The "Days of Noah" is a term that refers to the period in biblical history during which Noah lived, as described in the Book of Genesis. This era is characterized by widespread human wickedness, divine judgment, and the subsequent renewal of creation through the Flood. The narrative of Noah and the Flood is found primarily in Genesis chapters 6 through 9.

Wickedness and Divine Grief

The Days of Noah are marked by a profound moral decline among humanity. Genesis 6:5-6 states, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time. And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him in His heart." This passage highlights the extent of human depravity and the sorrow it caused God, leading to His decision to cleanse the earth.

Noah's Righteousness

In contrast to the prevailing corruption, Noah is described as a righteous man. Genesis 6:8-9 notes, "Noah, however, found favor in the eyes of the LORD. This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God." Noah's righteousness and obedience set him apart, making him the chosen instrument for God's plan of salvation for humanity and the animal kingdom.

The Ark and the Flood

God instructed Noah to build an ark to preserve his family and pairs of every living creature from the impending deluge. Genesis 6:14-16 provides specific instructions for the ark's construction, emphasizing its size and materials. The Flood narrative describes the cataclysmic event that covered the earth, as detailed in Genesis 7:11-12 : "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. And the rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights."

Covenant and Renewal

After the waters receded, God established a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again. Genesis 9:11-13 states, "I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, 'This is the sign of the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.'"

New Testament References

The Days of Noah are also referenced in the New Testament, particularly in the context of eschatology. Jesus Christ draws a parallel between the days of Noah and the coming of the Son of Man. In Matthew 24:37-39 , He states, "As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. And they were oblivious until the flood came and swept them all away. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man." This comparison underscores the suddenness and unexpected nature of divine judgment.

Theological Significance

The Days of Noah serve as a profound illustration of God's justice and mercy. The narrative emphasizes the seriousness of sin, the necessity of repentance, and the hope of redemption. Noah's faith and obedience are often highlighted as exemplary, serving as a model for believers to live righteously in a corrupt world. The covenant with Noah and the sign of the rainbow symbolize God's enduring faithfulness and the promise of new beginnings.