Genesis 6:9-13 meaning

Noah was a righteous man (v 9), meaning he was just man and spiritually upright. He was honorable and full of integrity. Just like Enoch, Noah walked with God (v 9), meaning he was obedient and faithful to Him. Noah was delivered from the flood, and Enoch was delivered from physical death. God delivers those who walk with Him. Noah was also given three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. We are not told why Noah only has three children, and those coming between ages five hundred and six hundred. But it seems that child bearing was spaced much further apart during this era of human history.

God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth (v 12). The wicked of the world sinned openly without shame, boldly without any fear of God. All mankind was marred and ruined. Men did what was right in their own eyes, but there is always a consequence for actions. The consequence for mankind becoming so corrupt was that God declared He would destroy from the face of the earth both man and beast. The flood was God's judgment. God decided to destroy humanity and the earth as well. Then God said to Noah, "The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth" (v 13). Because of the corruption and violence on the earth, and the extent of it, God would judge the wicked along with the earth.

The two great commandments Jesus will later say sums up the Law of God, to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, had both been shattered by humanity. Although the Law had not yet been given, God's design of and for humanity reflects both. God intended for humanity to rule and reign over the earth in harmony with Him and with one another (Genesis 1:28; Psalm 8). But now the opposite has happened. And God is grieved. His design has been warped. But He will mark a new path, that begins with destruction. Rebellion against God results in division and, ultimately, violence. But God will judge the violence, working through those who seek and will follow His way.