Topical Bible: The Deluge: Noah Forewarned of

◄ The Deluge: Noah Forewarned of ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Deluge, commonly referred to as the Great Flood, is a pivotal event in biblical history, marking a divine judgment upon a world steeped in sin and corruption. The narrative of the Deluge is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 6 through 9. This cataclysmic event is not only a account of destruction but also one of divine grace and covenant, as God forewarns Noah, a righteous man, and provides a means of salvation for him and his family.

Divine Warning and Human Corruption

The account begins with a description of the moral decay that had permeated the earth. Genesis 6:5-6 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. And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him in His heart." This passage highlights the extent of human depravity, which prompted God to take decisive action.

Noah's Righteousness and God's Favor

Amidst this widespread corruption, Noah stands out as a beacon of righteousness. Genesis 6:8-9 records, "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 character and his relationship with God set him apart, making him the chosen vessel through whom God would preserve humanity and the animal kingdom.

The Divine Command and Construction of the Ark

God's forewarning to Noah is both a revelation of impending judgment and an instruction for salvation. In Genesis 6:13-14 , God declares, "Then God said to Noah, 'The end of all living creatures has come before Me, because through them the earth is full of violence. Now behold, I will destroy both them and the earth. Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out.'" The detailed instructions for building the ark underscore the seriousness of the coming flood and the necessity of obedience to God's commands.

The Covenant and Promise of Deliverance

God's communication with Noah includes not only a warning but also a covenant promise. Genesis 6:18 states, "But I will establish My covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you." This covenant signifies God's commitment to preserving life and foreshadows the establishment of a new beginning for humanity post-flood.

Noah's Faith and Obedience

Noah's response to God's warning is characterized by faith and meticulous obedience. Hebrews 11:7 later commends Noah's faith: "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith." Noah's actions demonstrate a profound trust in God's word, despite the unprecedented nature of the impending flood.

The Gathering of the Animals and Final Preparations

As the time of the flood approaches, Noah follows God's instructions to gather pairs of every kind of living creature. Genesis 7:5 notes, "And Noah did all that the LORD had commanded him." This act of gathering the animals into the ark is a testament to Noah's unwavering commitment to God's plan and the divine orchestration of creation's preservation.

The Onset of the Deluge

The narrative reaches its climax as the floodwaters begin to cover the earth. Genesis 7:11-12 describes the event: "In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the springs 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 represents both the fulfillment of God's warning and the execution of His judgment.

Conclusion

The account of Noah being forewarned of the Deluge serves as a profound reminder of God's justice, mercy, and faithfulness. It underscores the importance of righteousness, obedience, and faith in the face of divine judgment, while also highlighting God's provision of salvation for those who walk with Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 6:13
And God said to Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Second Epistle of St. Peter
... Pious folk sometimes, like Noah, can do their best to ... earth as having been destroyed
at the deluge; the tale ... 17 Now, beloved, you are forewarned; mind you are ...
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