Topical Encyclopedia The term "Antediluvians" refers to the people who lived before the Great Flood, as described in the early chapters of the Book of Genesis. The narrative of their destruction is a pivotal event in biblical history, illustrating themes of human depravity, divine judgment, and the righteousness of Noah.Wickedness of Humanity The antediluvian period is characterized by increasing human wickedness and moral decay. Genesis 6:5 states, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time." This pervasive evil grieved God, leading to His decision to cleanse the earth through a cataclysmic flood. Divine Judgment God's judgment upon the antediluvians is both a response to their corruption and a demonstration of His holiness and justice. Genesis 6:7 records God's declaration: "So the LORD said, 'I will blot out man, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—every man and beast and crawling creature and bird of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.'" This pronouncement underscores the severity of human sin and the necessity of divine intervention. Noah's Righteousness and the Ark Amidst widespread corruption, Noah stands out as a beacon of righteousness. Genesis 6:8-9 notes, "Noah, however, found favor in the eyes of the LORD. This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God." Instructed by God, Noah builds an ark to preserve his family and representatives of the animal kingdom. The ark serves as both a vessel of salvation and a symbol of God's mercy amidst judgment. The Flood The floodwaters serve as the instrument of destruction for the antediluvian world. Genesis 7:11-12 describes the onset of the flood: "In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. And the rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights." The deluge eradicates all life outside the ark, fulfilling God's decree. Aftermath and Covenant Following the flood, Noah and his family emerge as the progenitors of a renewed humanity. God establishes a covenant with Noah, promising never again to destroy the earth by flood. Genesis 9:11 states, "I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth." The rainbow serves as the sign of this covenant, symbolizing God's enduring faithfulness and grace. The destruction of the antediluvians serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the necessity of righteousness. It highlights the tension between divine justice and mercy, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative of redemption throughout Scripture. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 7:1,21-23And the LORD said to Noah, Come you and all your house into the ark; for you have I seen righteous before me in this generation. Nave's Topical Index Job 22:15-17 Matthew 24:37-39 Luke 17:26,27 2 Peter 2:5 Library The Bible --The Background and the Picture. Journey to Jerusalem. Ten Lepers. Concerning the Kingdom. The City of God. Index of Subjects. Chapter vi Sovereignty of God in Administration City of God General Index. Letter Lii. To Nepotian. An American Reformer. The Sibylline Oracles. Resources How was the flood in the time of Noah just? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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