1. The Flood and Noah’s Ark
Possible source: Gilgamesh Epic
Remote memory of such an archetypal disaster, around 4,000 BCE
Elements: ark, remnant was saved, clean and unclean animals, 40 days and night, burnt sacrifice,
rainbow, covenant
Noah’s Three sons: Shem, Ham & Japeth = 8 survivors w/ their wives; 7 animals/1 pair unclean
Sin committed: Worldwide sin, idolatry
Cause of Sin: Forgetfulness of God
Effects: Widespread flood and destruction
Note of Hope: A remnant was saved through Noah. The earth was restored and God
promised to never destroy the world though flood again.
Message of the Story
1) Humans have turned God’s creation into evil
2) Evil leads to destructions
3) God starts a new creation with those who are faithful to Him.
4) God makes a covenant with humans