The Deluge! A Critical Examination of Biblical Giants and Divine Retribution.

The Book of Genesis describes a rapid population growth after “man’s shameful fall,” including the emergence of “giants” and “mighty men” born from unions between “the sons of God” and “the daughters of men.” These beings were reportedly wicked, leading God to regret creating humanity and decide to destroy all life on Earth, save for Noah and his family.

And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me, for the earth is filled with violence through them, and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood, rooms shalt thou make in the ark, (and) a window shalt thou make to the ark;  … And behold I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven, and every thing that is in the earth shall die. [Genesis 6]

This narrative raises several questions about the nature of the Biblical God and the historical accuracy of the text: 1. The concept of an omniscient deity regretting its own creation seems paradoxical. 2. The existence of giants as described in the Bible is not supported by archaeological or anthropological evidence. In fact, human height has generally increased over time:

• The average height of Jews in the German Principality of Salm (1802-1807) was 155.4 cm.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19195937/.
• The average height today of an Israeli man is 176 cm. https://www.worlddata.info/average-bodyheight.php.

Extrapolating from this data, it’s reasonable to assume that people during the purported time of Jesus were likely shorter than modern humans, not taller. While exceptionally tall individuals have existed throughout history (e.g., Robert Pershing Wadlow at 272 cm), these cases are rare and still fall short of the immense stature attributed to Biblical giants. This discrepancy between Biblical accounts and scientific evidence invites us to consider the story of the Deluge as allegorical rather than literal, and to critically examine the theological implications of a deity who would destroy its own creation.

What do you say, what are your thoughts on this interpretation of the Biblical flood narrative and its historical context?

Gwen Pugh (Mrs), pp. Jero Jones.