The Earth was Filled with Violence
A Devotional Series from Genesis
Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
6/3 Reading Portions: Deuteronomy 7; Psalm 90; Isaiah 35; Revelation 5
Genesis 6:11-13
Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth.”
CORRUPT
The return of the Lord Jesus would be like the days preceding the flood. He said,
“For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” Matthew 24:37
While there have been many commentaries concerning several other distinguishing features concerning the “days of Noah” that our Lord mentioned (Matt 24:36-39), it seems this significant description from Genesis is seldom considered as we approach, day by day, the coming again of our precious Lord. Here in America, supposedly a “Christian nation,” it seems to be filled with violence and corruption—even among those professing to be Christians.
First, let’s consider the violence in all the earth. “Violence,” used twice in our portion here, is the Hebrew word חָמָס (cha-MAS), pronounced by some Hebrew speakers, ha-MAS. Though our Lord Jesus was a Man of War (Ex 15:3), He was not a man of violence. Quoting Isaiah 42:3, the gospel writer states this of our Lord Jesus:
“a bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not quench, until He brings justice to victory;” Matthew 12:20
The Lord Jesus brought justice to victory at Calvary’s tree, and He will reign upon high until He puts down all His and our enemies (1 Cor 15:25). Yet the Scriptures are clear about our place when it comes to violence. Quoting Deuteronomy 32:35-43, the Holy Spirit tells us through the apostle:
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
And the corruption spoken of here, the Hebrew root שָׁחַת (sha-CHAT), is translated to convey “corruption” three times in our portion and translated to convey “destruction” once in God’s judgment upon this violent corruption (“I will destroy them with the earth”). We should not think that we are immune from producing such violence in our hearts... and even in our words or actions. Do you recall that the Lord Jesus rebuked James and John when they suggested to call fire down on the Samaritans for refusing to show hospitality to Jesus and His disciples when they were on their way to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-55). Our zeal, like the “sons of thunder,” may often be misplaced because of the corruption still remaining in our mortal flesh. But thank God for His merciful grace through the Lord Jesus Messiah. He gives us opportunity to see Him through His Word and in those around us so we may surrender to Him through submission to the Holy Spirit. Jesus sends us…
“…out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
P.S. Today is a special day for me. June 3rd is the anniversary of when the Lord Jesus, by His amazing grace, saved a wretch like me in 1985. I was a vile, violent, corrupt U.S. Navy deep-sea diver and our precious Savior had mercy upon me. Hallelujah! What a Savior!