John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 8:20
And Noah builded an altar unto the Lord ,.... Not an house for himself and his family, but an altar for God; his first and greatest concern being for the glory of God, and not for the temporal good of himself and his: this altar was erected, and devoted to the service of God; it was built according to his will, and by his direction: Noah's view was to renew the worship of God, preserve and propagate it by his example; and this was done by way of thanksgiving to God for his wonderful... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 8:20-22
Here is, I. Noah's thankful acknowledgment of God's favour to him, in completing the mercy of his deliverance, Gen. 8:20. 1. He built an altar. Hitherto he had done nothing without particular instructions and commands from God. He had a particular call into the ark, and another out of it; but, altars and sacrifices being already of divine institution for religious worship, he did not stay for a particular command thus to express his thankfulness. Those that have received mercy from God should... read more