Before the Mabul man understood animals. Man was close with animals. At that stage in history, man’s task was to be caretaker of the world, preserving it – לעבדה ולשמרה. Man’s task was to master and perfect the world.
After the Mabul animals will fear you. Man’s relationship with the world and his goal changes. Man’s task is now to perfect and refine himself, and to restore the honored position he should have.
As we see from the entire content of the Prophets, the rest of history is the story of man’s return to his original condition and God’s deeds to further this goal.
This will ultimately come about, and with it longevity, the return of peace and the “new heaven and earth” (Yeshaya 66:22).
Beraishis 9:1-2
pages 219-222
