I am going to split this chapter into two parts, since its full of discovery. This first part is about the wickedness of the world before the flood. Genesis 6:1-8. Part II will discuss Noah and the flood. We all know the story from our childhood. Noah built a big boat, animals filled it two by two, and God proceeded to flood the wicked world. Alright, that about sums it up. Next chapter! … Just kidding. This chapter is actually one of my favorites. It’s the best movie script. Epic proportions. Unbelievable achievements. And it all actually happened.
But let’s be real here Hannah, this story could be viewed like the parables Jesus told in the New Testament. Just a made up example to prove a point. But didn’t Moses claim this was a historical event? Well, let’s continue unraveling these complicated pages…
Quick recap from last time: there were a bunch of old guys who continued to multiply Adam’s family line. Temptations were growing as Enoch and his son Methuselah were trying to get people to repent. Well, according to Genesis 6, people did not take advantage of this opportunity. Heads up, this happens a lot. Even to this day we are given opportunities to apologize, to not lie, to repent from our sins through Christ, but do we actually?
Wickedness
Genesis 6:1-2 mentions two groups. “Sons of God” and “daughters of men” which are interpreted differently. Many conclude that the sons of God were from Seth’s family line, and the daughters were from Cain’s line. “Sons of God” is used other times in the Old Testament to talk about angelic creatures. According to Matthew 22:20, angels never marry, but the Bible never mentions that they exist sexless. Plus, angels can assume a human-like form (Hebrews 13:2). They also are not spared by God when they sin (2 Peter 2:4). These sons of God were in rebellion, possibly demon-possessed. Satan tried to pollute this genetic pool with corruption. Overall, no matter the interpretation, these verses demonstrate God disapproval of intermarriage between the godly and the ungodly. An unnatural sexual union. And yes, this is reiterated in the New Testament.
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14
Another character is introduced. The offspring of the two groups above: Nephilim. Otherwise known as giants. Giants exist after the flood, but these giants are more of a demonic nature because of how they were produced. Think about fallen angels reproducing with human women… yeah that would definitely make some interesting-looking babies. Man’s wickedness was so great, that “every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). Seems unreal doesn’t it? Man being completely bad, completely evil. Nothing was left uncorrupted by sin. What’s even more worry-some is that these days will be similar to the days when Jesus returns. What to look for: population exploding, sexual perversion, demonic activity, constant evil in man’s heart, widespread corruption and doubt. Looks familiar, doesn’t it?
Judgement
In Genesis 6:3-4, God said this was enough. Scary. This means there is a “no point of return” in our rebellion of God. He won’t continue trying forever. But remember:
“God doesn’t give up on us until we give up on Him… Have you reached that point? No, you haven’t; if you had, you wouldn’t be… worrying about your salvation.” – Billy Graham
“A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed-without remedy.” – Proverbs 29:1
After God announces the world’s fate, He gives the time for the climax of the movie. 120 years until the flood. We also see God’s feelings here: grief, regret, disappointment, even some anger. Let’s put another twist on things. God knew this was going to happen. Remember, He is also omniscient (Psalm 139). But don’t hurt yourself trying to grasp God’s powers. We can’t. That’s why we’re not God (Isaiah 40:28). Even that God knew man would become this corrupt, He is still feeling in the care for his creation. Why would God let this happen though? Remember from the beginning of Genesis. Man chose to let sin enter this world. Now for the zinger:
God is still in control. He will never let his creation get “out of hand.” Now it was time for him to clean the slate. Stay tuned for Genesis 6 Part II: A Big Problem and A Big Boat.
CHRISTIANITY DEFINED 
I believe that in what is a little bit of a morbid passage, it is important to highlight that God loves all of us. Despite sin being present in our world, there is good in everyone- ingrained by God, himself. Our job is to recognize his love, and as a response, realize how our sin makes us fall short of his perfect standard. It is up to us to use this realization to discover our need for God.
I think you proposed a very intriguing question: why would God desire a clean slate? I look forward to reading your take!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your response! I love this passage because even with God’s final actions against mankind at this point in time, He still shows mercy. He cares about his creation; this is why He grieved. He gave them multiple chances, not just one. First, in Enoch and Methuselah. Then, in Noah and the ark (which I will talk more about in Part II). But most of mankind did not ‘recognize his love, and… realize how our sin makes us fall short of his perfect standard,” as you beautifully put it. This was the final straw to God, as He is always in control and would not let the world get out of hand and filled fully with corruption, putting the world in Satan’s control.
After the fall, through reproduction, this sinful nature has been passed down through generations. We are all sinners undeserving of eternal life. But God has not given up on everyone. He sent Christ. A sigh of relief that we are going to be okay as long as we follow Christ. The “good” in us is God being with us. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). But this passage is hard to swallow. Man had become entirely corrupt and was “only evil” (Genesis 6:5). God stopped His pursuit and flooded the Earth. They were too far gone. I would encourage you to read Romans 1:18-32 where “God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts…”
“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” – Psalm 51:5
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21
“He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” – 2 Peter 3:9
LikeLike