According to the Judeo-Christian tradition, the story of Noah and the Ark is found in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) in the book of Genesis. The story recounts how God decided to bring a catastrophic flood upon the Earth to cleanse it of human wickedness while preserving Noah and his family, along with representatives of each animal species, on the Ark.
The reason given in the biblical narrative for God's decision to save Noah and his family rather than starting over with a new creation is that Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8). The text portrays Noah as a righteous man who walked with God, and he and his family were deemed worthy of being saved from the impending flood.
It's important to understand that the story of Noah and the Ark is primarily a religious and mythological account, not a historical or scientific record. As such, it serves various theological purposes and contains moral lessons.
From a theological perspective, the story of Noah emphasizes the importance of righteousness, obedience to God's commands, and the consequences of human wickedness. It also symbolizes God's mercy and grace, as even in the face of humanity's sin, a remnant was saved to give humankind another chance.
Furthermore, the story of Noah is often seen as a precursor or foreshadowing of the concept of redemption and salvation that becomes central in later Abrahamic religions, particularly in Christianity. The Ark can be seen as a symbol of safety and deliverance, and the flood can represent the purification or renewal of the Earth.
In summary, the biblical story of Noah and the Ark conveys various theological themes, including righteousness, judgment, grace, and redemption. It is essential to interpret such narratives within the context of religious teachings and beliefs rather than as a literal historical event. Different religious interpretations and denominations may offer varying explanations for why God chose to save Noah and his family instead of starting over with a new creation.