# The Wickedness of Humanity and the Call of Noah **Cross Reference**: #the_flood, #wickedness, #Noah, #Gods_judgment ## Scripture Reference: [Genesis 6:1-2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+6.1-2&version=AMP) Genesis 6 begins the narrative of the [[flood]], a story that reveals the [[wickedness]] of humanity and God’s [[judgment]] on the earth. The chapter opens by describing a world that has become corrupt and filled with violence, leading to God’s decision to cleanse the earth. However, in the midst of judgment, God calls [[Noah]], a man who "found favor in the eyes of the Lord." The story of the flood sets the stage for one of the most significant events in the Old Testament, demonstrating both God’s jus... ### The Sons of God and the Daughters of Men **Scripture Reference**: [Genesis 6:1-4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+6.1-4&version=AMP) The opening verses of Genesis 6 introduce a mysterious passage about the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men." The "sons of God" saw that the "daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose." This passage has been the subject of much debate, with some interpretations suggesting that the "sons of God" were fallen angels, while others believe they were the descendants of Seth who intermarried with the ungodly line of Cain. Regardless of the interpretation, the result is the same: humanity becomes increasingly wicked, and God’s [[Spirit]] is grieved by the corruption. God declares, "My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be 120 years." This pronouncement reflects God’s decision to limit the lifespan of humanity as a response to the growing sinfulness on earth. ### The Nephilim **Scripture Reference**: [Genesis 6:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+6.4&version=AMP) The [[Nephilim]] are mentioned briefly in this chapter as the offspring of the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men." The Nephilim are described as "the heroes of old, men of renown," but their exact nature remains a mystery. Some scholars believe they were giants or warriors, while others see them as symbolic of the increasing corruption and violence on the earth. The reference to the Nephilim underscores the extent of human wickedness and the pervasive nature of sin. Their presence on the earth at this time contributes to the narrative of humanity’s moral decline, setting the stage for God’s judgment through the flood. ### God’s Grief and the Decision to Destroy **Scripture Reference**: [Genesis 6:5-7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+6.5-7&version=AMP) As humanity’s wickedness increases, God’s grief intensifies. The Bible says, "The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time." This verse highlights the total depravity of humanity, as sin affects not just actions but the very thoughts and desires of the human heart. In response, God expresses deep sorrow over the creation of humanity and declares His intention to "wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created." This passage reveals the seriousness of sin and the consequences it brings. God’s [[grief]] over human sinfulness is profound, and His decision to destroy the earth reflects the [[justice]] of God in dealing with sin. ### Noah Finds Favor **Scripture Reference**: [Genesis 6:8-10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+6.8-10&version=AMP) Amidst the widespread corruption, Noah stands out as a righteous man. "Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord." This phrase introduces Noah as a figure of hope in a world of darkness. Unlike the rest of humanity, Noah "was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God." Noah’s righteousness is not portrayed as a result of his own merit, but rather as a product of God’s [[Grace]]. He is described as one who "walked with God," echoing the earlier description of Enoch in Genesis 5. Noah’s life stands in contrast to the wickedness around him, and he becomes the means by which God will preserve humanity and the animal kingdom through the coming flood. ### God’s Instructions to Noah **Scripture Reference**: [Genesis 6:11-14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+6.11-14&version=AMP) As God prepares to bring judgment upon the earth, He gives Noah specific instructions to build an [[ark]]. The Bible says, "Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence." God tells Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them." The [[ark]] is God’s means of preserving life through the coming destruction. God’s instructions for building the ark are detailed, reflecting the seriousness of the task and the precision required to ensure its success. The ark is to be made of cypress wood, with rooms inside, and it is to be covered with pitch inside and out. The dimensions of the ark are also specified, emphasizing the scale of the project. ### The Covenant with Noah **Scripture Reference**: [Genesis 6:17-18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+6.17-18&version=AMP) God establishes a [[Covenant]] with Noah, promising to save him and his family through the ark. "I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. 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 marks the beginning of a new phase in God’s relationship with humanity. While the rest of the world will face destruction, Noah and his family are chosen to carry on the [[human race]] and preserve life. The concept of covenant is central to the Bible’s message of [[Redemption]], as it reflects God’s faithfulness to His promises even in the midst of judgment. ### The Gathering of the Animals **Scripture Reference**: [Genesis 6:19-22](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+6.19-22&version=AMP) God instructs Noah to bring two of every kind of living creature into the ark to keep them alive. "You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you." This command reflects God’s concern for all of creation, not just humanity. The preservation of the animal kingdom through the flood shows God’s care for the entirety of His creation. Noah is also instructed to take every kind of food that will be eaten and store it away as food for himself and for the animals. The detailed instructions for gathering the animals and storing food emphasize the comprehensive nature of God’s plan to preserve life through the flood. ### Theological Reflections on Wickedness and Redemption Genesis 6 highlights the contrast between human [[wickedness]] and God’s [[Faithfulness]]. While the world is filled with violence and corruption, Noah’s faithfulness provides a glimmer of hope. The [[ark]] represents God’s provision of salvation in the midst of judgment, and Noah’s obedience reflects the possibility of walking with God even in a world that has turned away from Him. This chapter also introduces the theme of [[Covenant]], a central element in God’s plan of [[Redemption]]. God’s covenant with Noah foreshadows the later covenants with Abraham, Moses, and ultimately, the [[New Covenant]] in Christ. Through these covenants, God reveals His commitment to preserving and redeeming humanity despite its sinfulness. ### Call to Action: - Reflect on the [[wickedness]] of humanity and God’s [[justice]] in dealing with sin. - Embrace the [[Faithfulness]] of Noah as an example of walking with God in the midst of a corrupt world. - Acknowledge the importance of God’s [[Covenant]] and His promise of [[Redemption]]. **Related Concepts:** - [[judgment]] - [[Wickedness]] - [[Covenant]] - [[Redemption]]