Not a Local Flood

A Devotional Series from Genesis

Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)

6/24 Reading Portions: Deuteronomy 29; Psalm 119:49-72; Isaiah 56; Matthew 4

Genesis 7:19-24

And the waters prevailed so mightily on the earth that all the high mountains under the whole heaven were covered. The waters prevailed above the mountains, covering them fifteen cubits deep. And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, livestock, beasts, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and all mankind. Everything on the dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life died. He blotted out every living thing that was on the face of the ground, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens. They were blotted out from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ark. And the waters prevailed on the earth 150 days.

DEEP

This was not a local flood, as the naysayers would contend. ALL the high mountains under the whole heaven were covered. Moreover, if it was only a local flood, God would not have commanded Noah to build an ark to carry his family and all the animals. God would have just told him to move. The water level over the highest mountain was about 25-26 feet deep (fifteen cubits); deep enough to tell us that all flesh died that moved on the earth (Gen 7:21); and that they were blotted out from the earth (Gen 7:23).

This reminds us that God’s judgment upon sin and wickedness is complete and thorough. It also tells us that God’s vengeance upon the wicked are determined by God alone, both in the measure of water and the amount of time (150 days). It is written,

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19