Genesis 6

Genesis 6

6:2 It might sound strange where it says "sons of God" and "daughters of men" because it would seem there is more here than simply men and woman being attracted to one another. It seems TOO obvious. One interpretation that I have heard is that the "sons of God" are angels of some kind, maybe fallen angels. Although angels could look like men (Genesis 18, Hebrews 13:2), they are definitely not called "sons of God" (Hebrews 1:5!!). Another interpretation that seems more credible is that the "sons of God" were the sons of Seth and the "daughters of men" were of Cain's lineage. We can see that sexual immorality is a weakness even to noble men (Numbers 25:1-2, Revelation 2:14), so this is possible. Or, perhaps this is when polygamy began, as we see is common (though never condoned) throughout Scripture. Either way, the following verses show that the results of such attraction was probably overdone to the point of being sinful.

6:3 The lifespan of man was limited because of the wickedness of the heart.

6:4 The Nephilim were probably giants. This can be attested to because the Israelites claimed to see the Nephilim in Canaan when they went to explore Canaan for the first time (Numbers 13:33).

6:5 Has this changed at all since Noah's time? I remember thinking before I was saved that I wasn't all that bad of a guy, that mankind was generally good, and that there was no reason I should be condemned. Now I know the truth, that I inherited original sin that needed cleansing, and that without that cleansing there was nothing I could do to please God (Isaiah 64:6, Psalm 14:1-3) - a cleansing that can only be achieved through the blood of Christ Jesus.

6:6 Can we really cause God grief? We sure can! Think of your sin and then see it as a personal insult to your maker. Is He not just in his judgments?

6:8 How can it be that one man can find favor with God when the whole world is condemned? Imagine the whole world today going about their business just as things have been done "as it has since the beginning of creation" (2 Peter 3:4) and then some guy in the desert says he hears God talking and telling him to build a boat. How would you feel if that man turned out to be right? Sometimes we get self-righteous and wonder why nobody followed Noah. When you think of the culture and the true state at which Noah lived, maybe it makes more sense.

6:9 It is possible that Noah had more sons, but we are only given the names of those that followed him.

6:13 The flood that God was planning at this point will change the landscape of the earth completely. It is true when God says that he will destroy "both them and the earth." All cultures will be destroyed, all cities and other structures that were built, rivers will be formed, continents will shift, mountains will be raised up and the oceans will be lowered, the list goes on. When the flood is over, a whole new land will exist for a whole new people.

6:15 Think of the ark like the length of one and a half football fields, four stories high. Bigger than you'd think, but not enormous.

6:18 The thing to note here is the part about the covenant. God is making a covenant that will not be broken. Always take note of these things.

6:21 Some claim that it would be impossible to get every kind of animal on an ark that size. To answer, I would say keep a few things in mind. First, God commanded it, so of course it was possible. Second, not every minute species was needed, only one representative of the "kind." This would then be used to populate sub-species. And third, if you still aren't convinced, then just believe it by faith! After all, this is what the Word of God says.

6:22 It's funny to see it simply put this way. "Noah did everything just as God commanded him." What you need to read between the lines is that this ark and the preaching ministry that accompanied it took about 100 years to complete. Can you comprehend that idea? God calls you to do something specific, you have no idea how to do it, you won't be able to test it, your family and friends will not believe anything you say, and it will take 100 years to complete. Now that's dedication!