Commentary on Genesis 6

Genesis 6 marks a profound turning point in humanity's early history, depicting a world overwhelmed by corruption and violence. The narrative opens with the mysterious “sons of God” intermarrying with “daughters of humans,” leading to the birth of the Nephilim and a rapid escalation of wickedness. God's heart is grieved by humanity's depravity, prompting His decision to send a global flood to cleanse the earth. Amidst this judgment, Noah is introduced as a righteous man who finds favor in the Lord's eyes, chosen to preserve life and carry forward God's redemptive plan.

Historical context

Genesis, the foundational book of the Hebrew Bible, was traditionally attributed to Moses. It serves as the prologue to God's covenant relationship with Israel, explaining the origins of the world, humanity, sin, and the nation of Israel itself. The immediate audience for this account would have been the Israelites, recently delivered from slavery in Egypt and poised to enter the Promised Land. This narrative would have provided them with a crucial understanding of God's character—His holiness, justice, and mercy—and His dealings with humanity from the very beginning.

Chapter 6 is set in the antediluvian (pre-Flood) world, a period characterized by a rapid increase in human population and, tragically, a corresponding increase in moral degradation. The cultural context suggests a society that had completely turned away from God, embracing widespread violence and evil. This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the necessity of the Flood, not merely as an act of divine wrath, but as a righteous judgment against pervasive sin, and a fresh start for humanity through Noah.

Verse by verse

• 1:

  This verse sets the stage, noting the rapid increase of humanity on the earth. The world is becoming populated, but this growth is immediately linked to a troubling development in the following verses.

• 2:

  The phrase “sons of God” (b'nei ha'elohim, בְנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים) taking “daughters of humans” as wives has generated much discussion. The most common interpretations are that these were either fallen angels, powerful human rulers, or descendants of Seth (the godly line) intermarrying with descendants of Cain (the ungodly line). The latter view, that it represents a breakdown of the spiritual distinction between the two lines, aligns well with the broader narrative of escalating sin.

• 4:

  The “Nephilim” (נְפִילִים) are mentioned here, often translated as “giants” or “fallen ones.” They are described as powerful, ancient heroes. Their existence is presented as a consequence of the unions in verse 2, further contributing to the pervasive wickedness that grieves God.

• 5:

  This is a pivotal verse, revealing the depth of human depravity. God observes that “every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.” This isn't just about bad actions, but the very core of human desire and intention, indicating a radical corruption that permeates all of humanity.

• 6:

  God's response to humanity's sin is profound: He “regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.” This anthropomorphic language expresses God's sorrow and pain over the choices of His creation, highlighting His emotional engagement with humanity rather than a detached decree.

• 7:

  The divine decision to “blot out” humanity, along with animals and birds, underscores the severity of the corruption. The judgment is comprehensive, reflecting the extent to which creation had been marred by sin, necessitating a radical cleansing.

• 8:

  In stark contrast to the universal condemnation, “Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” This phrase, chen (חֵן), signifies unmerited grace. Noah's righteousness is not presented as a basis for earning salvation, but as a characteristic that God recognized and responded to with favor, setting him apart for God's redemptive purpose.

• 9:

  Noah is described as “a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.” This description emphasizes his moral integrity and his intimate relationship with God, distinguishing him from the surrounding corrupt society. He was not perfect, but his life was oriented towards God.

• 11:

  The earth itself is described as “corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence.” This reiterates the theme of pervasive wickedness from verse 5, showing that sin had not only infected human hearts but had also manifested in widespread societal breakdown and aggression.

• 13:

  God declares His intention to destroy all life on earth due to the pervasive violence. This is a divine judgment, a consequence of humanity's rebellion, but it also sets the stage for God's plan of preservation through Noah.

• 14:

  God gives Noah specific instructions for building the ark, detailing its materials (gopher wood), construction, and dimensions. This precision highlights God's sovereignty and His meticulous care in providing a means of salvation for Noah and his family.

• 18:

  God establishes His covenant with Noah, promising to preserve him and his family through the flood. This covenant is a unilateral act of divine grace, ensuring the continuation of humanity and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan despite the widespread judgment.

• 22:

  Noah's obedience is emphasized: “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” This simple statement underscores his faith and trust in God's word, a crucial characteristic for someone chosen to be an instrument of divine salvation.

Key themes

• Human Depravity
• Divine Grief and Judgment
• God's Grace and Favor
• Righteousness and Obedience
• Divine Preservation

Application

Genesis 6 reminds us of the profound reality of human sin and its devastating consequences. The pervasive evil that grieved God's heart in Noah's day serves as a mirror, reflecting the ongoing struggle with sin in our own lives and world. It calls us to soberly consider the depth of our own fallenness and the constant inclination towards evil that the Bible describes as inherent in the human heart (Rom 3:10-12).

Yet, amidst this stark picture of judgment, we encounter the radiant truth of God's grace. Noah “found favor in the eyes of the Lord,” not because he was perfect, but because God chose to extend His unmerited kindness. This points us to Christ, the ultimate ark of salvation, who by His perfect righteousness and sacrificial death, provides the only means for us to find favor with God. Our response to such grace should be one of humble obedience, just as Noah responded to God's commands, trusting in His wisdom and provision even when the path ahead seems daunting.

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