Sin Corrupts (Genesis 6)

Understanding Genesis 6: The Sons of God, Nephilim, Noah, and the Ark

1. Context of Genesis 6:

Background: Genesis 1–5 establishes the creation of the world, the fall, and humanity’s increasing wickedness. By Genesis 6, this corruption has permeated both human and divine realms, leading to God’s decision to reset creation through the Flood.
Key Themes: Cosmic and human rebellion, God’s judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

2. Key Verses: Genesis 6:1-4, 9-22 (ESV)

“When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose… The Nephilim were on the earth in those days… These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown.”

“These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God… And God said to Noah, ‘I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them… Make yourself an ark of gopher wood.’”

3. The Characters in the Story:

The Sons of God:
- Likely supernatural beings, members of God’s heavenly court (Job 1:6, Psalm 82:1), who violated divine boundaries by intermingling with human women.
The Nephilim:
- The offspring of the sons of God and human women, possibly giants or mighty warriors (Numbers 13:33). These beings symbolize a breakdown of the created order.
Noah:
- Described as “righteous” and “blameless in his generation” (Genesis 6:9). While humanity as a whole falls into rebellion, Noah stands out as one who “walks with God.” His obedience in building the ark makes him a model of faithfulness amid widespread corruption.
God’s Reaction:
- The corruption of both the human and spiritual realms prompts God to declare judgment. He plans to wipe out all flesh but gives Noah instructions for building an ark to preserve life on earth.

4. Theological Implications:

Divine and Human Rebellion:
The union between the sons of God and human women is a symbol of cosmic disorder. It represents both human and spiritual defiance against God’s created boundaries, showing the deepening corruption in the world.
God’s Judgment:
- God sees that “the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence” (Genesis 6:11). His response is decisive—a global Flood—but it is not without mercy.
Noah’s Righteousness:
- Noah’s obedience stands in contrast to the widespread rebellion around him. He “found favor in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8), and God chooses him to preserve a remnant of creation. His faithfulness serves as a bridge to the future, allowing God’s plan of redemption to continue.

5. Noah and the Ark: A Deeper Look at Genesis 6:9-22

God’s Covenant with Noah:
- This passage introduces the first covenant, where God promises Noah that his family and pairs of every living creature will be spared. This covenant foreshadows later biblical covenants (Abraham, Moses, David) and points toward God’s plan of salvation for all humanity.
Detailed Instructions for the Ark:
- God gives Noah specific dimensions and materials for the ark (Genesis 6:14-16). The ark represents God’s provision in the face of judgment, a means of salvation that requires obedience and trust.
Noah’s Obedience:
- “Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22). His complete obedience is a testimony to faithfulness in the face of looming judgment. The ark becomes a symbol of refuge, similar to how Christ becomes a refuge for believers in the New Testament.

6. Bridging the Old and New Testaments:

Jesus and the Days of Noah:
- In Matthew 24:37-39, Jesus compares the world before His return to the “days of Noah.” People were unaware of the impending Flood, just as many will be unprepared for the final judgment. Noah’s faithful obedience contrasts with the carelessness of the world.
1 Peter 3:19-20 and Jude 6:
- Both Peter and Jude refer to imprisoned spirits, possibly those rebellious “sons of God” from Genesis 6. Their judgment serves as a warning of divine justice, while Noah’s salvation through the ark prefigures Christian salvation.

7. Key Themes for Reflection:

Righteousness in the Face of Corruption:
- Noah’s blamelessness sets him apart from the widespread wickedness around him. What does it mean to live “blameless” in a corrupt world today?
The Crossing of Divine Boundaries:
- The sons of God transgressed by crossing boundaries God set for the spiritual and human realms. What boundaries has God set in our lives, and why are they important?
Judgment and Mercy:
- God’s judgment is harsh, but His mercy shines through in His plan to preserve Noah and the creatures aboard the ark. How do we see God’s mercy at work even in moments of judgment?
Obedience and Faithfulness:
- Noah’s obedience to God’s instructions demonstrates profound faith. What does it mean to obey God when we do not fully understand His plan?

8. Questions for Reflection:

How does the story of the sons of God and the Nephilim affect your understanding of spiritual rebellion and its consequences?
- Why might God have included this strange story in the Bible?
What is the significance of Noah’s righteousness in the midst of a corrupt generation?
- What qualities made Noah “blameless,” and how can we emulate those in today’s world?
Why did God choose to save Noah and his family, and how does this reflect His character?
- How does God’s preservation of Noah foreshadow His plan of redemption in Christ?
How do the dimensions and construction of the ark symbolize God’s care and provision?
- What might the ark represent for us today as we look for refuge in God’s promises?
In what ways do we see parallels between the “days of Noah” and our own time?
- What warnings should we take from this passage as we consider our relationship with God today?

9. Closing Thoughts:

Genesis 6 offers both a warning and a promise. The story of cosmic and human rebellion highlights the seriousness of sin, while Noah’s obedience and God’s covenant point to hope and redemption. Just as Noah was called to prepare for judgment, we too are called to live faithfully and trust in God’s provision, knowing that His plans for salvation continue to unfold.

Key Scriptures to Review:

Genesis 6:1-4, 9-22
Job 1:6
Psalm 82:1
Matthew 24:37-39
1 Peter 3:19-20
Jude 6
Numbers 13:33