Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 6:22 mean when it says Noah did all that God commanded him?
A: This verse teaches us that Noah meticulously followed every instruction God gave him regarding building the ark and gathering the animals. Rashi explains that this emphasizes Noah's complete obedience, doing everything 'just as God commanded' without adding or subtracting anything.
Q: Why is Noah's obedience in Genesis 6:22 important?
A: Noah's exact obedience is important because it shows his complete faith in Hashem, even when the command seemed difficult or illogical (building an ark when there was no flood). The Midrash teaches that this quality made Noah worthy of being saved and becoming the ancestor of humanity after the flood.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 6:22 about following mitzvot?
A: We learn from this verse that we should fulfill mitzvot exactly as commanded, with precision and without alteration. The Rambam (Maimonides) derives from this that when performing mitzvot, we shouldn't modify them based on our own understanding, but follow the Torah's instructions carefully.
Q: How does Genesis 6:22 apply to our lives today?
A: This verse teaches us to follow Torah commandments with the same completeness as Noah did. Just as Noah didn't question building an ark for 120 years despite mockery, we should perform mitzvot faithfully even when they seem difficult or we don't understand them fully.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat 'so he did' at the end of Genesis 6:22?
A: The double language ('did... so he did') emphasizes that Noah carried out God's commands both in action and intention. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) explains this teaches that Noah didn't delay - he began building the ark immediately upon receiving the command.
Noach's Exact Obedience to Divine Command
The verse states, "וַיַּעַשׂ נֹחַ כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה אֹתוֹ אֱלֹהִים כֵּן עָשָׂה" ("So Noach did according to all that God commanded him"). This emphasizes Noach's unwavering commitment to fulfilling Hashem's instructions precisely, without deviation or delay.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereishit 6:22) highlights the repetition of "כֵּן עָשָׂה" ("so he did") to teach that Noach performed all aspects of the command—both the major and minor details—without omission. This repetition underscores his complete faithfulness in executing the divine will.
Midrashic Insights
Rambam's Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (3:50), Rambam notes that Noach's precise adherence—despite the seeming irrationality of building an ark far from water—exemplifies the ideal of קבלת עול מלכות שמים (accepting the yoke of Heaven) without questioning.
Halachic Implication
The Talmud (Eruvin 100b) derives from this verse that one should not alter mitzvot, even with good intentions. Noach's model teaches that divine commandments require exact fulfillment, a principle later applied to halachic practice.