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@Deuteronomy’s comment on this question made me wonder what caused the reemergence of idolatry after the flood.

From Enosh to Noah, there were generations of idolaters. Noah believed in God, and presumably his sons did as well.

Rambam in MT Avodat Kochavim 1:1 explains the emergence of idolatry in the generation of Enosh. However he does not mention the flood in that context. Nor does he mention the four seemingly pious couples that remained afterwards (Noah, his wife, his three sons, and their wives).

IIRC, after the flood the sons of Noah parted in different directions. Each begot sizable descent, and eventually, we end up with Shem's line full of idol-worshipers. We are also told by the interpreters that Shem and Ever ended up in Israel learning Torah.

Who reinstated idolatry and how? What was the idea behind it after the flood, when Noah (and his righteous sons) were still alive?

Deuteronomy
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Al Berko
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    I've already asked this question: https://judaism.stackexchange.com/questions/123885/when-did-idolatry-begin-post-flood – Harel13 Mar 21 '22 at 08:58
  • I'm still looking into the subject myself. Recently I came across an ancient Arab tradition on the origins of idolatry both pre and post flood, and very likely that it came from local Jews. But in terms of post-flood, it only discusses the rise of idolatry in Arabia. And it's difficult to discern what was Jewish there and what is later Arab/Muslim interpolations. – Harel13 Mar 21 '22 at 09:01
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    @Al Berko this is a really great question. – Amos74 Mar 21 '22 at 11:37
  • @Harel13 Right, but it does not let me close it because your question was not answered. – Al Berko Mar 21 '22 at 16:20
  • Yeah, that's why I didn't vote to close this question. :) – Harel13 Mar 21 '22 at 16:21

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