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Genesis 7:17-24: The Epic Destruction of the Flood

ESV Genesis 7:17 The flood continued forty days on the earth. The waters increased and bore up the ark, and it rose high above the earth. 18 The waters prevailed and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the face of the waters. 19 And the waters prevailed so mightily on the earth that all the high mountains under the whole heaven were covered. 20 The waters prevailed above the mountains, covering them fifteen cubits deep. 21 And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, livestock, beasts, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and all mankind. 22 Everything on the dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life died. 23 He blotted out every living thing that was on the face of the ground, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens. They were blotted out from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ark. 24 And the waters prevailed on the earth 150 days.

Some teach the false doctrine that all men will be saved by God, regardless of rebellion or righteousness. This section of scripture continues God’s teaching with regard to the consequences of disobedience. I realize that the death and destruction portrayed here are physical but they are a shadow of judgment to come (implied by Peter in 1 Pet. 3:20-21). Moses shows the children of Israel that when God says he’ll punish, that that punishment is sure. 2 Thess. 1:7-9 gives a promise of future destruction and vengeance on the disobedient. Matthew 25:46 warns that this punishment is eternal.

We must stand in awe of the absolute power of the Almighty in our passage. His resources are unmatched, His destructive power is matched only by His creative power. His will is indomitable. Yet puny man chooses to challenge His law. As the rebellious are crushed in the depths of the water in our passage so the rebellious of all time will be cast in to a vast lake of fire, a flood of God’s wrath (Rev. 20:15).

Noah and his family were safe, however, from all harm. Because of his obedience he floated above the destruction. Peter uses this as an illustration showing us how baptism saves us (1 Pet. 3:21).