The construction of the Ark, as detailed in the Book of Genesis, is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative, showcasing God's judgment and mercy. The Ark was built by Noah, a righteous man chosen by God to preserve human and animal life from the impending flood that would cleanse the earth of its widespread corruption and violence.

Divine Instructions

God provided Noah with specific instructions for the Ark's construction, emphasizing its dimensions, materials, and design. In Genesis 6:14-16 , God commands Noah: "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 its walls to within a cubit of the top, and put a door in the side of the ark. Make it with lower, middle, and upper decks."

Materials and Design

The Ark was to be constructed from "gopher wood," a term that has been the subject of much scholarly debate, as it appears only once in the Bible. Some suggest it refers to a type of cypress or cedar, known for its durability and resistance to decay. The Ark was to be coated with pitch, a waterproofing agent, both inside and out, ensuring its buoyancy and protection against the deluge.

The dimensions of the Ark, as specified by God, were immense, measuring approximately 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high, based on the common understanding of a cubit as approximately 18 inches. This massive structure was to have three decks, providing ample space for Noah, his family, and the various species of animals.

Symbolism and Purpose

The Ark serves as a symbol of salvation and divine provision. It was a vessel of refuge amidst the chaos of the floodwaters, representing God's covenant with Noah and His promise to preserve life. The Ark's construction underscores themes of obedience and faith, as Noah meticulously followed God's commands despite the skepticism and disbelief of his contemporaries.

Noah's Obedience

Noah's obedience is highlighted in Genesis 6:22 : "So Noah did everything precisely as God had commanded him." This unwavering faith and adherence to God's instructions set Noah apart as a man of righteousness in a corrupt world. His actions exemplify the importance of trust in God's plan, even when it defies human understanding.

The Gathering of Animals

As the Ark neared completion, God instructed Noah to gather pairs of every living creature, along with provisions for their sustenance. Genesis 7:2-3 states: "You are to take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and a pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate, and seven pairs of every kind of bird of the air, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth."

Completion and Entry

Upon completion of the Ark, Noah, his family, and the animals entered the Ark as God commanded. Genesis 7:5 records, "And Noah did all that the LORD had commanded him." The entry into the Ark marked the culmination of Noah's obedience and the beginning of God's judgment upon the earth.

The construction of the Ark, as a divinely ordained project, stands as a testament to God's sovereignty, the importance of faith, and the promise of redemption for those who walk in righteousness.