1. Flood Stories  Genesis 6-10 is not the only ancient flood story  Many ancient cultures have this story (China in the East, Maya and Inca in the Americas, and Sumerians in the Middle East)  The stories all feature:  Flood as divine punishment  Noble hero who restarts the world

2. Origins of the Flood Story  Discovery of seashell fossils on mountains  Experience of river floods  Tsunami in Mediterranean Sea or Indian Ocean  Oral Tradition from end of Ice Age? (Text pg. 69)

3.  What kind of literary form is being used here?  How do we know?  How should we read it?

4. Look at Gen. 6:19 and Gen. 7:2. How many pairs of animals did Noah bring on board? Where might the disagreement come from?

5. Who are the main characters in the story of the flood? What are some of the key ideas, explanations, or lessons from the story of the flood? What do we think of God from this story of the Great Flood?

6. Genesis 6:5-6

7. Genesis 8:1 Turning point in the story Marks the triumph of mercy over judgment

8. Genesis 8:11

9. The Dove and Olive Branch symbolize peace  We still use these symbols today  Cf. The Seal of the United States

10. Genesis 9:9-13

11. God’s compassion trumps God’s judgment  Rainbow as sign of God’s covenant promise never again to destroy the world

12. A covenant is an agreement between two parties where both promise to do their share no matter what the other does.  Ex. Marriage Covenant is also about gift and relationship  the promise you make changes you!

13. When you were reading the Great Flood Story, did you have any questions or issues? Any confusing passages? Anything unexpected?