Genesis 7:11

In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened.

Study Bible

In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life
This phrase situates the event within a specific timeframe, emphasizing the longevity of pre-flood generations. Noah's age reflects the antediluvian period's extended lifespans, which are documented in Genesis 5. This longevity is often interpreted as a sign of the pristine conditions of the early earth and humanity's initial state of grace before the fall and subsequent corruption.

on the seventeenth day of the second month
The specificity of the date underscores the historical nature of the flood narrative. The Hebrew calendar, which is lunar-based, places this event in the spring, a time often associated with new beginnings. This timing may symbolize a new beginning for creation post-flood. The precision of the date also serves to highlight the importance of the event in biblical history.

all the fountains of the great deep burst forth
This phrase suggests a cataclysmic event involving subterranean waters. The "fountains of the great deep" may refer to vast underground water reserves, which, when released, contributed to the floodwaters. This aligns with ancient Near Eastern cosmology, which often depicted the earth as resting on waters. The bursting forth signifies a divine intervention, as God uses creation itself to execute judgment.

and the floodgates of the heavens were opened
This imagery of the heavens opening complements the bursting of the deep, indicating a deluge from above and below. The "floodgates" suggest a controlled release of water, emphasizing God's sovereignty over creation. This dual source of water highlights the totality of the flood's impact. The opening of the heavens can also be seen as a reversal of the separation of waters in Genesis 1, symbolizing a return to chaos as a result of human sin.

The flood narrative as a whole prefigures baptism, where water signifies both judgment and purification. It also foreshadows the eschatological judgment, as referenced in 2 Peter 3:6-7, where the world is reserved for fire. Noah's deliverance through the flood is a type of Christ, who provides salvation from judgment for those who are in Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Noah
A righteous man chosen by God to survive the flood and preserve human and animal life. His obedience and faith are central to this account.

2. The Great Deep
Refers to the subterranean waters that burst forth, contributing to the flood. This emphasizes the cataclysmic nature of the event.

3. The Floodgates of the Heavens
Symbolizes the opening of the skies, allowing rain to pour down, which, combined with the waters from the deep, caused the flood.

4. The Flood
A divine judgment on a corrupt world, sparing only Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark.

5. The Ark
The vessel built by Noah under God's instructions to save his family and pairs of every kind of animal.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
The flood demonstrates God's control over creation and His righteous judgment against sin.

Obedience and Faith
Noah's life exemplifies the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when they seem incomprehensible.

Preparedness for God's Timing
Just as Noah prepared for the flood, believers are called to be ready for Christ's return.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
The flood serves as a historical reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine judgment.

God's Provision and Salvation
The ark is a symbol of God's provision for salvation, pointing to Christ as our ultimate refuge.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Noah's obedience to God's command to build the ark challenge us in our daily walk with God?

2. In what ways does the flood account remind us of the importance of being prepared for Christ's return?

3. How can we see God's sovereignty in the events described in Genesis 7:11, and how does this impact our trust in Him?

4. What parallels can we draw between the ark as a means of salvation and Jesus Christ as our Savior?

5. How does the account of the flood encourage us to live righteously in a world that often mirrors the corruption of Noah's time?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:7
The separation of waters above and below during creation connects to the flood account, where these waters are unleashed in judgment.

Matthew 24:37-39
Jesus references the days of Noah to illustrate the suddenness of His return and the importance of being prepared.

2 Peter 3:5-6
Peter speaks of the world being deluged with water and destroyed, using the flood as a reminder of God's judgment and the future judgment by fire.

Hebrews 11:7
Highlights Noah's faith in building the ark, serving as an example of righteousness through faith.