"And G-d spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying: behold, I establish My covenant with you, and will you seed after you . . . ." (Genesis 8:8).

In the brief paragraph where G-d promises not to bring another flood (ibid. 8:8-17), the word "covenant" is mentioned seven times. Why this constant repetition?

The Torah is teaching us the nature of commitment; that it must be constantly reaffirmed. A person entering into a covenant with G-d or with another human being must maintain his commitment through all the ups and downs, the moments of grace and those of difficulty. Thus the verse says, "A tzaddik falls seven times and rises" (Proverbs 24:16). The nature of true covenant is that it is always being renewed.

Sholom Brodt
Montreal, Canada

(C) Eliezer Shore, Bas Ayin

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