There is more change. Mankind is commanded to avenge murder. Clemency cannot constrain the pursuits of those who worship their own glory. On the other hand, punishment gives us a method of constraining the inclinations of men of name. Because of this constraint, we no longer need to fear the murderous competition that precedes the flood. Another flood will not be necessary. When the story of the Tower of Babel occurs, it is an entirely society that seeks a collective name – not the individuals within it. But the destruction of individuals is not a necessary response; the simple confusion of internal communication and creation of divisions destroys the name-seeking society without killing its members.
Clearly, the world after the flood is a very different one.
The world after the flood is protected from our worst inclinations. But that protection comes at a great cost. We have institutionalized acts of destruction (avenging the spilling of blood), our deep connection to nature has been severed and our power has been limited. Last but not least, the story of the flood and G-d’s wrath hangs over us.
Our will is constantly constrained by outside forces – not our own characters and self-control.
Hashem’s original vision was different: It was a vision of clemency, of people facing challenges and overcoming them and of human acts of creation and human connection to the timeless divine. It was, in the very beginning, a world without any risk whatsoever.
Our world is now something very different.
But can forever hold out hope that we can reverse the flood and improve on our lives in the garden.
The first step is simple, but challenging. Like Noach, we can seek, and thus find, favor in the eyes of G-d.
By doing so, we can unleash our full potential and ultimately walk with Hashem.