Why did God make it rain for 40 days and 40 nights? Lessons from the great flood

“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, ‘I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them, the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.’ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” (Genesis 6:5-8)

The story of God making it rain for 40 days and 40 nights during Noah’s time is one of the most well-known events in the Bible.

But why 40 days? What significance does this number hold, and what was God’s purpose in bringing such a great flood?

In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind this time period, the symbolism of the rain, and what we can learn from God’s decision to flood the earth.

Let’s uncover the lessons of judgment, renewal, and covenant that lie within this powerful biblical story.

Divine judgment and mercy

God’s decision to make it rain for 40 days and 40 nights was not taken lightly.

It was a response to the relentless wickedness and violence that had consumed humanity.

From the very beginning, after Adam and Eve’s fall, sin escalated, culminating in a world where “every intention of the thoughts of man’s heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5).

This grieved God deeply, showcasing His sorrow over the state of His creation rather than acting out of vengeance.

The flood symbolized a divine judgment against unrepentant wickedness but also served as an act of mercy. By starting anew with Noah’s family, God aimed to preserve righteousness and offer humanity another chance.

This narrative underscores God’s grief over sin and His desire to restore creation’s goodness, setting the stage for the ultimate act of mercy through Jesus Christ.

The significance of 40 days and 40 nights of rain

The phrase “40 days and 40 nights” is a recurrent theme in the Bible, symbolizing a period of testing, trial, or probation.

The rains that fell for “40 days and 40 nights” during the time of Noah were not arbitrary. They signified a time of divine judgment on the wickedness that had proliferated on the earth.

The flood was God’s response to a world that had deviated from His divine purpose. God, in His righteousness, could not overlook sin.

Hence, the rains served as a method of purging the earth from the rampant corruption and wickedness of humanity.

However, it wasn’t just about judgment and destruction. This event also highlighted God’s grace and mercy. Amidst the judgment, there was also salvation for Noah and his family.

Noah found favor with God due to his righteousness. He followed God’s instructions to build an ark, through which he and his family were saved from the flood.

This narrative unfolds a profound truth about God – His intolerance towards sin, but also His abundant mercy towards those who seek Him sincerely.

It serves as a reminder that while God’s judgment is real, so is His promise of deliverance for those who obey Him.

God’s response to human wickedness

One of the most profound aspects of the narrative is that the flood is God’s response to human wickedness.

In Genesis 6:5, it’s written:

“The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” This is a stark portrayal of humanity’s moral state at the time.

The rain falling for 40 days and 40 nights was not an arbitrary act, but a direct consequence of this condition.

God, being holy and righteous, could not overlook such pervasive sin and corruption. The rain and the resulting flood were His method of purging the earth of this rampant wickedness.

However, this is far from a tale solely about judgment and destruction.

While it highlights God’s righteous wrath against sin, it also underscores His grace and mercy. 

The symbolism of the number 40

Another significant element in this narrative is the use of the number “40.”

The Bible frequently uses this number to represent a period of testing, trial, or probation. This can be seen in various instances, such as Moses spending 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai and Jesus being tested in the wilderness for 40 days.

In the case of the flood, the rain’s duration for “40 days and 40 nights” signifies a period of divine judgment. It was a time when humanity’s wickedness was put to trial and found wanting.

Still, it also marked a period of grace, as Noah and his family were preserved through their obedience to God’s command.

Therefore, the usage of “40” in this context is not incidental but symbolic.

It reinforces the narrative’s themes of judgment, testing, and ultimately, redemption.

Truly, the Bible’s use of numerology provides us with a deeper understanding of the events and their spiritual implications.

The deeper significance of the flood

The narrative of the flood is not just a historical account, but one laden with spiritual insights.

Here are some key aspects that we can glean from this event:

• The gravity of sin and its consequences
• The righteousness of God in passing judgment
• The mercy and grace of God in providing salvation
• The importance of obedience and faithfulness in our walk with God

What’s more, the flood story portrays the duality of God’s character – His justice and His mercy. It paints a picture of a God who despises sin yet loves the sinner, a God who judges yet saves.

The ark as a symbol of salvation

Let’s now turn our attention to another crucial element of the story – the ark.

This vessel, built as per God’s precise instructions, was more than just a means for physical survival. It stands as a powerful symbol of God’s provision for salvation.

Imagine yourself in Noah’s shoes.

You’re tasked with building an enormous ark, gathering all kinds of animals, and then enduring a catastrophic flood. It would seem an impossible task.

Yet, with God’s guidance, Noah accomplished it.

This reminds us that salvation is not a human effort but a divine gift. Just like the ark, our salvation is designed and provided by God Himself.

Despite our sins and failures, God offers us an escape – a way to be saved from the judgment we deserve.

What’s the lesson?

“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.” (Genesis 6:5)

This passage from Genesis vividly illustrates the gravity of humanity’s moral descent prior to the flood. It wasn’t merely about punishment; it was a profound reset aimed at redemption.

The flood narrative teaches us about:

• The consequences of unchecked wickedness
• God’s grief over human sin
• The opportunity for a new beginning

The story embodies a divine lesson on the importance of righteousness and the possibility of starting anew, despite our past.

God’s actions, though drastic, highlight His desire to preserve goodness in a world overwhelmed by evil.

It’s a call to each of us to reflect on our actions and their impact on our world, emphasizing the chance for redemption and renewal.

Insight: Interestingly, the rainbow, which is now a universal symbol of hope and promise, finds its first mention in the Bible in the context of this story as a sign of God’s covenant with humanity.

Why 40 Days?

“Rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights.” (Genesis 7:12)

This specific duration mentioned in Genesis not only emphasizes the scale of the flood but also carries significant symbolic weight throughout the Bible.

The period of 40 days and nights is a recurring theme that represents times of trial, testing, and transformation.

For instance:

• Moses spent 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai receiving God’s law (Exodus 34:28).
• The Israelites wandered for 40 years in the wilderness before entering the promised land (Numbers 14:33-34).
• Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness, preparing for His ministry (Matthew 4:2).

These instances underline the importance of the number 40 as a period of preparation, reflection, and renewal.

In the case of Noah, it symbolizes a profound purification of the earth from all its corruption, leading to a new beginning.

Final words: Your next steps in faith

The story of the flood and its aftermath, spanning 40 days and nights of rain, offers more than historical or theological insight. It provides a foundation for personal growth in faith and understanding.

If you’ve delved into this topic, it’s likely you’re seeking ways to deepen your relationship with God and apply biblical lessons to modern life.

Consider these actions:

• Reflect on God’s righteousness – Acknowledge the depth of God’s grief over sin and His unwavering righteousness. This recognition can lead to a deeper appreciation for the grace offered to us.
• Pursue personal renewal – Inspired by the narrative, evaluate areas of your life that may benefit from a “renewal” process. Prayer, fasting, and meditation on Scripture can be powerful tools in this personal transformation.
• Study biblical covenants – The covenant with Noah is one of many that mark God’s interactions with humanity. Each covenant reveals aspects of God’s character and His plans for humanity. Studying these can enrich your understanding of God’s faithfulness.
• Engage in community discussion – Sharing insights and questions with others can illuminate different perspectives and encourage growth. Whether through a church study group or online forums, dialogue can be a fruitful next step.

With these insights, let’s reflect on our own lives:

Are we living in obedience to God? Are we appreciating His grace and mercy? And most importantly, are we sharing this message of hope and redemption with others?