The Biblical Flood

Was the biblical flood truly global, or have we misunderstood its scope?

In this episode of PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, in taking a fresh look at Genesis 6–9, challenging our traditional interpretations, and exploring the theological depth, of the flood narrative. Comparing global and local flood perspectives, we examine how this story functions as an account of decreation and recreation, drawing connections to ancient Near Eastern flood myths like the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Atrahasis Epic.

Through a deep dive into the Hebrew word “eretz”, we’ll investigate whether the flood encompassed the entire earth or a specific region, shedding light on how ancient Mesopotamian context may have shaped this narrative, as well as the complexities of aligning scientific evidence with Scripture while emphasizing the flood’s core themes—judgment, mercy, and covenant.

Finally, we explore the profound parallels between the flood and the creation account, seeing Noah as a new Adam and his ark as a vessel of renewal. By reflecting on the story of Noah’s nakedness and the curse of Ham, we’ll contemplate the generational impact of sin and the enduring lessons of the flood for humanity today.