20. Noah builded an altar--literally, "a high place"--probably a mound of earth, on which a sacrifice was offered. There is something exceedingly beautiful and interesting to know that the first care of this devout patriarch was to return thanks for the signal instance of mercy and goodness which he and his family had experienced.
      took of every clean beast . . . fowl--For so unparalleled a deliverance, a special acknowledgment was due.

JFB.