Biblical Context:
The account of the floodwaters increasing is found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 6 through 8. This narrative describes a cataclysmic event in which God, grieved by the pervasive wickedness of humanity, decides to cleanse the earth through a great flood. Noah, a righteous man, is chosen by God to preserve human and animal life by building an ark.

Scriptural Reference:
Genesis 7:17-24 provides a detailed description of the floodwaters increasing upon the earth. The Berean Standard Bible states:
"For forty days the flood kept coming on the earth, and as the waters increased, they lifted the ark high above the earth. The waters rose and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. The waters rose and covered the mountains to a depth of more than fifteen cubits. Every living thing that moved on land perished—birds, livestock, wild animals, all the creatures that swarm over the earth, and all mankind. Everything on dry land that had the breath of life in its nostrils died. Every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out; people and animals and the creatures that move along the ground and the birds were wiped from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those with him in the ark. The waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days."

Theological Significance:
The increasing floodwaters symbolize God's judgment against sin and corruption. The narrative underscores the gravity of human depravity and the divine response to it. The flood serves as both a literal and symbolic act of purification, eradicating the old, sinful world and paving the way for a new beginning through Noah and his family.

Noah's Obedience and Faith:
Noah's role in this narrative is pivotal. His obedience to God's command to build the ark, despite the absence of rain and the ridicule he likely faced, exemplifies profound faith and righteousness. Noah's actions demonstrate the importance of trusting in God's promises and commands, even when they defy human understanding.

Covenantal Implications:
The floodwaters increasing and the subsequent preservation of Noah and his family set the stage for the establishment of a covenant between God and humanity. After the floodwaters recede, God promises never to destroy the earth with a flood again, sealing this covenant with the sign of the rainbow (Genesis 9:11-17). This covenant highlights God's mercy and faithfulness, offering assurance of His continued care for creation despite human failings.

Typological Foreshadowing:
In Christian theology, the flood is often seen as a typological foreshadowing of baptism. Just as the floodwaters cleansed the earth of sin, baptism symbolizes the washing away of sin and the believer's rebirth into a new life in Christ. The apostle Peter draws this parallel in 1 Peter 3:20-21, where he speaks of the floodwaters as a precursor to the salvation offered through baptism.

Moral and Ethical Lessons:
The narrative of the floodwaters increasing serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the necessity of repentance. It calls believers to live righteously, following Noah's example of faithfulness and obedience. The account also emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice, as well as His grace in providing a means of salvation for those who are faithful.