How Long Did It Take Noah To Build the Ark?

he story of Noah's Ark stands as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness, grace, and His plan for the salvation of humanity. One of the intriguing questions that arise from this biblical narrative is, "How long did it take Noah to build the Ark?" In today’s post, we embark on a journey of biblical exploration and historical investigation to uncover the timeline of this remarkable divine project. Let’s go deeper into the Scriptures and ancient texts to shed light on the time it took for Noah to build the Ark, and the profound lessons it imparts to us today.

The Call and Purpose of the Ark

Before we delve into the timeline, let us briefly revisit the significance of the Ark in biblical history. In Genesis 6:13-14, God commands Noah to build an Ark as a means of saving himself, his family, and various animals from the impending flood that would cleanse the earth of its wickedness. This divine instruction sets in motion an extraordinary project that would ultimately preserve life and serve as a testament to God's covenant with humanity.

The Dimensions of the Ark

God instructs Noah to build the Ark with specific dimensions: 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high (Genesis 6:15). A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, typically equivalent to around 18 inches. Therefore, the Ark would have been approximately 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high.

The Timeline of Ark Construction

The Bible provides us with a timeline of events related to the construction of the Ark:

God's Command to Noah

In Genesis 6:14-16, God reveals the instructions for building the Ark to Noah. This marked the beginning of the construction process.

Noah's Obedience

Noah, being a righteous man who walked with God (Genesis 6:9), faithfully obeyed God's command to build the Ark. He gathered the necessary materials and began the construction process.

The Completion of the Ark

According to Genesis 7:11, the floodwaters came upon the earth in Noah's 600th year, on the 17th day of the second month. The Ark was completed precisely seven days before the flood began.

The Duration of Ark Construction

The Bible does not explicitly state the exact duration of Noah's Ark construction. However, based on the information provided in Genesis 5 and 7, scholars and theologians have attempted to calculate the approximate timeline.

Scholarly estimates place the construction of the Ark between 50 to 75 years. Given that Noah was 500 years old when he began having his three sons (Genesis 5:32), and his youngest son was 100 years old when the flood occurred (Genesis 7:6), some conclude that the construction took around 100 years or more. This duration allowed for the growth of Noah's family and the gathering of various animals on the Ark.

The Spiritual Lessons from Noah's Ark

The timeline of Noah's Ark construction carries essential spiritual lessons for believers today:

Obedience and Faithfulness

Noah's unwavering obedience to God's command demonstrates the importance of faithfulness in our walk with God. He trusted in God's plan despite the enormity of the task before him.

God's Timing and Patience

The lengthy construction process of the Ark highlights the significance of God's perfect timing. Throughout the years, God patiently gave humanity a chance to repent and turn back to Him.

Salvation and Covenant

The Ark serves as a powerful symbol of God's salvation and covenant with His people. Just as the Ark provided a means of deliverance from the flood, God provides us with salvation through Jesus Christ to rescue us from sin and grant us eternal life.

The construction of Noah's Ark stands as a testament to the faithfulness of a righteous man who obeyed God's command despite the challenges before him. Though the Bible does not explicitly state the exact duration of the Ark's construction, scholars estimate that it took several decades. The timeline of Noah's Ark construction provides valuable spiritual lessons of obedience, faithfulness, God's perfect timing, and His covenant of salvation with humanity.

As we reflect on this biblical narrative, may we be inspired to walk in faithfulness and trust God's timing in our lives. Just as the Ark offered a path to safety, so does our faith in Jesus Christ provide us with eternal salvation. Let us be encouraged to heed God's call and remain steadfast in our walk with Him, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises and guide us through the storms of life.