Topical Encyclopedia The term "antediluvians" refers to the people who lived before the Great Flood, as described in the Book of Genesis. This period is characterized by a significant increase in human wickedness, which ultimately led to divine judgment through the floodwaters. The narrative of the antediluvians is primarily found in Genesis 4-6, where the moral and spiritual decline of humanity is detailed.Genesis 6:5-6 : "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. And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart." The antediluvian era began with the descendants of Adam and Eve, who, after the fall, continued to multiply on the earth. The wickedness of this generation is first hinted at in the account of Cain and Abel, where Cain's murder of his brother Abel marks the first act of violence and fratricide (Genesis 4:8). This act of violence set a precedent for the increasing moral decay that would follow. As humanity expanded, so did its corruption. Genesis 6:11-12 states, "Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence. And God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways." This passage highlights the pervasive nature of sin, which had tainted not only human relationships but also the very fabric of creation. The antediluvians' wickedness is further exemplified by the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men" narrative in Genesis 6:1-4. This passage describes how the "sons of God" took wives from the "daughters of men," leading to the birth of the Nephilim, a race of giants. This union is often interpreted as a transgression of divine boundaries, contributing to the moral chaos of the time. The spiritual state of the antediluvians is marked by a complete disregard for God's commands and a pursuit of self-indulgence. The phrase "every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time" (Genesis 6:5) underscores the depth of human depravity. This pervasive evil grieved God, leading to His decision to cleanse the earth through the flood. Despite the overwhelming wickedness, there was a remnant of righteousness in Noah, who "found favor in the eyes of the LORD" (Genesis 6:8). Noah's obedience and faithfulness stand in stark contrast to the corruption around him, highlighting the possibility of righteousness even in the midst of widespread sin. The antediluvian period serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unchecked sin and the importance of adhering to God's will. The narrative underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and His willingness to intervene in human history to preserve righteousness. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 6:5-7And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Nave's Topical Index Library The Godhood of God "Come Thou and all Thy House into the Ark. " Journey to Jerusalem. Ten Lepers. Concerning the Kingdom. The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Lamentation of all ... The Bible --The Background and the Picture. Chapter vi Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth. Difficulties and Objections The City of God. Index of Subjects. An American Reformer. 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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