Genesis 7:11

“In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.”

This verse describes a significant event that occurred during the time of Noah, which was the global flood. Let’s break down the verse and explore its key elements.

“In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life”: This phrase signifies the specific timeframe when the event took place. Noah was the central character in the story of the flood, and this event occurred in the six hundredth year of his life. It highlights Noah’s role as the chosen vessel through which God would preserve the human race and various animal species.

“In the second month, the seventeenth day of the month”: This provides a specific date when the flood began. According to the Jewish calendar, this would correspond to the month of Iyar, which roughly aligns with April/May in the modern calendar. The seventeenth day of that month marked the start of the catastrophic event.

“The same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened”: This portion of the verse describes the dual sources of water that contributed to the deluge. The phrase “fountains of the great deep” suggests that subterranean waters were released, possibly through seismic or tectonic activity, causing massive upheaval on the earth’s surface. Simultaneously, the “windows of heaven” were opened, implying a torrential downpour of rain from the sky.

This verse depicts the moment when the cataclysmic floodwaters were unleashed, signifying the onset of the global flood. It demonstrates the fulfillment of God’s judgment upon the wickedness of humanity and His determination to cleanse the earth. This event sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of Noah, the ark, and the preservation of life during the flood.

As you continue reading Genesis 7, you will find further details about how Noah and his family, along with representatives of various animal species, entered the ark and were protected from the destructive waters. The flood account serves as a reminder of God’s justice, the importance of obedience, and the potential for redemption and renewal.