Why Did Noah Decide to Be a Farmer in Biblical Flood Mythology?

The story of Noah in the Bible is rich in symbolism and cultural significance, particularly in how it reflects the agricultural and social changes of the time. Flood mythology in ancient Near Eastern cultures often centered around the rise of farming as a new and significant technology, standing in contrast to the traditional practices of hunting and gathering.

Farming as a New Technology

The flood narratives in the Bible, such as the story of Noah, reflect a significant period in human history when farming transitioned from a mere supplementary practice to a primary means of sustenance and organization of society. Ancient myths like these often served to explain the origins of new cultural practices, including agriculture, and to assert the superiority of the storytellers' way of life. In this context, Noah, as a farmer, represents the gradual shift from hunter-gatherer societies to agricultural ones, setting the stage for the development of civilizations as we know them today.

Farmers as Innovators

While we cannot definitively know the exact motives behind the creation of the Noah stories, it is reasonable to assume that the farmers who told these tales regarded themselves as innovators and pioneers. By framing Noah as a farmer, they were likely highlighting their own advancements and displacing older, perhaps more primitive, ways of life. This narrative served both as an act of cultural assertion and as a way to establish new standards for societal organization and advancement.

Agriculture During the Noahic Period

The period in which the Noahic story was likely told saw a scarcity of grocery stores and markets. Given that the entire world was wiped out (except for Noah and his family), Noah faced the formidable task of feeding his family amidst such a dramatic and unprecedented change. Growing crops was one of the few viable options, given the limited resources and the fact that alternative professions were either unavailable or unsuitable during that time.

Challenges and Alternatives

In that specific historical context, the choices for Noah were limited. Besides farming, herding sheep or goats could have been an option, as these animals provided both food and other resources. However, if one desired to pursue a life of vine-ripened indulgence, growing grapes would have been essential. But for goat-herders, this option was not feasible as it required more time and commitment, a luxury that herders did not have. This further underscores the practicality and necessity of farming in the aftermath of a global flood, where other professions were rendered impractical or unattainable.

Conclusion

The story of Noah as a farmer is a testament to the transformative power of agriculture. It not only explains the origins of farming but also serves as a cultural narrative that amplifies the significance of this practice in the broader context of human history. By framing Noah as a farmer, early civilizations were able to forge a new identity, one that stood in contrast to older, more primitive ways of life.