Biblical Context:
The account of the Flood begins in the Book of Genesis, chapters 6 through 7, where it is described as a divine response to the pervasive wickedness and corruption of humanity. The narrative is a pivotal moment in biblical history, illustrating both God's judgment and His provision for salvation through Noah and the ark.

Scriptural References:
The primary scriptural account of the Flood is found in Genesis 6:9–7:24. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear translation of these passages, emphasizing the righteousness of Noah and the detailed instructions given by God for the construction of the ark.

Genesis 6:9-13 :
"This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence. God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways. Then God said to Noah, 'I have decided to put an end to all living creatures, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. Behold, I will destroy both them and the earth.'"

Divine Instructions and Preparation:
God provided Noah with specific instructions to build an ark, a large vessel designed to preserve Noah, his family, and representatives of the animal kingdom. The dimensions and materials for the ark are meticulously detailed in Genesis 6:14-16, underscoring the importance of obedience to God's commands.

Genesis 6:14-16 :
"Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out. And this is how you are to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high. You are to make a roof for the ark, finish its walls to within a cubit of the top, and put a door in the side of the ark. Make it with lower, middle, and upper decks."

The Onset of the Flood:
The Flood began as God had foretold, with rain falling for forty days and forty nights, covering the earth and destroying all living things outside the ark. This cataclysmic event is described in Genesis 7:11-12 and 7:17-20, highlighting the totality of the deluge.

Genesis 7:11-12 :
"In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the springs 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."

Genesis 7:17-20 :
"For forty days the flood kept coming on the earth, and the waters rose and lifted the ark high above the earth. So the waters continued to surge and rise greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the waters. Finally, the waters completely inundated the earth, so that all the high mountains under all the heavens were covered. The waters rose and covered the mountains to a depth of fifteen cubits."

Theological Significance:
The beginning of the Flood marks a significant moment of divine judgment, reflecting God's holiness and intolerance of sin. Yet, it also demonstrates His mercy and grace, as Noah and his family are preserved through their faith and obedience. The Flood narrative serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the hope of redemption for those who walk with God.

Covenantal Implications:
The Flood sets the stage for the establishment of the Noahic Covenant, where God promises never to destroy the earth with a flood again, symbolized by the rainbow. This covenant underscores God's faithfulness and the continuity of His creation despite human sinfulness.