Genesis Chapter 06: The Corruption of Mankind and God’s Covenant with Noah

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¹ And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
² That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
³ And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
⁴ There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
⁵ And 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.
⁶ And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
⁷ And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
⁸ But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
⁹ These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
¹⁰ And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
¹¹ The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
¹² And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
¹³ And God said unto 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.
¹⁴ Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
¹⁵ And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
¹⁶ A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
¹⁷ And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
¹⁸ But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee.
¹⁹ And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.
²⁰ Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.
²¹ And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.
²² Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.


✨A Story of Judgment and Redemption 🌊

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” – Genesis 6:8​

Genesis Chapter 6 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, highlighting the deepening corruption of humanity and God’s decision to cleanse the earth through a great flood. Amidst widespread wickedness, Noah emerges as a beacon of righteousness, chosen by God to preserve life and uphold His covenant.​

This chapter underscores the consequences of moral decay and the importance of obedience to God’s commands. It sets the stage for the forthcoming deluge, emphasizing both divine justice and mercy. As you reflect on this chapter, consider the significance of faithfulness in a world prone to corruption.​

📜 Structure of Genesis Chapter 6

Verses 1–4: The Sons of God and the Daughters of Men

The chapter begins by describing the intermingling of the “sons of God” with the “daughters of men,” leading to the birth of the Nephilim. This union is seen as a transgression that contributes to the increasing wickedness on earth.​

Verses 5–7: God’s Grief and Decision to Destroy

Observing the pervasive evil in human hearts, God expresses sorrow for creating mankind. He resolves to wipe out humanity, along with animals and birds, due to their corruption.​

Verses 8–10: Noah’s Righteousness

In contrast to the surrounding depravity, Noah is described as a just man who walked with God. He becomes the central figure through whom God plans to preserve life.​

Verses 11–13: The Earth’s Corruption

The narrative emphasizes the earth’s corruption and violence, prompting God to inform Noah of His plan to destroy all flesh.​

Verses 14–21: Instructions for the Ark

God provides Noah with detailed instructions to build an ark, specifying its dimensions and materials. He commands Noah to bring pairs of every living creature and sufficient food to sustain them.​

Verse 22: Noah’s Obedience

The chapter concludes with Noah’s complete adherence to God’s commands, demonstrating his unwavering faith and obedience.​

💡 Key Themes

Divine Judgment and Mercy

Genesis 6 illustrates God’s response to human wickedness through judgment, while also showcasing His mercy by providing a means of salvation through Noah.​

Obedience Amidst Corruption

Noah’s faithfulness amidst a corrupt society highlights the importance of steadfast obedience to God’s will, even when it stands in contrast to prevailing norms.​

Covenant and Preservation

The chapter introduces the concept of covenant, as God establishes a promise with Noah to preserve life, setting a precedent for future covenants in the biblical narrative.​

👤 Key People

  • God – The righteous judge who, grieved by humanity’s sin, decides to cleanse the earth, yet extends grace through Noah.​
  • Noah – A man of integrity and faith, chosen by God to build the ark and preserve life through obedience to divine instruction.​

🔥 Why This Chapter Matters

Genesis Chapter 6 serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of widespread moral decay and the importance of individual righteousness. It emphasizes that, even in times of great corruption, faith and obedience can lead to salvation. This chapter challenges readers to reflect on their own lives and the impact of their choices in a broader societal context.​

💭 Let’s Reflect

  • In what ways can you demonstrate faithfulness and obedience in a world that often contradicts divine principles?
  • How does Noah’s example inspire you to uphold righteousness in your daily life?

Ready to Go Deeper?

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