does not apply to the extent as embracing the whole earth, but as
affecting the small area then inhabited--an area which was probably
not greater than the valleys of the Euphrates and Tigris. The story
in Genesis is the Hebrew version of the universal tradition, and its
plain affinity to the cuneiform narratives is to be frankly
accepted. But the relationship of these two is not certain. Are they
mother and daughter, or are they sisters? The theory that the
narrative in Genesis is derived from the Babylonian, and is a
purified, elevated rendering of it, is not so likely as that both
are renderings of a more primitive account, to which the Hebrew
narrative has kept true, while the other has tainted it with
polytheistic ideas. In this passage the cessation of the flood is
the theme, and it brings out both the love of the God who sent the
awful punishment, and the patient godliness of the man who was
spared from it. So it completes the teaching of the flood, and
proclaims that God 'in wrath remembers mercy.'

1. 'God remembered Noah.' That is a strong 'anthropomorphism,' like
many other things in Genesis--very natural when these records were
written, and bearing a true meaning for all times. It might seem as
if, in the wild rush of the waters from beneath and from above, the
little handful in the ark were forgotten. Had the Judge of all the
earth, while executing 'terrible things in righteousness,' leisure
to think of them who were 'afar off upon the sea'? Was it a blind
wrath that had been let loose? No; in all the severity there was
tender regard for those worthy of it. Judgment was discriminating.
The sunshine of love broke through even the rain-clouds of the
flood.

So the blessed lesson is taught that, in the widest sweep of the