Hit the Reset Button (Genesis)

Continuing in Genesis, the next major narrative is that of Noah. Again Noah is described as another Adam. He walks with God. However, the earth is shown to be devastated. Not just humanity, but the earth (humanity itself is later mentioned).

The earth is again described, essentially, as formless and void. Chaotic. Tohu va vohu (the hebrew translation, which is probably more aptly translated as chaos). After humans are set to their own devices, the result is a chaotic mess. "Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence. (v11). God wants a redo.

Chaos permeates all the earth. God covers the earth once again with water. Instead of God's Spirit hovering over the water (and this may be a stretch), God's image floats on top of it.

God brings shalom/peace/order out of the Tohu va vohu, but we bring the order back to chaos. God literally covers the earth with water once again in his do-over, but preserves a remnant (described as His faithful people) who does their job of dominion (by protecting and providing for the animals). The remnant will be mentioned in future books as well, and will always include those who are two things: 1) God's chosen people. 2) God's faithful people. Some claim only one of these things, and are then excluded (think 1st century pharisees).




P.S.
Though i'd like to consider the sons of God/nephilim debate, very little of substance comes from the issue. My guess is that the sons of God describe the lineage of Adam, whereas the women they marry are not (of course I assume that Adam and Eve were not the only creation of humans).