BBC: Genesis 8:2-5

The fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens were closed, the rain from the heavens was restrained, and the waters receded from the earth continually. At the end of 150 days the waters had abated, and in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.  And the waters continued to abate until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen. – Genesis 8:2-5

Setting aside the tricky calendar events (provided primarily for historical reasons), there is a great sense of restraint here. Though brief, God’s judgment is complete. And when God’s judgment is complete His hand does not linger (Ps 30:5).

This however is no reassurance to the unrighteous. For the destruction of their flesh and the removal of their life is required for the completion of God’s judgment. It is this truth that instills hope in God’s faithfulness.