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How Long Was Noah on the Boat?
Noah’s Ark is one of the most famous stories in the Bible, capturing the imagination of people for centuries. According to the Book of Genesis, Noah was commanded by God to build an ark to save his family and a pair of every kind of animal from a great flood that would cover the entire earth. The flood lasted for forty days and forty nights, but how long was Noah actually on the boat? In this article, we will delve into the details of Noah’s time on the ark and explore some frequently asked questions.
The Duration of Noah’s Stay on the Ark:
According to the biblical account, Noah and his family entered the ark seven days before the floodwaters came (Genesis 7:7-10). After the seven-day period, the rain began, and it rained continuously for forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:12). The floodwaters prevailed on the earth for 150 days (Genesis 7:24). When the waters finally receded, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat (Genesis 8:4).
Noah and his family remained in the ark until the earth was dry, which took a total of 371 days. After the rain stopped, it took about 150 days for the water to recede. Then Noah sent out a raven and a dove to assess the conditions outside the ark. After the third time, when the dove did not return, Noah knew that the waters had completely receded (Genesis 8:6-12). It was only then that Noah and his family left the ark.
FAQs:
1. How did Noah feed all the animals on the ark for such a long time?
The Bible does not explicitly mention how Noah fed the animals, but it is believed that God provided for their sustenance. Some scholars suggest that God could have caused the animals to enter a state of hibernation or suspended their normal needs during their time on the ark.
2. How did Noah keep the animals from attacking each other?
It is believed that God had a hand in ensuring peace and harmony among the animals on the ark. God may have temporarily altered their behavior or provided a supernatural calmness to prevent any conflicts.
3. Did Noah face any challenges during his time on the ark?
Living on a massive boat for over a year with countless animals would have undoubtedly presented numerous challenges. Noah and his family would have had to deal with the smell, waste management, and the overall maintenance of the ark. However, the Bible does not provide specific details regarding these aspects.
4. How big was the ark?
According to the biblical measurements, the ark was 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high (Genesis 6:15). The exact length of a cubit is uncertain, but it is generally estimated to be around 18 inches, making the ark approximately 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high.
5. Did anyone else survive the flood besides Noah’s family?
According to the Bible, only Noah, his wife, their three sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth), and their wives were saved on the ark. The flood was a catastrophic event that wiped out all other humans and animals on the earth.
In conclusion, Noah and his family spent a total of 371 days on the ark, from the time they entered until they finally left. During this time, they witnessed the devastating power of the flood and relied on their faith in God’s promise to keep them safe. While the story of Noah’s Ark remains a subject of debate and interpretation, it continues to capture our curiosity and remind us of the importance of faith, obedience, and preservation.
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