the inclinations of the human heart

Genesis 6


⁵ The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. ⁶ The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. ⁷ So the LORD said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” ⁸ But Noah found favour in the eyes of the LORD.

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The picture painted here is an emotive one.  Some might focus on talking about anthropomorphism and trying to squeeze the text into a more theologically comfortable frame, but in my blogging the bible I intend to focus on the text itself, as we would read a story.  It's a passionate, life-filled story.

It's a story of a feeling God.

Wickedness is everywhere, and where it is found it is total.  Every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.  The evil described here is thorough and consuming.  Sieving through the hearts of humanity uncovers no goodness.  Only evil.

And God sees.

And God is sorry to have made humanity.   Such was the extent of the wickedness and corruption that the maker wishes he had never made.  What a contrast to the generous goodness of Genesis 1!  In that first chapter God sees that what he has made is good.  Here, he sees that it is evil. 

And God suffers.  His heart is 'deeply troubled'.  He does not remain aloof but is focused on the inhabitants of the earth, and is moved by what he sees.

Moved to drastic action.  He will wipe from the face of the earth...everything he has made.  The wickedness of humanity has tarnished everything.  It should all go.  God decides to wipe the slate.  He makes an announcement.

But.

There is an exception.  Amid all the muddiness of creation someone has found favour, someone stands out as different from the rest.


Noah.


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For reflections on the 'feelings' of God, find them here:


A feeling God? (part 1)
A feeling God? (part 2)