Genesis 20 - Gen. 6:5-8:21 - THE FLOOD STORIES

Across the world and in many ancient and modern cultures one finds stories of the ancient flood.  Some are similar to the Biblical account.  A credible scholarly website is “Answers in Genesis.”  One can find an article at this website entitled, “Flood Legends.”  Here’s the link to this article - https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/flood-legends/flood-legends/  In this article it states that …

“Did you know that stories about a worldwide flood are found in historic records all over the world? According to Dr. Duane Gish in his popular book, “Dinosaurs by Design,” there are more than 270 such stories, most of which share a common theme and similar characters.  So many flood stories with such similarities surely come from the Flood of Noah’s day.” (White, Dr. Monty. “Flood Legends: The Significance of a World of Stories Based on Truth.” AnswersinGenesis. Nov. 7, 2024. https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/flood-legends/flood-legends/)

 

It is not surprising that this fact is used to conclude that the flood must have been worldwide; the flood we know so well in the Bible covered the whole earth.  The problem is there is NO scientific evidence that conclusively shows the flood was worldwide.  That it is worldwide is based many times upon the English translation of the Bible without taking into account the original Hebrew.  It only makes sense that the flood being worldwide can not be based upon the flood legends and stories that are found worldwide and in many diverse cultures.  The reason is simple as is stated in the article found at “Answers in Genesis.” 

“The reason for these flood stories is not difficult to understand. When we turn to the history book of the universe, the Bible, we learn that Noah’s descendants stayed together for approximately 100 years, until God confused their languages at Babel (Genesis 11:1–9). As these people moved away from Babel, their descendants formed nations based primarily on the languages they shared in common. Through those languages, the story of the Flood was shared, until it became embedded in their cultural history.” (White, Dr. Monty. “Flood Legends: The Significance of a World of Stories Based on Truth.” AnswersinGenesis. Nov. 7, 2024. https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/flood-legends/flood-legends/)

 

The article at “Answers in Genesis” included a great chart.  It shows the widespread belief in an ancient flood among many ancient cultures.

(White, Dr. Monty. “Flood Legends: The Significance of a World of Stories Based on Truth.” AnswersinGenesis. Nov. 7, 2024. https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/flood-legends/flood-legends/)

 

The Bible says there were only 8 people left after the flood.  Moreover, the presence of humankind was regulated to the area of Noah’s day.  Humankind was not the global in Genesis 6.  Humankind was just beginning to expand and the flood destroyed that expansion.  God started all over again with Noah and his family.  Thus, the story of the flood was passed down from generation to generation from one family.  Humankind expanded and it spread across the earth along with the flood story.  So it is not surprising that we see the widespread flood legends across the world and that these legends have similar concepts as in the Bible but have also changed as per the culture and perspectives of each tribe and group and nation. 

So, this does not prove the flood covered the entire earth.  It shows that the real historical event of the flood in Genesis was passed down to generation to generation among humankind as it spread and expanded across the world.  The issue however is not if the flood was global or local.  I find this discussion rather pointless and seemingly the wrong thing to focus on.  For me it is taking our eyes off the real question which is “why the flood – what was its purpose?”   Come and join us in lesson 20.  This lesson along with lesson 19 tries to get at this more critical question.  Here’s the link to Lesson 19 -  https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/genensis-19-gen-65-821-and-john-529-the-flood-testifies-of-yeshua/?token=37a93cda3394b88790b3d0359cde7ba7  When we focus on this question we find it has a lot to do with Yeshua and the sacrifice of the Lamb of God and the Cross and the Gospel.  This is the big picture and arguing over  global or local flood to me clouds the real issue the Lord is trying to teach us in His TORAH which means “teaching” and not law.

 

Rev. Ferret - Who is this guy?  What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8qth6w4e56oub9js1w1gu/BackgrndTeacher-mar-25-2020.pdf?rlkey=f14fr2wmde5fezjmnrny8cycl&dl=0