There are many interesting things that come to us from ancient writings. One thought is that during a particular ancient era human society had become so corrupt that there was no opportunity for individuals to survive without abuse. Sadly we have come to learn in modern society that the cycle of abuse not only effects individuals but decimates society.
Those that study Middle Eastern conflicts realize that the conflict today has roots in events (abuses) that occurred hundreds of years ago. From time to time we see various levels of abuse where individuals lash out against ideologies of others and most often these expressions of distrust are almost always expressed because of abuse or perceived abuses that were experienced.
As we cycle through various abuses and excuses for denigrating others and what they hold dear we add to the cycle like a snowball rolling down a hill. As individuals become more and more justified in making fun or criticizing others the cycle continues to increase. Of course there are many possibilities but in reality there is only two possible results. Ether society learns to absorb abuses and become enlightened through discipline or society will turn on itself until it is destroyed. The ancient scriptures imply there is one other possibility. That is the G-d intervenes and salvages what can be.
It is particularly interesting to me that G-d entered into a covenant of Peace with mankind. That G-d tried to establish among mankind the idea of forgiving others rather than seeking vengeance. Mostly people find it much more satisfying to sacrifice peace to the urges of getting even.
In short many would rather find fault in the story of the Ark and the flood rather than glean anything beneficial.
Zadok
But society, according to the story, did not destroy itself, with God intervening to salvage what was left.
God himself destroyed all of society. Sparing the one family on earth that he found 'worthy'.
Did not God sacrifice peace by destroying all but a few lives on the planet? If man regrets having sired his wicked children, is he justified to destroy them?
According to the story, God regretted having made man, and so, decided to "wipe man from the face of the earth, man, my own creation and also the animals of the field, and the creatures that crawl on the ground, and the birds of the air; for I regret having made them."
Is this immense loss of life the best an omnipotent God can do?
