[Part 1: Literary Context]
[Part 2: Historical Context]
[Part 3: Theological Analysis]
[Part 4: Application]
[Part 5: Endnotes]

The literary and historical significance of Genesis 7:11-8:5 as well as the entire flood story illuminates important theological truths. As mimetic narrative, this passage speaks of a reality beyond history and time to truth about God's character and the peace that he has made possible for all creation.

The structure of the passage clearly points the reader to God's action in remembering Noah. When this dichotomy is viewed correctly, a picture of chaos on one side and shalom on the other becomes evident. The chaotic pre-creation waters of the formless void have been released upon the earth again as "all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened" (7:11). Thus, the flood is more than the annihilation of humanity but a cataclysmic event involving the entire created realm.

God, however, did not leave the earth in its formless void during the flood just as in the creation hymn. Rather, "God remembered Noah" and his wind began to abate the chaos. The restoration of shalom (peace) means that the continuing presence of God working among his people is not over. For the Creator desires to bring all creation to him that they might share in the peace he offers.

Despite God's anger with humankind's sin, he provides grace and salvation. The ark becomes a symbol of that grace and God's willingness to forgive. His people deserved to die in the waters of judgement and chaos yet his mercy and commitment to humanity could not be changed.

In the midst of the storm, God brings his peace to his people. The eschatological hope of the flood is the restoration of the created order. The ark is the time when:

The wolf shall live with the lamb,
The leopard shall lie down with the kid,
The calf and the lion and the fatling together,
And a little child shall lead them. (Isaiah 11:6)

Or even still:

'This is like the days of Noah to me:
Just as I swore that the waters of Noah would never again go over the earth,
So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you
And will not rebuke you.
For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed,
But my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
And my covenant of peace shall not be removed,'
Says the Lord, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:9-10)

God has made his peace available to all people along with his salvation and grace. His commitment to humanity no matter how sinful they become is unrelenting. Genesis is a testimony to God's power over the chaos and his faithfulness to his covenant with Israel. Moreover, the P passages that came out of the exilic period reflect the hope that Israel needed. In a time when they thought that God had forgotten them, the Genesis story offers a picture of God committed to his people. The fact that he remembers Noah when his entire world had been destroyed serves as a reminder that even in exile God is faithful.