Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 8:20
20. Noah builded an altar This is the first altar mentioned in history, although it is generally supposed that Abel built one for his acceptable offering . It is possible that the antediluvian saints brought their gifts to the gate of Eden, where God had “tabernacled the cherubim . ” Chap . 3:24 . Whether this were so or not, all traces of that paradise were obliterated by the deluge, so that even the geographical marks of the antediluvian record cannot now be identified . מזבח , the... read more
Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 8:16
16. Go forth Noah patiently waited for the divine word, and did not hasten to leave the ark, although it was now about two months since he lifted the cover and saw that the earth was dry . Although, probably, he could see no reason for delay, and the narrative does not enable us to assign any reason for it, yet walking by faith, as one does who “walks with God,” he waited for Jehovah, who “shut him in,” to lead him forth . They who dwell most closely with God are often thus mysteriously... read more