The following is based on the research I have been doing for the Torah I am writing. If you have ever wanted to know more than was available with a simple reading of the Scripture, this will help.
- Genesis 6 – The purpose for the Flood
- Genesis 7 – The Deluge
- Genesis 8 – The Flood abates
Genesis 6 is lacking in details, so Biblically endorsed – extra biblical sources are needed. These include, but are not limited to, the Book of Jasher (“written in the book of Jasher” – 2Samuel 1:18 and Joshua 10:13); The First book of Enoch (referred to as 1Enoch); and the Book of Jubilees.
Though they are not considered canon, they contain details and stories that the Hebrews would have known and understood, much like early American folklore. Those that know the story of John Henry do not believe a lone man dug a tunnel through a mountain, faster than a machine invented for that purpose, only to die as he finished. They do understood and are disquieted by the idea of man being replaced by a machine.
Dennis Prager has a good commentary (Rational Bible: Genesis), but he doesn’t dig deep into the Flood story. His analysis is more notable in other areas of the Word.
I also borrowed (down-right stole, baby!) material from Jon McPherson’s commentary on Genesis located at his website, Berean Breadcrumbs. I marked where Jon made me dig deeper because his analysis using the shortcut, [BBC].
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 Elohim saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. 3 And Yahweh 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 Elohim 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 Yahweh 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.
Genesis 6:1-5
Elohim decides to destroy the entire world and this is all that is recorded? I want to believe there is more than this going on because I am a little scared of a divine being that destroys billions of souls because He is displeased.
The story of the “the sons of Elohim” (the Watchers), their children, and the need to destroy the entire Earth because of their incursion is vital to understand or the rest of the Word or it will insufficiently reflect the struggle between the powers, the principalities, the rulers of the darkness, and the spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).
Verse 2: “sons of Elohim” – ben / bane [H1121] a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.
These are not literal ‘sons’ as Yeshua was or as we think of the definition. Neither are they ancestors of Seth (which is a popular hypothesis). “Sons of God” or “Watchers” are referred to in Job 38:1-7 and Daniel 4 and always refer to angelic beings.
These are some (200) of the watcher angels (the Watchers) that were assigned to the Earth to protect and watch over mankind (1Enoch 15:1-3).
Verse 3: Many teach that Yahweh will limit man’s lifespan to only 120 years, but many of the post-flood patriarchs lived longer than this (as do some people, today). This is probably a reference to the time between His judgment and the execution of His judgment when the Flood will destroy man.
Man had 120 years to repent and escape punishment (see the notes at verse 18). They refused.
Verse 4: “giants” – nphiyl / nef-eel’ [H5303] properly, a feller, i.e. a bully or tyrant:–giant. “Feller” refers to the fallen ones – the word “giant” does not capture the wickedness of the Watchers and their children, which is why the Hebrew word Nephilim will be used to describe this corrupted race.
“mighty men” – gibbowr / ghib-bore’ [H1368] intensively powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant:– champion, chief, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man.
“renown” – shem / shame [H8034] a primitive word (the idea of a conspicuous position); an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character:–+ base, (in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
They received the praise of men, but they did not do things worthy of praise – they were infamous.
Some kind of genetic corruption had to take place for the women to bare children that were not after their kind.
Most people that claim to have been abducted by ‘extra-terrestrials’ tell similar stories to each other of medical experiments to their reproductive organs. The aliens (most likely devil spirits) may be seeking to replicate (or improve upon) the genetic engineering accomplished by the original Watchers.
Yeshua warns that the end-times will be as the days of Noah, before the flood (Luke 17:26).
Verse 5 1Enoch goes into detail of the angel incursion, even listing the names of the angels that led the rebellion (1Enoch 6-10). The angels are brought to justice and none of the other angels would advocate for them because of the severity of the punishment Yahweh exacts upon them (1Enoch 10; 68; Jubilees 5). They are forced to ask a human (Enoch) to intercede with Elohim for some leniency (1Enoch 12-16).
When Elohim creates the heavens and the Earth, He tells all His creation to multiply “after their kind” (within their species). The mixing of angel seed with human seed produced a race of giants (Nephilim) that were as tall as cedar trees (i.e., dozens of feet tall – Amos 2:1) and corrupted the DNA of mankind which was “the image of Elohim”.
The Watchers also instructed man on how to mix metals, genetically alter animals and food, astrology, magic, and all other forms of lawlessness (Jasher 4).
Mankind reveled in this new knowledge and worshipped the angels that gave it to them as gods. They also worshipped the men who were adroit at practicing the forbidden knowledge as gods. This wickedness is the result of Adam and Eve’s first venture into partaking of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
The fallen ones wanted to show they were like the Almighty – that they, too, could create new life and were, therefore, worthy of the praise that man bestowed upon Yahweh. Their new species was a corruption of the original, not a new creation.
The vast size of the Nephilim caused them to consume all of man’s abundance and then to consume man, himself, to satisfy their appetites (1Enoch 7:3-6).
The original Nephilim killed each other off (I assume because of the limited resources to sustain them) in what the Greeks referred to as “the Clash of the Titans”, but since they were not part of Elohim’s Creation, their souls could not be gathered unto Yahweh. Their spirits still inhabit the Earth and are known as evil spirits or demons (Enoch 15-16). They continually seek a host that they can possess (the possessed men and the herd of pigs – Matthew 8:28-33).
Man no longer was governed by conscience because they became led by their new knowledge and the gods that gave them this knowledge. They believed anything was capable or allowed (“Do what thou wilt” – tenet of the Church of Satan).
And it repented Yahweh that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
Genesis 6:6
Yahweh “repented”? If Yahweh has perfect fore-knowledge, wouldn’t He have known that man would turn out this way? Did He know, plan for the eventually (Yeshua), and still have His heart crushed when it came about?
Man was the only part of Creation that Elohim referred to as “very good” and now He was greatly grieved that He had made him. Imagine the grief of a Godly couple who raise a model child that becomes a serial killer.
7 And Yahweh 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 Yahweh.
Genesis 6:7-8
Yahweh determines that man must perish for the sake of the Creation before it is completely corrupted. Only Noah found grace in the eyes of Yahweh, but his life was not enough to overcome the combined wickedness of everyone and everything else.
“Grace” – chen / khane [H2580] graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty):–favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-)favoured.
Grace has always been available to mankind, but they generally spurn the one, true Elohim, for gods or doctrines of their own making. The modern doctrine that states we must live by grace or follow the Law is a false doctrine – they are not opposed to each other. [BBC]
We receive grace (“unmerited favor”) when we accept the Covenant (marriage pact) offered by the Father – obeying the law is the evidence that we have accepted the Covenant.
Noah is not said to have ‘earned’ grace – it was given to him. We cannot earn it today, either – it is the gift of Yeshua to those who confess and believe.
9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with Elohim. 10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Genesis 6:9-10
“perfect in his generations” – tamiym / taw-meem’ [H8549] entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth:–without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole.
If Noah is being compared with his generation (which, truthfully, is the only way to judge historical people), whose ‘every thought was evil continually’, then it does not give a very descriptive idea of how just a man he was.
The fact that he “walks with Elohim” (the same phrase used to describe Enoch in verses 5:22 & 5:24) gives us an indication that Noah was an exceptionally good man.
It can be surmised that Noah’s DNA was not corrupted (“perfect”) and the following verses would then surmise that this was the case for his three sons.
11 The earth also was corrupt before Elohim, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And Elohim looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
Genesis 6:11-12
“Corrupt” – shachath / shaw- khath’ [H7843] a primitive root; to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively):–batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, X utterly, waste.
The earth was corrupted (polluted to the point of ruin – genetically modified plants?) as was man (genetically modified DNA?) and animals (hybrids). It is no coincidence that every ancient culture made depictions of hybrid humans / animals.
These chimeras (e.g., satyrs, minotaurs, centaurs, sphinx) may have actually existed, which may account for why the animals were also needed to be destroyed in the Flood (the graphic is taken from a larger chart produced by Simon E. Davies).
2Samuel 23:20 refers to the slaying of two “lionlike men of Moab”. A strong person within a tribe may be symbolically referred to as “the Lion of Judah” or “the Lion of the Desert” (Omar Mukhtar) to connote strength and leadership, but “lionlike” suggests a genetic mingling of men who sought to embrace the physical power of a lion.
Other such hybrids have been recorded to have been born alive as late as the late fifteenth century.
Marvel Studios is a multi-billion dollar media enterprise that fantasizes about humans altering their DNA with drugs or animal DNA to make enhancements to man’s physical body (e.g., Spiderman, Captain America, Black Panther). What child didn’t want to fly like Superman or climb buildings like Spiderman?
Athletes already use steroids and human growth hormones (HGHs) to enhance their speed and strength. Chances are, there will always be people ready do anything to intensify their abilities.
Scientists are using animal organs and tissues to replace defective body parts and even growing human organs inside of animals (Whatever Happened to the Mouse with the Ear on Its Back?)
Transhumanism is man’s attempts to enhance sensory reception, physical ability, cognitive capacity, and extend life – indefinitely. “. . . ye shall be as gods” (Genesis 3:5)
Experiments that the Nazis and Japanese did on prisoners were especially evil, but also a natural byproduct of evolutionary thought. ‘Some species and/or races are inferior – what kinds of things can be done to make ourselves even more superior?’ Let’s test them on the inferior, first.
What scientists are doing, today, that is not being advertised is the scary stuff that happened before Noah and that Yeshua warned would happen in the end times (Transhumanism – Chuck Missler – 2013)
13 And Elohim 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.
Genesis 6:13-17
Elohim shares His plan with Noah, which must have seemed extraordinary, for the Earth had not experienced any recorded rain (a mist came up from the Earth – Genesis 2:6) and definitely there had not been a flood like the one He was outlining.
Noah does not argue with Elohim as Abram does in verses 18:23-33 when He determines to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Noah has witnessed the giants and the hybrids and understands how wicked they are. He knew it is only a matter of time until all of mankind (including his family) and the Creation is consumed by this evil.
Still, Noah and his grandfather, Methuselah continue to witness to the people on the Earth, using the words given to them by Elohim, to call man to repentance (Jasher 5:6-9). Oh, and they are also building a really, really big boat.
“Gopher” – gopher / go’-fer [H1613] from an unused root, probably meaning to house in; a kind of tree or wood (as used for building), apparently the cypress:– gopher.
Gopher wood is not readily translated and is only used this one time. Many Bible translations refer to it as Cypress because of its durability and resinous nature.
There is also a good argument for it being an Acacia tree, as this was the wood used to build the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:10-13). [BBC]
“Pitch” – kopher / ko’-fer) [H3724] properly, a cover, i.e. (literally) a village (as covered in); (specifically) bitumen (as used for coating), and the henna plant (as used for dyeing); figuratively, a redemption-price:–bribe, camphire, pitch, ransom, satisfaction, sum of money, village.
The pitch is obviously a substance spread on the wood to make the ship water-tight, but there also appears to be a play on words here, in a couple of different ways:
- Cover the gopher with kopher?
- The occupants of the ark are their own village.
- Redemption (ransom) from the coming deluge.
Verse 15: “Cubit” – ‘ammah / am-maw’ [H520] properly, a mother (i.e. unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e. a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance):–cubit, measure, post.
The cubit is a unit of measure that is marked by the length of the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. Not an exact, universal measurement, but Noah was probably building the ship by himself (his sons are not old enough, yet) so Elohim would have based the measurements off of Noah’s forearm.
The cubit in ancient Israel is generally believed to be approximately 17.5 inches (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – “Cubit”). This would make the dimensions of the ark 437.5 feet long (nearly 1.5 football fields) by 73 feet wide by 43.75 feet tall.
We do not know where Noah built the ark, but these dimensions beg several questions:
- Was it built close to a body of water? Even if it was, Noah still would have been constantly mocked for it immensity.
- Since every thought of the men of the day was continually evil, how often was the work vandalized? Did it have heavenly protection?
- Did anyone help Noah build the ark? Elohim tells Noah about His plans after his three sons are born, so Noah was at least 500 years old and Methuselah at least 869. His sons would not have been any help for 13-14 years or about 85 years before the Flood.
- Any servants or craftsmen that would help would expect a place on the ark.
Verse 16: It was to have three stories and one window. The rains would be so torrential that having numerous portals would be dangerous, though a system for collecting rain-water for drinking would have been essential as would a means of removing human and animal waste.
I once read that the base of the ark would have had a shaft in it that was open at the bottom, but tall enough to be above the waterline. This would keep the ark from sinking, but the pressure created as the ark rose and fell in the sea would also help to push out bad air and force in good air. Recirculation of air would have been nearly impossible with only one window. The shaft would have made removal of waste easier, also.
An ark (tebah / tay-baw’ [H8392]) does not need to be steered (see also, Moses’ basket – Exodus 2 and the Ark of the Covenant – Exodus 25). Yahweh determines the direction of its movements.
Noah is not asked to build a boat that he thinks is sufficient. He is given specific instructions from Elohim on what he must do in order to be saved. Salvation is achieved by accepting Yahweh’s design and our free-will choice of acting in coordination with that design [BBC]. The same still holds true, today.
Verse 17: Yahweh appears to give the reason for the big boat after telling Noah to make the big boat.
Verse 18: Now it appears that Noah was told after he had his three sons and they were married (approximately 70 years before the Flood?). This gives a shorter time frame in which Noah could have built the ark, but it also gives him 3 – 6 additional helpers.
This could also be a recording of another of the several times that Elohim spoke to Noah about the Flood. The timing of the conversation is not as important as the content of the conversation.
Yahweh’s pronouncement could have come earlier and been prophetic concerning Noah’s children and their spouses, giving Noah more time to build the ark alone. This could also be a recording of another of the several times that Elohim spoke to Noah about the Flood. The timing of the conversation is not as important as the content of the conversation. Neither interpretation is contradictory.
“Covenant” – briyth / ber-eeth’ [H1285] from 1262 (in the sense of cutting (like 1254)); a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh):–confederacy, (con-)feder(-ate), covenant, league.
A covenant is not a simple contract which makes provision for the possibly of a party defaulting. It is a solemn agreement between two (or more) consenting adults with the expectation of a life-long commitment (e.g., marriage)
Verse 18 is to be contrasted with verses 9-10. Noah and his sons are ‘perfect’ – the sons’ wives are never described the same way. Their corruption could explain Nephilim traits in humans after the Flood.
Verses 19-20: These verses are to be contrasted with verse 17. The animals on the ark are chosen “after their kind”. This verbiage mirrors how the animals are described in the Creation narrative. The animals to be destroyed by the Flood in verse 17 have no such verbiage – their DNA was probably corrupted by experiments done by evil men who learned forbidden knowledge from the Watchers.
Verse 21: If many of the animals had become carnivores after the expulsion of man from the Garden, they reverted back to vegetarianism for the time they were living in the ark.
One can certainly learn a tremendous amount of knowledge in 600 years, but was Noah knowledgeable about ship-building? The ark is the largest wooden ship ever built and would required very great attention to detail to ensure it could withstand the violence of the flood.
Noah probably knew about animal husbandry, but where would he have gotten the knowledge necessary to know how much provision was needed for every animal that would occupy the ark?
The Word obviously does not record every instruction that Elohim gave to Noah, much like what happens with Moses, later.
Verse 22: Salvation is dependent on doing “according to all that Elohim command[s]”. This is still the case, today. Yeshua tells us that not one “jot or tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (Matthew 5:18; Luke 16:17).
Noah’s faith was not enough to save him, he had to pick up a hammer, also [BBC]. “Grace without works is dead.” (James 2:20)
Next week I will expound upon Chapter 7. I am currently working on Chapter 8 – hopefully it will be ready for the week, after.
