Genesis 7:17-24

GENESIS—NOTE ON Genesis 7:17 the waters prevailed on the earth 150 days (v. Genesis 7:24). The figure of 150 days, which includes the 40 days of rain mentioned in v. Genesis 7:12, is repeated in Genesis 8:3 (see chart). In both places it refers to the five-month period between the detailed chronology in Genesis 7:11 (at the very start of the flood, on the 17th day of the second month) and Genesis 8:4 (when the ark comes to rest on the 17th day of the seventh month). It will be an additional seven months before the land is sufficiently dry for those in the ark to leave it safely (see Genesis 8:13). On the depth of the flood (above the mountains), see note on 6:17.