God Grief

Genesis 6:5-8

It seems that in 6:5-8 the narrator is stepping into the story to say, “Here’s where we’re at; it’s real and it’s not pretty.” What’s more, God has revealed to him something astounding: a glimpse into the divine heart and mind. We have been getting a description of the growth of sin and the deterioration of the created order God intended. Now we get God’s response. It is utter grief. It is well to remember that whatever suffering is sustained in creation is multiplied in the heart of God.

It has been pointed out that the word “wipe” here can also be translated “wash,” so it may be that God in deciding to destroy life already has Noah in mind as a way through total, irreversible destruction. So it’s not like God just has this fit of anger and trashes the place and then later will say, “OK now where was I?” No, his purpose is salvation. Washing away with water will come up again in the Bible.

Prayer:
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
Let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
And blot out all my iniquity.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:7-10 (NIV)