The Great Flood in “Genesis 6-9” vs. “The Epic of Gilgamesh”
There are many contradictions about the validity of stories in the Hebrew Bible. For example, “The Epic of Gilgamesh” has a few scenes that are similar to that of the Hebrew Bible. One scene in particular is Utanaphistim’s account of the Great Flood. The contradictions arise because Gilgamesh is dated as being written before the Hebrew bible. Therefore, The Epic of Gilgamesh’s flood has a few similarities to that of Noah’s flood in the Hebrew bible as well as differences such as the preparation of the boat, the releasing of the birds, and the time frame of the floods.
First, in Gilgamesh and the Hebrew Bible the preparations for the flood differ. For example, Utanaphistim’s used specific measurements, …show more content…
I brought out a raven and set it free… Saw ebbing of the waters … and did not turn back (Lines 150-158).
Once Utanaphistim’s realized the raven did not return. He prepared an offering for the gods serving them incense offering with seven cult vessels, reeds, cedar, and myrtle into their bowls. Unlike Utanaphistim’s, Noah’s released a raven and dove in search for land (Genesis 8). Noah’s also prepared an offering for one god. He offered the god burnt offerings of clean cattle, crawl, and fowls.
The other contradiction of the Hebrew bible from Gilgamesh is the period of the floods. In Gilgamesh, Utanaphistim’s flood lasted for seven days and six nights which the boat rested on Mount Nimush. On the seventh day, Utanaphistim’s prepared an offering for gods. Once they all smelled the sweet offerings all of the gods came around and shared their opinions about the flood. Belet-ili said: O gods, these shall be my lapis necklace, lest I forget... I shall be mindful of these days and forget, not ever… For Enlil, irrationally, brought on the flood…. As soon as Enlil arrived…Enlil
There are many contradictions about the validity of stories in the Hebrew Bible. For example, “The Epic of Gilgamesh” has a few scenes that are similar to that of the Hebrew Bible. One scene in particular is Utanaphistim’s account of the Great Flood. The contradictions arise because Gilgamesh is dated as being written before the Hebrew bible. Therefore, The Epic of Gilgamesh’s flood has a few similarities to that of Noah’s flood in the Hebrew bible as well as differences such as the preparation of the boat, the releasing of the birds, and the time frame of the floods.
First, in Gilgamesh and the Hebrew Bible the preparations for the flood differ. For example, Utanaphistim’s used specific measurements, …show more content…
I brought out a raven and set it free… Saw ebbing of the waters … and did not turn back (Lines 150-158).
Once Utanaphistim’s realized the raven did not return. He prepared an offering for the gods serving them incense offering with seven cult vessels, reeds, cedar, and myrtle into their bowls. Unlike Utanaphistim’s, Noah’s released a raven and dove in search for land (Genesis 8). Noah’s also prepared an offering for one god. He offered the god burnt offerings of clean cattle, crawl, and fowls.
The other contradiction of the Hebrew bible from Gilgamesh is the period of the floods. In Gilgamesh, Utanaphistim’s flood lasted for seven days and six nights which the boat rested on Mount Nimush. On the seventh day, Utanaphistim’s prepared an offering for gods. Once they all smelled the sweet offerings all of the gods came around and shared their opinions about the flood. Belet-ili said: O gods, these shall be my lapis necklace, lest I forget... I shall be mindful of these days and forget, not ever… For Enlil, irrationally, brought on the flood…. As soon as Enlil arrived…Enlil