Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Noah's Ark is a central narrative in the biblical account of the Great Flood, as described in the Book of Genesis. It represents God's judgment on a sinful world and His covenant with Noah, a righteous man chosen to preserve humanity and animal life. The account of Noah's Ark is foundational to understanding themes of obedience, faith, and divine salvation. Biblical Account: The account of Noah's Ark is found in Genesis 6-9. God observed the wickedness of humanity and decided to cleanse the earth with a flood. However, Noah found favor in God's eyes due to his righteousness and blamelessness among his contemporaries (Genesis 6:8-9). God instructed Noah to build an ark to save his family and pairs of every living creature. Construction of the Ark: God provided specific instructions for the construction of the ark: "Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out" (Genesis 6:14). The dimensions were to be 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high, with a roof, a door on the side, and three decks (Genesis 6:15-16). The Flood: Once the ark was completed, God commanded Noah to enter the ark with his family and the animals. "And Noah did everything that the LORD had commanded him" (Genesis 7:5). The floodwaters came upon the earth for forty days and nights, covering even the highest mountains (Genesis 7:12, 19-20). All living creatures outside the ark perished, but those within were saved. Covenant with Noah: After the floodwaters receded, Noah built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings. God made a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth with a flood again. The rainbow was given as a sign of this covenant: "I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth" (Genesis 9:13). Theological Significance: Noah's Ark is a powerful symbol of God's judgment and mercy. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the faith required to act upon His word. The ark serves as a type of Christ, offering salvation to those who enter into God's provision. The narrative also highlights the sanctity of life and God's desire to preserve His creation. Historical and Archaeological Considerations: The historicity of Noah's Ark has been a subject of debate among scholars and archaeologists. While some claim to have found evidence of the ark's remains, definitive proof has yet to be established. Nevertheless, the account of Noah's Ark has left a lasting impact on various cultures and religious traditions, often serving as a moral and spiritual lesson. Cultural Impact: The account of Noah's Ark has permeated art, literature, and popular culture. It has been depicted in countless paintings, films, and children's accounts, often emphasizing themes of hope, renewal, and divine protection. The ark's narrative continues to inspire and challenge believers to live righteously in a world often marked by moral decay. Topical Bible Verses Genesis 6:15And this is the fashion which you shall make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. Topicalbible.org Genesis 6:19-20 Smith's Bible Dictionary Noahs Ark[NOAH] Library Though He were Dead An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources Why did Noah get drunk after the flood? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was it like in the days of Noah? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Noah was a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5)? | GotQuestions.org Noah: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Noah: A Daughter of Zelophehad, Special Legislation in Regard to the Inheritance of Noah: Son of Lamech: Builds an Altar and offers Sacrifices Noah: Son of Lamech: Builds an Ark (Ship) and Saves his Family from the Great Flood Noah: Son of Lamech: Dies at the Age of Nine-Hundred and Fifty Years Noah: Son of Lamech: His Blessing Upon Shem and Japheth Noah: Son of Lamech: Intoxication of, and his Curse Upon Canaan Noah: Son of Lamech: Receives the Covenant from God That No Flood Would Ever Again Visit the Earth Related Terms |