The time it took to build the Ark
Noah’s Ark was a faith initiative that was tested with time.
Firstly, it had not rained before then. Next, the entire population never
responded to the clarion call to enter the Ark. Finally, Noah had not met God, Who
gave him the instructions about the construction of the Ark. Some pointers help
to determine how long it took to build the Ark. Firstly, consider Noah's age
when he got his children [Genesis 5:32].
Next. instruction of building the ark [Genesis 6:14]. If this happened
chronologically as it is recorded, it appears Noah's children were born
slightly before the start of building the ark. Then, the ages of Noah and Shem
after the flood [Genesis 7:11, Genesis 8:13, and Genesis 11:10], it can only be
concluded it took about 100 years to build the ark.
God invites Noah into the ark
After the Ark was complete, it was time to get in. The
wording of [Genesis 7:1] is significant. God did not say, “Go into the ark,”
but “Come into the ark.” This implies that the Lord Himself was in the ark,
waiting for Noah and his family. The ark represents Christ, the place of safety
from judgment.
Then
the Lord said to Noah, “Come into the ark, you and all your household, because
I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation (Genesis
7:1)
God did not leave Noah to enter it alone, but invited him
into His presence. In the same way, salvation is coming into Christ where God
dwells [John 15:4].
Just as Noah entered into God’s prepared refuge, we are
invited to come into Christ, where God is, and be safe from the coming
judgment. However, just as Noah had the option to reject the invitation, so is
mankind. Human beings were created with the gift of free will, the capacity to
choose to love, obey, or reject God.
The
ox knows its owner and the donkey its master’s crib; But Israel does not know,
My people do not consider (Isaiah 1:3).
This is what makes humanity different from animals. Animals
operate by instinct, and naturally, in this case, they obeyed Noah’s
invitation. Therefore, humankind will be judged on the basis of its choice.
The ox and donkey instinctively recognize and submit to
their master’s care and provision. Man, however, though blessed with reason and
freedom, often becomes stubborn, blind, or rebellious toward the very God who
sustains him. This stubbornness is the paradox of freedom: what was meant for
love and willing obedience often becomes the ground for rebellion and pride.
But there is also hope; free will is the very thing that allows a true
relationship with God. He does not force obedience like instinct but calls us
into a loving choice.
And
it came to pass after seven days that the waters of the flood were on the earth
(Genesis 8:13)
Noah spent one hundred years building the ark, and after God
sealed it, it took seven days before the rains started. This illustrates that
Noah was truly a man of faith.
The number 40 is significant in the Bible, often associated
with testing and purification, particularly when entering into a significant
season. [Moses at the Mountain - Exodus 24:18, Deuteronomy 9:25], [spies’ trip
to Canaan' Numbers 13:25], [Israel’s years in the wilderness - Numbers 14:33,
32:13], [Elijah’s miraculous journey to Sinai -1 Kings 19:8], and [Jesus'
prayer and fasting - Mark 1:13]
And
the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:14).
Then the flood lasted 150 days [Genesis 7:24], this is
inclusive of 40 days of the rains [Genesis 7:17].
All entered the ark,
and God shut the door of the ark
God the Author of Salvation; Noah did not secure himself in the Ark is symbolic. First, God guaranteed the safety of Noah, his family, and all the animals that were inside the Ark. Then, it shows that God Himself determined the moment when mercy ended and judgment began. Next, symbolism of divine Protection. God guaranteed that no external force (rising waters, destruction, or even opposition from others) could endanger them. The ark became a sealed refuge. Finally, God’s Decision, once God shut the door, it symbolized the close of opportunity for repentance. For over a century, Noah had preached [2 Peter 2:5], but when the door was closed, the time of grace ended, and judgment fell.
This is a foreshadowing of Christ. Just as the ark was the only means of
salvation from the flood, Christ is the only door to eternal life [John 10:9].
Once God shuts the door, no one can open it [Revelation 3:7].
So
those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded
him; and the Lord shut him in (Genesis 7:16).
All the estimated 55-120 years Noah used in the building of
the ark and preaching repentance, only eight people were saved from the flood.
...
and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a
preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly
(2 Peter 2:5).
Did the fish and aquatic animals
die during the flood?
The fish and aquatic animals were not destroyed by the
floodwaters. Since they already lived in water, the rising of water itself did
not threaten their survival. The text is precise: the death was for those on
dry land with nostrils (breathing air). Noah’s ark, therefore, carried only
land animals, birds, and people, no fish or sea creatures. The fish and aquatic
animals continued to live in their natural environment.
All
in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, all that was on the dry
land, died (Genesis 7:22-23).
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