The story of Noah has similar themes in common with the story of Adam and Eve, specifically the account of the first sin in Genesis 3. The story of Noah starts with informing the readers that Noah is a descendant of Seth, Adam’s third son. This is important as this line of Seth is simple and pious, and slightly God-fearing whereas the line of Cain, Adam’s first son who killed his brother out of jealousy, is self-reliant and shows signs of corruption. In the words of Leon Kass, “the men in Seth’s line flourish” as they all live modest long lives, almost escaping the punishment of death brought upon humans due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience. The root of the trouble in Noah’s story is an extensive of the troubles in Adam and Eve’s. In the story of Noah, the weakness of humans stems from the attitude of men towards women. Instead of appreciating each woman as a person, they are viewed like trophies, something to be desired or possess. This is related to Eve’s intense desire to eat the apple because it was “a delight to the eyes”. The narrative is emphasizing that evilness lies discreetly in the form of desire. Both these corrupt men and Eve are ignoring what that desire means: for Eve, it is disobeying God’s commandments and for the men, it is ignoring their dependence on women. This desire is what causes humankind to become corrupt and violent, causing God to regret the creation of men. After the disobedience of Adam and Eve, God showed them mercy but in this case, he decides that the only solution is total destruction of the world. However, God saves Noah on account of his virtue. He gives God what he has wanted since Adam and Eve: obedient love. Noah does not question God, but does what he is told. On the ark, there is no helm as the ark travels according to God’s will. As the creator, God simply wants humans to honor him and live piously in his likeness. Because Noah “walked with God,” he is saved.
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Emma Danes's Theology Blog 
Emma,
Your blog post is very insightful and impressive. The connection you drew between the story of Noah and the sin committed in Genesis 3 is straightforward and clear. Your idea that desire is the common sinful link between the two stories accurately describes the nature of the relationship the two stories have to each other. The only thing I would note is that God regrets not only the creation of man, but seeks (regretfully) to punish all flesh, including animals who have also succumbed to the violent, chaotic nature of the world. Overall, fantastic job.
Dave
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Emma, nice response. It is an intriguing parallel you draw between the desire of Eve and the desires of men, and I think there is definitely truth in your insight that “evilness lies discreetly in the form of desire.” If our desires are contrary to God’s intention, only evil is in store for us. I’ve had difficulty in reconciling the mercy of God with what appears to be His consistent punishment and destruction, especially in the early chapters of Genesis. However, is God merciful when He decides to save the simple and pious line of Seth?
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In a way God is being merciful when He decides to save the simple and pious line of Seth. I assumed that the men that were treating women like objects were decedents from the line of Cain, not the line of Seth, and God was only seeking to destroy evil from that line. Therefore, God’s act may not have been merciful but simply just.
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In a way God is being merciful when He decides to save the simple and pious line of Seth. I assumed that the men that were treating women like objects were decedents from the line of Cain, not the line of Seth, and God was only seeking to destroy evil from that line. Therefore, God’s act may not have been merciful but simply just.
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