Topical Bible: The Deluge: That It Shall Never Again Occur: A Pledge of God's Faithfulness

◄ The Deluge: That It Shall Never Again Occur: A Pledge of God's Faithfulness ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Deluge, commonly referred to as the Great Flood, is a pivotal event recorded in the Book of Genesis, chapters 6 through 9. This cataclysmic flood was sent by God as a judgment upon the earth due to the pervasive wickedness and corruption of humanity. The narrative centers on Noah, a righteous man chosen by God to preserve human and animal life through the construction of an ark.

Biblical Account and Covenant

The account of the Deluge begins with God's observation of the earth's corruption: "Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence" (Genesis 6:11). In response, God decided to cleanse the earth with a flood, sparing only Noah, his family, and pairs of every living creature. Noah was instructed to build an ark according to specific dimensions and to gather the animals (Genesis 6:14-21).

Following the flood, which lasted for 40 days and nights, the waters receded, and Noah's ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. Upon exiting the ark, Noah built an altar and offered sacrifices to the Lord, who was pleased with the offering (Genesis 8:20-21).

God then established a covenant with Noah and his descendants, promising that a flood would never again destroy all life on earth. This covenant is marked by the sign of the rainbow: "I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth" (Genesis 9:13). This promise underscores God's faithfulness and mercy, assuring humanity that such a global judgment by water will not recur.

Theological Significance

The Deluge serves as a profound demonstration of God's justice and grace. It highlights the seriousness of sin and the necessity of divine judgment, while simultaneously showcasing God's provision for salvation through Noah's obedience. The ark is often seen as a type of Christ, offering refuge and salvation from judgment.

The covenant with Noah is foundational in understanding God's relationship with creation. It establishes a pattern of divine promises and covenants that continue throughout Scripture, culminating in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. The rainbow, as a sign of this covenant, remains a powerful symbol of hope and assurance of God's enduring faithfulness.

New Testament References

The New Testament references the Deluge as a historical event and a typological foreshadowing of future judgment. Jesus Himself refers to the days of Noah in the context of His second coming: "As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man" (Matthew 24:37). The apostle Peter also draws a parallel between the flood and baptism, emphasizing the theme of salvation through water (1 Peter 3:20-21).

Conclusion

The Deluge and the subsequent covenant with Noah remain central to understanding God's character and His dealings with humanity. The promise that such a flood will never again occur is a testament to God's faithfulness and His desire for a restored relationship with His creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 54:9,10
For this is as the waters of Noah to me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with you, nor rebuke you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man.
... Afterwards a deluge was poured abroad because of the great ... take place, and is that
which is possible never to occur? ... I will be their God, and they shall be My ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xii on the words.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... Again, after the deluge, when the human race started ... that giveth her not in marriage
shall do better ... inference of doing better, he would never have previously ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

part ii
... law of requital: " With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."
[704] If ... A true Christian never forgets that in this world he is the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm