh their God. The texts of the Torah-Pentateuch are assembled from a variety of sources and historical periods and edited in their present form by a variety of authors.

World behind the text

Genesis chapters 1-38 are closely related to what is known about the history and culture of ancient Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq). In the various texts of Genesis 1-38 are reflected many of the details of the everyday life, customs and beliefs of a tribal, agricultural and nomadic people in a period around 2500-2300 BCE.

Chapters 38-50, focus on the story of Joseph and the connection between Canaan and Egypt and in a number of places reflect a strong Egyptian influence.

The literary background to Genesis, as with other books of the Pentateuch, is complex and debated. In general, it seems clear that the text of Genesis, as we have it in the Bible, has been compiled from a number of sources by numerous authors over a long period of time. Texts in Genesis have been edited at particular points in time in response to historical events and the perspectives of particular authors (editors or redactors). Go to the Wikipedia entry on Composition of Genesis for detailed information on the literary background and composition of Genesis.

World of the text

In Genesis 9:8-17 God speaks in a theophany (appearance) to Noah and his sons. God enters into a Covenant relationship with them and with every living creature on the earth. As is commonly the case with biblical Covenants, the Covenant involves divine promises which bring blessings to Noah and to his descendants understood here as the whole of humanity. In a biblical context entering into a Covenant with God presumes faithfulness on the part of God and of those with whom the Covenant is made. In this case, fidelity can be interpreted to entail the human duty to care for the earth; what is often summed up in the biblical notion of stewardship. For a detailed commentary on Genesis 9:8-17 go to Michael Fallon 81. (pdf)

World in front of the text

In Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome on 24 May, 2015, Pope Francis solemnly launched his encyclical letter Laudato Si’. The encyclical is really an extended reflection on the need for Catholics - and indeed for all people of good will - to be stewards of the earth and to manage with care its vulnerable ecology and share justly the resources of the earth with all people, especially the poor and marginalised The encyclical emphasises the interconnectedness of all reality and the consequent need to consider the impacts of decisions about the exploitation of the environment and the management and sharing of resources. Go to Encyclical Letter Laudato Si' for the text of the encyclical.