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

In the world today that has been given over to the sin and rebellion of Noah's time, the deluge offers powerful visions of what the consequences might be. In a large scale, the flood narrative in 6-9 of Genesis shows us God's hatred of sin. We often find ourselves in a chaotic environment where the presence of God seems devoid. We question whether he has abandoned us just as the Israelites in exile did. We fear his judgement and wrath for the way we have turned our back on him. God's transcendence cannot be sacrificed for his immanence. We cannot forget that he is still in control and that now matter how close he may seem, we still have to obey him.

However, his judgement is not without mercy for he does not leave creation to be destroyed by the chaos. Genesis reminds us that the formless void is not the final word but that peace is possible. The violence and disorder of society threatens our very survival. Yet, we can see that grace and salvation are the center of our hope in Genesis, not the preservation of the existing social order. When chaos becomes an existential reality, we can remember that God has brought us shalom in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. God remembers Noah and the earth is filled with God's presence. Chaos may be unavoidable but God is faithful and his grace carries us through the storm.