Topical Bible: Ship: Built of Gopher Wood

◄ Ship: Built of Gopher Wood ►

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The term "ship built of gopher wood" primarily refers to the construction of Noah's Ark, as described in the Book of Genesis. This vessel is one of the most significant ships mentioned in the Bible, serving as a divine instrument for the preservation of life during the Great Flood.

Biblical Reference:

The account of the Ark's construction is found in Genesis 6:14-16 : "Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out. And this is how you are to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high. You are to make a roof for the ark, finish the ark to within a cubit of the top, and put a door in the side of the ark. Make lower, middle, and upper decks."

Gopher Wood:

The exact identity of "gopher wood" remains a subject of debate among scholars and theologians. The term "gopher" is unique to this passage and does not appear elsewhere in the Bible. Some suggest it may refer to a specific type of tree, such as cypress or cedar, known for their durability and resistance to decay. Others propose that "gopher" could denote a method of construction or treatment of the wood, such as lamination or a particular type of joinery.

Construction and Design:

The Ark's dimensions, as specified in Genesis, indicate a massive structure designed to withstand the cataclysmic floodwaters. The use of pitch to coat the Ark inside and out suggests a focus on waterproofing, ensuring the vessel's buoyancy and integrity. The three decks provided ample space for Noah, his family, and the various animal species God commanded him to save.

Symbolism and Significance:

The Ark, built of gopher wood, symbolizes God's provision and salvation. It represents divine judgment against a corrupt world and the mercy extended to Noah and his family. The Ark's construction is an act of obedience and faith, as Noah followed God's precise instructions despite the absence of rain or visible signs of impending disaster.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the Ark prefigures Christ as the ultimate means of salvation. Just as Noah and his family were saved through the Ark, believers find refuge and deliverance through faith in Jesus Christ. The Ark's preservation of life during the flood foreshadows the new creation and restoration promised in the eschatological hope of Christianity.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the account of a great flood and a hero building a vessel to save humanity is not unique to the Bible. Similar narratives appear in Mesopotamian literature, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh. However, the biblical account emphasizes monotheism, divine sovereignty, and moral accountability, distinguishing it from other flood myths.

Legacy and Influence:

The account of Noah's Ark has had a profound impact on art, literature, and theology throughout history. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's covenant with humanity and the promise never to destroy the earth by flood again, as signified by the rainbow in Genesis 9:13-17. The Ark's construction from gopher wood remains a testament to faith, obedience, and divine grace.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 6:1,4
And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Chapter vi
... of tree is meant by the name "gopher." It may ... with dimensions quite nearly proportionate
to those of a ship. ... to specify that a "roof" should be built, and then ...
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