The flood stories in the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Bible have many similar details. For example, the scale of the flood, God’s order to build a ship, and other details. However, the differences in the reasons and actions of Noah and Utanapishtim before the flood, which God indicated to them, demonstrate the differences in people’s ideas about pagan gods and a monotheistic God. In the story of Gilgamesh, the gods are presented as supreme beings who cannot forgive rebellion, while in the Bible, God gives a chance to atone for sins.
One of the passages from the Utanapishtim flood story demonstrates the main difference between the gods in pagan faith and monotheism. When Utanapishtim asks Ea how to explain the construction of the ark to other residents of the city, the god orders him to lie that Utanapishtim is leaving the city because he feels the hostility of Enlil and cannot live next to him. However, the rain will bring rich crops and prosperity to the town. Thus, the gods do not give people the opportunity to atone for their sins and become more submissive to their will. This fact portrays them as cruel, controlling, and omnipotent beings who want everything to obey their will. In the biblical story, God tells Noah to convey the message of the flood to people, atone for their sins, and follow God’s will to be forgiven. People do not believe the words of Noah and doom themselves to death. However, this episode shows God as more honest, just, and merciful because he offers forgiveness in exchange for obedience.
Therefore, although many of the details of the stories are the same, their differences will characterize people’s perception of their Gods. These descriptions coincide with the general ideas about pagan Gods, who could have been insidious and had human traits and shortcomings in many ways. At the same time, these differences also characterize the monotheistic God of the main religions as just and merciful but strict towards those who violate his will.