Noah (Genesis 6:9-11:32; Isaiah 54:1-55:5) Covenant and the World

“Were it not for My covenant day and night, I would not have set the ordinances of heaven and earth.” This reading of God’s statement through the prophet Jeremiah suggests that a compact between humankind and the Divine is not merely an occurrence that arises within the world; covenant is somehow integral and essential to the project of the universe. Parties to a covenant are committed to one another, endeavoring to get somewhere together; whatever their roles, they share a dedication to the enterprise at hand. “For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed,” says God through Isaiah in this week’s haftarah, “but my kindness will not depart from you, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed.” Without mutual commitment, we might give up on one another. The narrative of the flood tells such a story: people giving up on goodness, God giving up on humankind. However we understand that ancient story, what is so evident in our own times is that the wonderful balance of things on our planet, through which we receive the possibilities and the blessings of life, also depends on us. Our Jewish tradition, encouraging mindful, covenantal living, can teach vital lessons today.