Noah’s Ark and the Flood
Introduction
The story of Noah's Ark and the Great Flood, as narrated in Genesis 6-9, stands as one of the most iconic and enduring stories in the Bible. This narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a world corrupted by sin, where divine judgment and mercy intersect in profound ways. To better grasp the depth of this narrative, it's crucial to explore its key themes. These chapter summaries allow one to delve into the theological, moral, and literary dimensions it offers.
Key Themes
The narrative of Genesis 6-9 encompasses several key themes that resonate throughout the biblical text, offering profound insights into the human condition and divine grace:
Divine Judgment and Mercy:
Judgment: The primary theme is God's judgment on a world that has become corrupt and filled with violence (Genesis 6:11-13). The Flood is depicted as a divine response to human wickedness, underscoring the idea that sin leads to severe consequences.
We see this theme throughout Scripture: in the many parables of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke; the story of the prophet Jonah; and the Tower of Babel, which is only two chapters away.
Mercy: Alongside judgment, the narrative emphasizes divine mercy. God chooses to spare Noah and his family despite widespread corruption because of Noah's righteousness (Genesis 6:8-9). This merciful act is further extended through the covenant established after the Flood, promising that such a cataclysm will never recur (Genesis 9:11-17).
Mercy is a beautiful and profound thought that litters the pages of Scripture. The Apostle Paul writes about it in Ephesians 1 and the lesson of The Flood is that God gives mercy. Let’s not forget the streams of mercy Jesus displayed as he did for Peter what Peter would not do for others (John 13)
Human Wickedness and Righteousness:
Human Depravity: The story begins with a depiction of humanity's total moral decline. The text states that "every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time" (Genesis 6:5). This serves as a backdrop for understanding the necessity of divine intervention. This is hot off the heels of Cain and Abel.
Noah's Righteousness: In contrast to the pervasive evil, Noah stands out as "a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God" (Genesis 6:9). Noah's character highlights the biblical theme that righteousness is possible even in a corrupt world and is recognized and rewarded by God
Saint Gayane Church in the foreground and the ark Noah built Ark rests upon the mountains of Ararat. This is from, “The Travels of Sir John Chardin into Persia and the East Indies,” published 1686.
Obedience to God: Noah's obedience to God's commands underscores the theme of faithful adherence to divine instructions, even in the face of societal opposition. Jesus exemplifies rightful obedience in his baptism.
The Noahic Covenant: After the floodwaters recede, God establishes a covenant with Noah, his descendants, and every living creature. This covenant, symbolized by the rainbow, includes the promise never to destroy all life with a flood again (Genesis 9:8-17). This theme of covenant is crucial, as it introduces a key element in the relationship between God and humanity, emphasizing God's commitment to creation and his enduring mercy.
Renewal and New Beginnings
Post-Flood Renewal: The end of the Flood marks a new beginning for humanity and the earth. The instructions given to Noah and his sons to "be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1) echo the original command given to Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:28). This theme of renewal underscores the idea that despite judgment, there is hope and a fresh start.
Sovereignty of God
Divine Control: The narrative repeatedly emphasizes God's control over the natural world and human history. God commands the construction of the Ark, the gathering of animals, the onset and cessation of the floodwaters, and the covenantal promises. This underscores God's sovereignty and his active role in the world.
The Preservation of Creation
Animals gather to enter the ark Noah built. Notice the foreboding clouds. By Edward Hicks.
Animal Preservation: A notable aspect of the story is the detailed instructions for preserving animal life. Noah is instructed to bring pairs of every kind of animal into the Ark (Genesis 6:19-20), highlighting the value of all living creatures and God's intention to preserve biodiversity.
Human Responsibility
Caretakers of Creation: Post-Flood, God reaffirms humanity's role as stewards of the earth (Genesis 9:1-3). This includes the responsibility to respect the sanctity of life, as seen in the prohibition against eating meat with lifeblood still in it and the mandate against murder (Genesis 9:4-6).
Conclusion
Genesis 6-9 presents a rich tapestry of themes that address the nature of humanity, the character of God, and the fundamental principles of divine-human relationships. These themes of judgment and mercy, righteousness and wickedness, obedience, covenant, renewal, sovereignty, preservation, and responsibility continue to resonate deeply within the broader biblical narrative and offer profound insights into the human condition and divine grace.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 6
Genesis 6 introduces the backdrop of increasing human wickedness and corruption, prompting God's decision to bring judgment upon the earth through a global flood. Noah, described as righteous and blameless, finds favor in God's eyes amidst the prevailing moral decay.
The chapter details the moral decline of humanity, God's decision to send the Flood as divine judgment, Noah's selection as a righteous man to build the Ark, and the instructions for its construction.
Chapter 7
In this chapter, Noah and his family enter the ark along with pairs of animals, clean and unclean, as commanded by God. The floodwaters then begin, raining upon the earth for forty days and nights, covering the highest mountains and destroying all life outside the ark. The flood persists for 150 days.
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Ararat in Armenia with Noah’s Ark by Martin Behaim. This was part of his artwork on the Erdapfel (a terrestrial globe).
Chapter 8
As the floodwaters begin to recede, Noah sends out birds to assess the conditions outside the ark. Eventually, the ark comes to rest on the mountains of Ararat. After waiting, Noah and his family finally exit the ark, offering sacrifices to God. God then establishes a covenant with Noah and his descendants, promising never again to destroy the earth with a flood.
Chapter 9
In this chapter, God blesses Noah and his sons, establishing a covenant with them and all living creatures. This covenant includes instructions for humanity to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, as well as dietary laws regarding the consumption of animal blood. The chapter also recounts Noah's vineyard, his subsequent drunkenness, and the resulting events involving his sons.
Genesis 6: In-Depth
Humanity’s Corruption (6:1-7)
Intermarriage between the “sons of God” and the “daughters of men” have given rise to much debate. Suffice it to say, humanity starts to multiply and the “sons of God” see the beauty of the daughters of others and take them. Human life is seen as a commodity to be taken by force, not valued. Unlike Adam and Eve’s relationship of mutuality and partnership, these relationships are not equitable or suitable.
God sees the rampant evil in humanity’s hearts and sets a limit to their lives. Some see this as limiting human life to 120 years and some see this as a foreshadowing of the flood that will come in 120 years.
The description of the wickedness grieves God as human hearts thoughts are occupied with evil intentions. What began as a snowball in the garden picked up mass with the murder of Abel and showed no sign of abatement. God decides to clean the place up with water.
Noah’s Favor and the Pending Flood (6:8-22)
In contrast to the pervasive wickedness, Noah is described as “righteous” and blameless. We also have the first use of the word grace/favor. Noah finds “favor,” in God’s eyes (6:8).
God’s decision is restated and God provides specific instructions to Noah for building the ark. The dimensions, materials, and purpose are specified.
What is the purpose of the ark? The ark serves as a vessel of salvation to save Noah, his family, and animal pairs.
Genesis 7: In-Depth - The Flood
The Flood
The final instructions are given in the first ten verses then God commands Noah to enter the ark with his family and the animals. The door is shut, which symbolizes the finality of judgment.
The detailed descriptions of the rain, the fountains of the deep, and the rising waters create a sense of dread. One reads and wonders, “How worse could this get?”
The floodwaters start pouring down (7:11-16) for 40 days and nights. This is seen as a de-creation, an undoing of the days of creation. The foundations of the deep break open and the sky and the water seem as one.
Chaos, once brought to order, is not unleashed in fury. The flood intensifies, covering mountains and everything under the sky. The chapter ends by highlighting the complete submersion of the Earth for 150 days.
How long were Noah and his family on the ark? They were isolated for 150 days!
Genesis 8: In-Depth - The Flood Recedes, a New Beginning
After 150 days, God “remembers” Noah and the ark. The word “remembers” doesn’t mean God almost forgot them. It is a sign of covenant, grace, and personal involvement. Sometimes we feel abandoned. God causes the wind to blow, and the waters begin to recede.
After 40 more days, Noah sends out a raven, then a dove, to see if the floodwaters have subsided enough for them to get off the ark.
Noah’s Ark rests and hope renews (8:13-19). On the 17th day of the seventh month, the ark rested on “the mountains of Ararat".” Two months later the tops of the mountains become visible.
This chapter marks a turning point in the flood narrative. The flood has ended and there is hope of life starting over again.
Notice!!!! The story mirrors Genesis 1. In Genesis 1 the Spirit hovered over the face of the deep chaotic waters, “while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.” In Genesis 8, God causes the wind to blog, the chaotic water recedes, and a dove (Spirit) flies over the water searching for land.
After 150 days of gray, black, and blue, the color green emerges from brown soil. Life begins again.
Genesis 9: In-Depth - Noahic Covenant with Humanity
God instructs Noah and his family to leave the ark and to “be fruitful and multiply.” Noah offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God (9:1-7).
God establishes a covenant with Noah and all living creatures. God promises not to destroy the earth by flood again. The sign of the rainbow is given to signify this everlasting covenant.
In verses 18-29, God permits humans to eat meat (but they cannot consume blood). Humanity’s dominion over the earth’s creatures is stated.
The story ends enigmatically. Noah gets drunk and lays uncovered inside his tent. Ham, the father of Canaan, sees his father naked and tells his brothers, Shem and Japheth, who take a garment, walk backward into the tent and cover their father.
Noah wakes up and learns what Ham did. Noah curses Canaan, the son of Ham, and blesses Shem and Japheth. The inclusion of Canaan leads to see this as a foreshadowing of the future strained relationships between these eventual tribes.
