“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them…”
Genesis 6:1 marks the beginning of a significant passage in the book of Genesis, which describes the events leading up to the great flood during the time of Noah. To understand the context and significance of this verse, it’s important to explore the surrounding verses and the broader themes within the biblical narrative.
In the preceding chapters of Genesis, we see the account of creation and the subsequent fall of humanity through Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. The sin of Adam and Eve had far-reaching consequences, leading to a corrupted and fallen world.
In Genesis 6:1, the verse highlights that the population of humans on the earth began to multiply. This indicates the progression of humanity in terms of procreation and growth. It emphasizes the fact that human civilization was expanding during this time.
The mention of daughters being born to men in this verse suggests the formation of families and the continuation of the human race. The birth of daughters is significant because it points to the preservation of humanity through future generations.
However, it is important to note that Genesis 6:1 is just the beginning of a larger narrative that unfolds in the following verses. Genesis 6:1-8 describes the increasing wickedness and corruption of humanity, which eventually leads to God’s decision to bring about the flood to cleanse the earth.
As we continue reading, we find that the focus shifts to the sons of God in verse 2, who are believed by some scholars to refer to angels. The following verses (Genesis 6:2-4) describe how these “sons of God” took human women as wives, leading to the birth of “mighty men” or Nephilim, who were known for their strength and power. This intermingling between divine beings and humans is seen as a violation of the order established by God.
The events described in Genesis 6:1 and the subsequent verses highlight the increasing wickedness and moral decay of humanity. The intermarriage between divine beings and humans resulted in a corrupt and evil society that provoked God’s judgment.
Ultimately, the flood serves as a response to the evil and corruption that had become pervasive in the world. God chose Noah, a righteous man, to build an ark and preserve humanity and the animal kingdom. Through the flood, God cleansed the earth of its wickedness and provided a fresh start for humanity, represented by Noah and his family.
In summary, Genesis 6:1 marks the beginning of a narrative that showcases the growth of humanity and the corruption that ensued. It sets the stage for the account of the flood, illustrating God’s response to the wickedness of the world while highlighting His faithfulness in preserving a remnant through Noah and his family.
