Comparing Smiting In Egypt And Noah's Ark

The Egyptian, Destruction of Mankind, which was found in the tombs of 5 different Pharaohs can easily be compared to the story of Noah’s Ark, in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The similarities between them include themes such as smiting, finding favor within humankind, and a flood. Although these themes are similar, the significance of how these two cultures interpreted them could have been different. The theme of smiting can be read in both text but the ideas surrounding them differ. In the account of Noah, “So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.” (Genesis 6:13) In this western account God is smiting mankind for their wickedness, to show his power. In the biblical account God is angered by the violence he sees in mankind. “ Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence.” (Genesis 6:11) Although this smiting is similar to the images of smiting in Egypt it was a bad thing for humans because it caused death and destruction to all living things. The smiting in Egyptian culture was used to shower the power of the king. This strength and ability to smite enemies insured Egyptians that their king would
Re threatens the destruction of man, but does not allow it to happen, where God actually does destroy the earth but after finding favor on Noah. Egyptian society, by the time of this writing in the Middle Kingdom, was well constructed having an army, where the Pharaoh may only have to threaten violence against his enemies. The Jewish people, at the time of their destruction story being written were probably in loose bands, not having a structured society or homeland. This uncertainty in Jewish society may have contributed to them fighting rather than using a threat of fighting by using military