Read The Epic Of Gilgamesh And Noah And The Flood Bible Gene
Read The Epic Of Gilgamesh And Noah And The Flood Bible Genesis
Read "The Epic of Gilgamesh" and "Noah and the Flood" (Bible Genesis chapters 5-9). Write a 5-7 page paper (plus Works Cited) on the different depictions of flood stories in antiquity. Include paraphrases, quotes, and in-text citations to provide evidence for your argument. This paper should be double-spaced, 12-point, Times New Roman, in MLA formatting style. Submit an electronic copy to this dropbox for grading. full bible link:
Paper For Above instruction
Understanding the Flood Stories: A Comparative Analysis of "The Epic of Gilgamesh" and the Bible Genesis Account
The flood stories documented in ancient literature serve as foundational myths that explore themes of divine justice, human morality, and the possibility of renewal. Among the most prominent of these narratives are the Mesopotamian "Epic of Gilgamesh" and the biblical account found in Genesis chapters 5-9. While both stories revolve around a divine flood sent to punish humanity, they diverge in their portrayal of the cause, the hero's response, and the aftermath of the deluge. This essay examines these similarities and differences, highlighting their cultural and theological implications, supported by quotations and paraphrases from both texts.
The Genesis Flood Narrative: Justice and Covenant
The biblical story of Noah's Ark begins with God's observation that humanity has become corrupt and violent (Genesis 6:5-7). Out of divine regret, God decides to cleanse the earth through a great flood, sparing only Noah, a righteous man, his family, and pairs of all living creatures (Genesis 6:13-21). The narrative emphasizes divine justice and mercy, encapsulated in God's promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood, symbolized by the rainbow (Genesis 9:13-17).
In Genesis, the cause of the flood is rooted in moral corruption: "The earth was filled with violence" (Genesis 6:11). God's decision is not arbitrary but a response to human wickedness, contrasting with later pagan narratives where gods exhibit capriciousness. Noah's obedience, building the ark as commanded, exemplifies faithfulness and righteousness, aligning with divine will (Genesis 6:22). The story culminates in a covenant: God vows to uphold creation and establish a stable relationship with humanity, emphasizing themes of mercy, covenant, and divine justice.
Gilgamesh's Flood: A Myth of Human Pride and Fate
The Mesopotamian "Epic of Gilgamesh" presents a flood story that shares notable similarities with Genesis but reveals different nuances. In this epic, the gods decide to destroy humanity due to their noise and disorder, with Enlil orchestrating the decision and Ea warning Utnapishtim secretly (Dalley, 2013). Unlike Genesis, the cause is not moral corruption but annoyance and divine frustration (Gilgamesh Tablet XI).
Utnapishtim demonstrates obedience to Ea's secret instructions by building a massive boat, sealing it with pitch, and salvaging life against divine decree (Dalley, 2013). After the floodwaters recede, Utnapishtim offers sacrifices, which please the gods, leading them to grant him immortality—a reward for his obedience and favoring of divine will. The story emphasizes the theme of divine caprice and the inevitability of fate, suggesting that humans must respect divine power rather than moral virtue.
Comparative Themes and Cultural Contexts
Both stories underscore humanity's vulnerability and divine authority; however, their tone and emphasis differ. Genesis presents a moral universe where divine justice punishes wickedness, but mercy is central, as evidenced in God's promise to uphold creation. The covenant establishes a moral order, emphasizing human responsibility.
In contrast, Gilgamesh portrays the gods as inconsistent and capricious, driven by complaints and annoyance. The story reflects Mesopotamian views of divine nature as unpredictable, emphasizing human humility and the acceptance of fate rather than moral virtue. The hero Utnapishtim's immortality contrasts sharply with Noah, whose mortality remains unchanged, highlighting different theological priorities.
The Role of Humanity and Divine-Human Relationships
In Genesis, humans are active participants in the divine plan—obedience safeguards life, and the covenant fosters a moral framework. Conversely, Gilgamesh's narrative suggests humans are at the mercy of capricious gods, with less emphasis on moral virtue and more on divine sovereignty.
The stories also differ in their resolutions. The biblical account concludes with a renewed relationship and moral guidance, while the Mesopotamian tale ends with the hero gaining eternal life—an individual reward, rather than a covenant with all of humanity.
Concluding Reflection
The flood narratives of Genesis and Gilgamesh express humanity's profound need to understand divine justice and the nature of divine power. While Genesis presents a moral and covenantal perspective emphasizing righteousness and divine mercy, Gilgamesh reflects an understanding of divine caprice and fate. Both stories, however, serve as enduring myths that address the human condition and our relationship with the divine, influencing subsequent religious and cultural narratives.
References
Dalley, Stephanie. The Old Babylonian Gilgamesh Epic. Oxford University Press, 2013.
Freedman, David Noel. Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible. Eerdmans Publishing, 2000.
Leeming, David A. The Oxford Companion to World Mythology. Oxford University Press, 2005.
Mitchell, Kevin J. The Old Testament: An Introduction. University of North Carolina Press, 2012.
Pritchard, James B. Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament. Princeton University Press, 1950.
Sarna, Nahum M. Genesis: The Beginning of the Book. Mesorah Publications, 1986.
Vaux, Roland de. Ancient Israelite Literature in Its Cultural Context. William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1987.
Zimmerli, Walther. The Old Testament and Its Theologian. Fortress Press, 2007.