Genesis 7:11

In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened.

Study Bible

In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life
This phrase situates the event within a specific timeframe, emphasizing the historical nature of the narrative. The age of Noah, six hundred years, underscores the longevity of pre-flood generations, a testament to the antediluvian world described in Genesis. The Hebrew word for "year" is "שָׁנָה" (shanah), which not only marks time but also signifies a complete cycle, indicating the fullness of time for God's judgment to commence.

on the seventeenth day of the second month
The specificity of the date highlights the precision and orderliness of God's plan. The Hebrew calendar, which is lunar-based, places this event in the spring, a time of renewal and new beginnings. The number seventeen in biblical numerology often symbolizes overcoming the enemy and complete victory, foreshadowing the deliverance of Noah and his family.

on that day
This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and suddenness of the event. It marks a definitive point in history when God's judgment was executed. The Hebrew word "יוֹם" (yom) for "day" can also imply a period of time, but here it underscores the literal day when the flood began, reinforcing the historical reality of the event.

all the springs of the great deep burst forth
The "springs of the great deep" refers to subterranean waters, suggesting a cataclysmic geological event. The Hebrew word "תְּהוֹם" (tehom) for "deep" is often associated with the primordial waters of creation, indicating a return to chaos as God unravels the created order. This bursting forth signifies the unleashing of divine power and judgment upon a corrupt world.

and the floodgates of the heavens were opened
This phrase describes the opening of the "windows" or "floodgates" of heaven, a poetic expression for torrential rain. The Hebrew word "אֲרֻבָּה" (arubbah) for "floodgates" suggests a controlled release, indicating that God is sovereign over the forces of nature. The heavens, once a source of blessing, now become an instrument of judgment, reflecting the reversal of creation's intended harmony due to human sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Noah
A righteous man chosen by God to survive the flood and preserve human and animal life. His obedience and faith are central to this account.

2. The Great Deep
Refers to the subterranean waters that burst forth, contributing to the flood. This emphasizes the cataclysmic nature of the event.

3. The Floodgates of the Heavens
Symbolizes the opening of the skies, allowing rain to pour down, which, combined with the waters from the deep, caused the flood.

4. The Flood
A divine judgment on a corrupt world, sparing only Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark.

5. The Ark
The vessel built by Noah under God's instructions to save his family and pairs of every kind of animal.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
The flood demonstrates God's control over creation and His righteous judgment against sin.

Obedience and Faith
Noah's life exemplifies the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when they seem incomprehensible.

Preparedness for God's Timing
Just as Noah prepared for the flood, believers are called to be ready for Christ's return.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
The flood serves as a historical reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine judgment.

God's Provision and Salvation
The ark is a symbol of God's provision for salvation, pointing to Christ as our ultimate refuge.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Noah's obedience to God's command to build the ark challenge us in our daily walk with God?

2. In what ways does the flood account remind us of the importance of being prepared for Christ's return?

3. How can we see God's sovereignty in the events described in Genesis 7:11, and how does this impact our trust in Him?

4. What parallels can we draw between the ark as a means of salvation and Jesus Christ as our Savior?

5. How does the account of the flood encourage us to live righteously in a world that often mirrors the corruption of Noah's time?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:7
The separation of waters above and below during creation connects to the flood account, where these waters are unleashed in judgment.

Matthew 24:37-39
Jesus references the days of Noah to illustrate the suddenness of His return and the importance of being prepared.

2 Peter 3:5-6
Peter speaks of the world being deluged with water and destroyed, using the flood as a reminder of God's judgment and the future judgment by fire.

Hebrews 11:7
Highlights Noah's faith in building the ark, serving as an example of righteousness through faith.