A Glimmer of Hope in Genesis 6

A Glimmer of Hope in Genesis 6

The union between the sons of God and the daughters of men displeased the Lord, ultimately triggering the flood. On the surface, it seems that all creation was condemned due to the actions of these "sons of God." What message was the editor of Genesis trying to convey?

Rather than assigning blame, the author of Genesis aims to clarify humanity's position. The image of human daughters marrying divine sons and bearing mighty heroes echoes the serpent's temptation in Eden—promising godlike status without consequence. It's not the outward actions, but the underlying human nature that connects these scenes.

God decided to judge this world, but He made one crucial addition: He chose Noah. It's impossible for Noah, sharing the same human nature, to naturally find favor with God. Instead, God deliberately selected Noah as humanity's representative—the one who would survive the flood. In God's seeking out of Noah, I glimpse a hint of divine affection. In the command to bring animals aboard the ark, I see a broader scope of God's love.

God instructs Noah to build the ark, and Noah obeys. This interaction serves as a beacon of light, contrasting sharply with the forced imagery of divine-human unions. It's a small but significant point that the author of Genesis illuminates, offering a glimmer of hope amidst impending judgment.