The people of Noah's time, as described in the Bible, lived during a period marked by widespread moral decay and corruption. This era is primarily chronicled in the Book of Genesis, where the narrative of Noah and the Great Flood unfolds. The account provides insight into the spiritual and ethical state of humanity before the flood, highlighting the reasons for divine judgment.

Moral Corruption and Violence

The Bible describes the people of Noah's time as exceedingly wicked. 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 verse underscores the pervasive nature of sin, indicating that humanity's thoughts and actions were consistently evil. The moral corruption was not limited to isolated incidents but was a continuous state of being.

Furthermore, Genesis 6:11-12 elaborates on the extent of the corruption: "Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence. God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways." The emphasis on violence suggests a society where lawlessness and brutality were rampant, contributing to the overall degradation of human conduct.

Divine Grief and Judgment

The moral state of humanity grieved God deeply. Genesis 6:6 reveals, "And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart." This expression of divine sorrow indicates the profound disappointment and pain caused by human sinfulness. God's response to this pervasive wickedness was to bring about a cataclysmic judgment in the form of a flood, as stated in Genesis 6:7 : "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.'"

Noah's Righteousness

Amidst the 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." Noah's life of faith and obedience set him apart from his contemporaries, making him the chosen instrument through whom God would preserve humanity and animal life.

The Ark and the Flood

God instructed Noah to build an ark as a means of salvation for himself, his family, and pairs of every living creature. The construction of the ark and the gathering of the animals are detailed in Genesis 6:14-22. Noah's obedience to God's commands is emphasized in Genesis 6:22 : "So Noah did everything precisely as God had commanded him."

The floodwaters came as a divine judgment, covering the earth and destroying all living things outside the ark, as described in Genesis 7:17-24. The flood narrative serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness and justice, as well as His mercy in providing a means of salvation for Noah and his family.

Legacy and Lessons

The account of the people of Noah's time serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked sin and rebellion against God. It underscores the importance of righteousness and faithfulness, as exemplified by Noah, and highlights the reality of divine judgment. The narrative also foreshadows the ultimate redemption and salvation offered through Jesus Christ, drawing a parallel between the ark as a vessel of salvation and Christ as the Savior of humanity.