We all know the story of Noah and the Flood. Most cultures have a “flood myth,” as those who deny Hashem will tell you, and the idea is so universal that for it to be made up is illogical. The people were bad, G-d destroyed them with a flood, and Noah carried on the world by saving the animals in an ark.
But what was it that LED to the flood? What was the turning point, the straw that broke the camel’s back? The Torah tells us, “The land was corrupted before G-d, and the land was filled with chamas.” The word Chamas is quite familiar to all of us today, as it is the very name chosen by a cowardly group of terrorists and despots who oppress the people they claim to be trying to liberate, and who murder, kidnap, and more, in their bloodthirsty evil.
What was the corruption? The commentaries tell us that the people sinned in immorality and idolatry. “The land was filled with chamas,” is interpreted as theft and strong-arm tactics, including taking other men’s wives by force. Moreover, this all took place, as the verse tells us, “before G-d,” meaning that the people weren’t concerned about acting improperly and were not ashamed before their Creator to behave this way.
Humans are not merely speaking animals. We are spiritual, lofty beings, enrobed in a physical body, but expected to rise above it. We are held to a higher standard than just being concerned with our own needs, and when we forget that, our purpose on earth is called into question. At that time, the people didn’t live up to their mission, and Hashem scrubbed the whole program.
Today, we must be vigilant not to make the same mistakes. Once again “chamas,” fills the world, so it behooves us to reflect and wonder whether we’re doing the same things those people did. If so, it’s not too late to fix ourselves up and save ourselves, and the entire world.
Noach is described by the commentaries as being from the “ketanei amana (or emuna)” those of little faith. It is said that he didn’t fully believe the flood would come, and that because he was of little faith, he waited until the water reached his ankles before he entered the Ark.
On one hand, we can explain that Noach surely believed in Hashem’s word that He was going to send a flood. However, he also believed in Hashem’s incomparable mercy, and undoubtedly, he imagined that someone, somewhere might regret their actions and Hashem would change the decree. Thus, his faith in Hashem was full, yet it was precisely because of this that he didn’t believe the flood would actually come.
There is also another way to understand this. Indeed, Noach trusted in Hashem, but had only limited faith – in himself. He felt unworthy of being saved, or at least, of being the savior of all animal-kind. He could not imagine he would be able to do what he was being asked. Therefore, he delayed accepting the mission until it was forced upon him by Hashem, by dint of the rising water.
The take away is that we can achieve things we never thought possible and if Hashem puts us in a situation, it’s because He knows we can handle it.
