Rehwinkel’s “The Flood” is an excellent resource for historical and scientific analysis of Genesis 6-8. The publication is dated 1951 so obviously some of the scientific knowledge is dated. The concept of plate tectonics, for instance, wasn’t developed till the late 1950’s and 60’s. However the explanation and analysis of antediluvian history and the discoveries in archeology are, I believe, unparalleled in any other work on the subject, from a distinctly theocratic perspective.
Archeologists are discovering what they believe to be antediluvian cities beneath many feet of clay and sediment obviously laid down by flood waters and the thought of their utter destruction is both sobering and a magnificent reflection of the power and justice of God. Rehwinkel notes, “There was no fear of God and no respect for His Law. The generation before the Flood was not a pagan or idolatrous race. Archeologist, Dr. Woolley, in describing the prehistoric graves which he discovered at Ur, makes this interesting observation: ‘In no single grave has there been any figure of a god, any symbol or ornament that strikes one as being of a religious nature.’ Idolatry apparently was a later development and is first mentioned after the Flood. The people were proud, lawless and utterly unconcerned about God and His will. They were progressive and great in the things of this world, but materialistic and carnal in their philosophy of life. In short man in that age resembled the civilized nations in the world today.”
The studies in the effects of catastrophism, volcanic and seismic activities were fascinating and informative. Much of the topographical and geological surface of the earth is explained through his descriptive interpretation of “the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.”
I must confess to skimming the sections on the geological timetable and the glacial theory; I was primarily interested in researching Genesis 6 so I have no comment on those areas.
Unfortunately, Mr. Rehwinkel’s last chapter is disconcerting since he holds to a premillennial view of history. He writes, “‘And God looked upon the earth and behold it was corrupt for all flesh had corrupted his way on the earth.’ (Genesis 6:11-12) This description most certainly fits our own generation. The world is ripening fast for its final judgment.” While I may agree with his indictment against our current generation, I am fully confident in the victory of Christ over the powers of darkness, “For He must reign till he has put all enemies under his feet.” (1 Cor 15:25) “To Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:14)
In contemplating the just wrath of God and His longsuffering and mercy towards His elect, I would echo the psalmist, “For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. …But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.”
Most of the 3/4 I read of this were exceptional, with the only annoying part being the author’s determination that the sons of God in Genesis 6 were the lineage of Seth, and not the supernatural beings explicitly denoted as bene elohim.
The issue that kept me from reading the whole book was the fact that the Kindle edition has almost 3/4 available in the free sample, with the remainder available for $16.95. No thanks.
Amazing study of the Flood from a scientific point of view. Rehwinkel looks at the facts and truths we know about the world and makes a completely rational arguement for the worldwide flood, debunking much of what science puts forth as "facts" today. Much of what we are fed are nothing more than unproveable theories which, in many cases can be convincingly disproved (as Rehwinkel does on occassion). A very thorough examination of our the evidence of our world and one that irrefutably puts for the Flood as the best explanation we have so far of explaining what we see in our world today. Top-notch work.
Alfred Rebwinkel gives the ancient historical biblical deluge credence by numerous scientific arguments in this thought provoking book. The book was a interesting read for the novice biblical student and I found it quite engaging.
Excellent and accessible; worthy of keeping in circulation over 60 years later. Finally got around to re-reading after acquiring a copy and first reading it over 20 years ago. A keeper; wish it could be updated with today's color and hi-res graphics and corroborating photography.