According to the Biblical narrative, the [[Deluge]] covered the whole world land killing every surface-dwelling creature except Noah, his family and the creatures of the [[Noah's Ark|ark]]. After the flood, God seals a covenant with Noah with the following admonitions ({{bibleverse||Genesis|9|HE}}):
* Food: "''Also, flesh with the life -the blood- in it do not eat.''" (9:4)
* Murder: "''I will also inquire about your blood, your life, from all animals, and from each human I will inquire about his brother's blood. Who sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed, because in the image of God was man made.''"
