The Corruption in the Earth (Genesis 6:11-13)
‘And the earth (or inhabited world or land) was corrupt before God (Elohim), and the earth (or land) was filled with violence.'
This would appear to be a direct result of Genesis 6:1-4 and clearly involved ‘the mighty men and men of renown', who were not so much ‘heroes' as terrorists and tyrants. What has happened has distorted man's whole being. His behaviour has become corrupt. The word for ‘violence' denotes an oppression which is arbitrary by nature. Men no longer just defend themselves, violence has gone to excess. Wanton murder has become rife. This is the final stage of man's descent. First Cain, then Lamech, and now the whole ‘earth' (or land). It is unrestrained and widespread.
It must be noted that whatever view we take of the Flood, whether as global, as covering all places where mankind dwelt (but not strictly global), or as covering only the ‘whole world' of Noah, it is seen as total within its sphere. There has to be a totally new beginning.
‘And God (Elohim) saw the earth (or land) and behold it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth (or land).'
This is not just repetition of verse 11. While there is a certain repetitiveness typical of ancient stories, it adds the fact that, not only was the earth or land corrupt, but that God was making Himself fully aware of the reality of the situation. ‘God, the Creator and Judge, saw' it, and saw that it affected ‘all flesh', and that none, apart from Noah and his family, were exempt. And seeing it He came to the ultimate decision. It could not be allowed to go on any longer.
But the repetitiveness does serve to bring home the message that is being given - it was like this, and God saw that it was like this. (This was why repetition was used in what was originally oral teaching. People liked repetition, as is evident in myths elsewhere which constantly contained such repetitions, for it brought home the particular points and enabled an element of mental participation like the chorus to a song). The use of the word ‘flesh' takes us back to Genesis 6:2. Man is now unwilling to submit to the control of God's Spirit. Mankind is now but flesh.
‘And God (Elohim) said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh (literally ‘the end of all flesh has come before me'), for the earth (or land) is filled with violence through them. Consider then, I will destroy them with the earth (or land).'
Elohim, The Creator and Judge now communicates His decision to the one who walks with Him. He will destroy these men of extreme and uncontrollable violence and begin again.
Note again the stress on man as flesh (true even if ‘all flesh' is a stereotyped phrase). The phrase also includes the animal world (e.g. Genesis 6:17-19; Genesis 7:15-16). By his violence man has shown himself as bestial in his behaviour. He who had been appointed to control the ravages of the animal world has now shown himself to be one with them. He is but flesh. This confirms God's description of man in Genesis 6:2. Thus the whole account is a unity.