The Wonder of HaShem's Infinite Patience and Compassion
"Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood" (Bereishis 61:4).
There were many possible ways that HaShem, in His infinite power, could have saved Noah and the animals from the flood. Why, then did HaShem trouble Noah to build an ark? HaShem's intention was that the people of his generation would see him working on the ark for a hundred and twenty years. They would ask him, "What are you building?" He would answer them, "In the future HaShem is going to bring a great flood upon the world." Perhaps, the fear of the flood would inspire them to repent and HaShem would not have to destroy His creations.
Lesson: HaShem, is His infinite compassion and untiring patience, gave Noah's corrupt generation a hundred and twenty years to wake up and change their ways. So too, it is appropriate for us to emulate HaShem by showing infinite compassion and untiring patience to our fellow man.
Visualization: Envision Noah building the massive ark over a period of a hundred and twenty years. Each day people take notice and ask him what he is doing. Noah answers them with patience, compassion, and wisdom. He hopes that his sincere words will stir their hearts to repent, and the ominous flood be averted.
(Based on Rashi and Tomer Devorah)
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