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Genesis Chapter 6 – The Covenant of Preservation

Introduction

Genesis 6 is a turning point in the Bible. Humanity has multiplied, but so has wickedness. Violence, corruption, and rebellion have filled the earth. God, grieving over sin, decides to cleanse the world through a flood. Yet in the midst of judgment, “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” This chapter introduces one of the most important themes of Scripture: God preserves His covenant people even in the face of judgment.

Verse-by-Verse Insights & Covenant Lessons

Genesis 6:1–4 – Humanity’s Corruption

• People multiplied, but wickedness multiplied too.
• The “sons of God” (likely fallen angels or corrupt rulers) took women, defying God’s boundaries.
• Covenant Point: When covenant boundaries are broken, sin spreads through generations.
• Illustration: Like termites in a house, sin works unseen until it destroys the whole structure.

Genesis 6:5–7 – God’s Grief Over Sin

• God saw that every thought of man’s heart was evil continually.
• God’s heart was grieved — He is holy but also relational.
• Covenant Point: Sin breaks God’s heart because it breaks covenant fellowship.
• Illustration: A parent watching a child choose destruction feels grief, not just anger.

Genesis 6:8 – Noah Finds Grace

• In contrast to the world, Noah found grace in God’s eyes.
• Grace = undeserved favor.
• Covenant Point: Every covenant begins with grace, not human effort.
• Illustration: In a courtroom of guilty criminals, one is pardoned — not because he is perfect, but because of mercy.

Genesis 6:9–10 – Noah Walked with God

• Noah was righteous, blameless, and walked with God — a covenant lifestyle.
• His three sons (Shem, Ham, Japheth) would continue God’s plan.
• Covenant Point: God always preserves a remnant to carry His covenant forward.

Genesis 6:11–12 – The Earth Corrupted

• The whole earth was filled with violence and corruption.
• Covenant Point: Sin always spreads from individuals to communities, and from communities to nations.

Genesis 6:13–14 – God’s Warning and Ark Command

• God tells Noah He will destroy the earth.
• But He commands Noah to build an ark of gopher wood.
• Covenant Point: God always provides a covenant way of escape before judgment falls.
• Illustration: A lifeboat on a sinking ship is useless unless people trust and enter it.

Genesis 6:15–16 – Ark Dimensions

• Ark: 450 ft long, 75 ft wide, 45 ft high. 3 decks, 1 door, 1 window.
• Covenant Point: Salvation is God’s design, not man’s invention.
• Christ Symbolism: The one door of the ark points to Jesus — “I am the Door” (John 10:9).

Genesis 6:17–18 – Covenant Promise

• God announces judgment but promises: “I will establish My covenant with you.”
• Covenant Point: God’s covenant is the guarantee of survival, not Noah’s skill.
• Illustration: Insurance can replace things, but covenant guarantees life itself.

Genesis 6:19–22 – Gathering of Animals & Obedience

• God commands Noah to bring pairs of animals for preservation.
• Noah obeyed all God commanded him.
• Covenant Point: Covenant blessing flows through obedience to God’s Word.
• Illustration: A prescription only works if you take it as directed — covenant instructions must be followed.

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