“Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.”
This verse is part of the account of the great flood found in the book of Genesis. It describes the extent to which the floodwaters rose, specifically mentioning that the waters prevailed or rose to a height of fifteen cubits and covered the mountains.
The flood narrative in Genesis is a significant event in biblical history. It illustrates God’s judgment upon the corruption and wickedness that had spread across the earth, as well as His mercy towards Noah and his family.
Let’s examine this verse in the broader context of the flood account to gain a better understanding of its significance:
In Genesis 7, God instructed Noah to enter the ark along with his family and to bring pairs of every kind of living creature, male and female, to preserve them during the flood. Once Noah, his family, and the animals were safely inside the ark, the “fountains of the great deep” were broken open, and the “windows of heaven” were opened (Genesis 7:11).
The torrential rain and the bursting forth of water from beneath the earth resulted in the flooding of the entire earth. Genesis 7:19-20 specifically states that “the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth, and all the high hills that were under the whole heaven were covered” (Genesis 7:19, KJV). The floodwaters rose to a height of fifteen cubits above the highest mountains.
The mention of fifteen cubits emphasizes the extent to which the floodwaters rose. A cubit is a unit of measurement, roughly corresponding to the length from a person’s elbow to their fingertips. Fifteen cubits would be approximately 22.5 feet (6.9 meters). This measurement indicates that the floodwaters were incredibly deep, covering the highest mountains known at that time.
The verse highlights the thoroughness of the flood in its judgment upon the earth. It suggests that no part of the earth was spared from the devastating effects of the floodwaters. The depth of the water symbolizes the overwhelming nature of God’s judgment, demonstrating His power and the severity of the consequences of human sin.
At the same time, the flood account also reveals God’s faithfulness and mercy towards Noah and his family. Through Noah’s obedience and trust in God, his family and a remnant of the animal kingdom were saved from the destruction. God made a covenant with Noah, promising never to flood the earth to that extent again and establishing the sign of the rainbow as a reminder of His covenant (Genesis 9:8-17).
Genesis 7:20, therefore, serves as a reminder of both God’s judgment upon sin and His faithfulness to those who walk in righteousness and trust in Him. It teaches us about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Ultimately, it points forward to the need for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, who offers deliverance from the judgment of sin and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
