Continuing…S.O.A.P. from ‘Genesis’ (study, observe, apply, pray)… by David Niednagel

Gen 6:1-8  Judgment and Mercy

6:1 Then the people began to multiply on the earth, and daughters were born to them. ² The sons of God saw the beautiful women and took any they wanted as their wives. ³ Then the LORD said, “My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years.”

4 In those days, and for some time after, giant Nephilites lived on the earth, for whenever the sons of God had intercourse with women, they gave birth to children who became the heroes and famous warriors of ancient times.

5 The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. ⁶ So the LORD was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. ⁷ And the LORD said, “I will wipe this human race I have created from the face of the earth. Yes, and I will destroy every living thing—all the people, the large animals, the small animals that scurry along the ground, and even the birds of the sky. I am sorry I ever made them.” ⁸ But Noah found favor with the LORD.   NLT

The “toledoth” (account) in 5:1 of Adam’s line continues here to show how the earth became so wicked that God would judge it by means of the Flood. It begins by saying “the sons of God married the daughters of men” and their offspring became “Nephilim” which some translate as “giants”. The word means “fallen ones”. Without going into detail, I believe the sons of God are fallen angels (Job 1:6;2:1; Job 38:4-7; 2Peter 2:4-8; Jude :6-7) who left their proper place, indulged in unnatural desires and are now in chains waiting the final judgment.

:5 says “The LORD observed everything people thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil”. There were no “innocent” people judged. There would have been children who suffered because of the sins of their parents, in the same way children of alcoholics do. But God was justified in destroying sinners. Then :8 says “But Noah found favor/grace with Yahweh.” Noah was not sinless, though he probably did sin less. He did not “deserve” to be spared, but God showed him mercy/grace.

Lord, Judgment is terrible, but I praise You that You are holy and maintain righteousness. Our world often rejects You because they do not understand how a good God can allow a world of suffering and injustice. But they don’t want justice for themselves. They want mercy. Your judgment at the Flood is a picture of the judgment at the end of the age when You will again destroy the earth, but next time by fire. (2Pet 3:1-12) I praise You also for showing favor/grace to Noah and provided the ark as the means of escape.  We too are sinners, but You took our judgment on Yourself and in mercy/grace You have become our “Ark of deliverance”. I praise You that You are the perfect combination of justice and grace – two irreconcilable concepts if You had not been our substitute in judgment. What an amazing God you are!!! Hallelujah!!!