The Rising Waters
Genesis 7:17–24 (NASB95)
17Then the flood came upon the earth for forty days, and the water increased and lifted up the ark, so that it rose above the earth. 18The water prevailed and increased greatly upon the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. 19The water prevailed more and more upon the earth, so that all the high mountains everywhere under the heavens were covered. 20The water prevailed fifteen cubits higher, and the mountains were covered. 21All flesh that moved on the earth perished, birds and cattle and beasts and every swarming thing that swarms upon the earth, and all mankind; 22of all that was on the dry land, all in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, died. 23Thus He blotted out every living thing that was upon the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky, and they were blotted out from the earth; and only Noah was left, together with those that were with him in the ark. 24The water prevailed upon the earth one hundred and fifty days.
The flood begins with Noah and his family safely sealed inside the ark. The waters rise relentlessly, covering the earth in a vast and unstoppable flood. The narrative uses repeated words and phrases to emphasize the overwhelming power of the waters. Words meaning “grew strong,” “high,” and “rose” appear repeatedly, creating a strong sense of the flood’s unstoppable force. The repeated use of “all” and “every” highlights the totality of the destruction. Nothing living on the earth’s surface escapes the flood.
The floodwaters rise fifteen cubits above the highest mountains, ensuring that the ark, which is thirty cubits tall, floats safely above the submerged land. This detail underscores the completeness of God’s judgment. The flood is not a partial event; it covers the entire earth, reversing the order of creation. The narrative echoes the creation story by listing animals in the same order they were created, but now all life is destroyed except for those preserved in the ark.
The literary structure uses repetition and wordplay to create a sense of relentless escalation. The floodwaters grow stronger and higher, portraying the fearful monotony and totality of the judgment. The narrative’s careful detail about the height and duration of the flood adds realism and weight to the event.
God’s judgment is just and thorough, but salvation is provided through Noah and the ark. Noah’s family and the animals inside the ark represent a faithful remnant preserved for the future. This sets the stage for God’s plan to renew creation after the flood.
The flood story reminds the church that God’s judgment against sin is real and comprehensive. Yet, God also provides a way of salvation for those who walk faithfully with Him. The church today must call people to repentance and faithfulness, warning against the destructive power of sin. At the same time, believers can find hope in God’s mercy and His promise to restore and renew. Like Noah, the church is called to be a faithful remnant, standing firm in a world often marked by moral decay and chaos. The story encourages the church to trust God’s sovereignty and to proclaim His salvation boldly.