GENESIS—NOTE ON Genesis 8:20 Noah’s burnt offering is intended to express gratitude for divine deliverance. It is also an act of atonement. Despite the human tendency to sin, atonement through sacrifice is possible, resulting in a peaceful relationship between the Lord and humanity. I will never again curse the ground means that God will not send another flood. He is not revoking the curse pronounced in Genesis 3:17, which continues (the words for “curse” in these two verses are different; see esv footnote). These verses show the importance of sacrifice in the Bible’s plan of salvation.

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