The story of Noah and the flood is one of the most remarkable accounts in the Bible, revealing God’s judgment, mercy, and the preservation of humanity through Noah’s obedience. To grasp the full scope of the events surrounding the flood, it’s essential to explore the timeline provided in Genesis, as well as the differing interpretations of the time it took Noah to build the ark. Additionally, as believers, we must approach this story with a spirit of unity, recognizing that while the Bible gives us key details, it doesn’t always satisfy every curiosity, and that’s okay.
Word Count: 1152 / Time to read: 6 minutes
The Command to Build the Ark
Genesis 6 introduces the flood narrative by explaining how “the wickedness of the human race had become great on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time” (Genesis 6:5). God decided to cleanse the earth of its corruption, but Noah found favor with God due to his righteousness (Genesis 6:8-9). God then commanded Noah to build an ark to preserve his family and representatives of all living creatures.
The timeline for the construction of the ark is not explicitly stated, which has led to different interpretations. Genesis 6:3 is a key verse that has sparked debate: “Then the Lord said, ‘My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.'” Many scholars believe this verse refers to the period of grace before the flood, during which Noah built the ark and preached repentance (2 Peter 2:5).
This interpretation suggests that Noah had up to 120 years to complete the ark and warn others of the coming judgment. God’s patience during this time is also emphasized in 1 Peter 3:20, where it says that God “waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.” This perspective highlights God’s longsuffering nature and the extended opportunity He provided for repentance.
The Ark Encounter’s Perspective
At the Ark Encounter in Kentucky, they offer a different view, suggesting that Noah may have had closer to 75 years to build the ark. According to their analysis, God likely commanded Noah to build the ark after his sons were grown and married. Since Noah was 500 years old when his sons were born (Genesis 5:32) and 600 years old when the flood began (Genesis 7:6), this timeline gives a maximum of 75 years for Noah to complete the ark (Ark Encounter).
The Ark Encounter points out that while there are views supporting 120 or 100 years, a 75-year timeframe aligns with the idea that Noah’s sons were born, matured, and married before the construction of the ark began.
The 100-Year Interpretation
Another interpretation suggests that the time between God’s command and the flood was about 100 years, based on Noah’s age and the birth of his sons. Genesis 5:32 indicates that Noah was 500 years old when he fathered Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Genesis 7:6 states that Noah was 600 years old when the flood began. Scholars like John Walvoord argue that Noah’s sons were likely born early in this period, meaning Noah had roughly 100 years to build the ark. Walvoord notes that this shorter timeline fits within the specific ages given in Genesis, focusing on significant life events rather than an extended period of warning (Ark Encounter).
J. Dwight Pentecost also supports the idea that the genealogical records in Genesis point to a more focused timeline, where the birth of Noah’s sons and the onset of the flood are the key markers, not necessarily a prolonged 120-year preparation period (Ark Encounter).
The Timeline of the Flood Itself
After Noah completed the ark, he, his family, and the animals entered it, and the floodwaters began. Genesis 7:11 records that Noah was 600 years old when the flood began, specifically on “the seventeenth day of the second month.” The rain fell for 40 days and 40 nights (Genesis 7:12), but the waters continued to prevail on the earth for 150 days (Genesis 7:24), covering even the highest mountains.
After the rain stopped, the waters began to recede, and the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat (Genesis 8:4). By the tenth month, the tops of the mountains became visible (Genesis 8:5). Noah then waited 40 more days before sending out a raven and a dove to check for dry land (Genesis 8:6-9). After multiple attempts to verify the conditions, by the twenty-seventh day of the second month of Noah’s 601st year, the earth was dry, and God commanded Noah and his family to leave the ark (Genesis 8:13-16). In total, Noah and his family spent approximately one year and ten days in the ark.
A Call to Unity and Focus on God’s Intent
As we reflect on the differing interpretations of Noah’s timeline, it’s important to remember that the Bible doesn’t always provide all the details we might desire. In this case, the exact length of time it took Noah to build the ark may remain ambiguous. However, what is most important is the message of faith, obedience, and God’s grace in the midst of judgment.
Scripture warns us against being divided over secondary matters. 1 Timothy 1:4 instructs believers not to “devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.” The Apostle Paul also urges unity in Ephesians 4:3, saying, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” While it’s natural to be curious and seek understanding, we must ensure that our pursuit of knowledge does not overshadow the central message of God’s Word.
The story of Noah is a powerful example of faith and judgment, and the timeline—whether it was 120 years, 100 years, or 75 years—should not distract us from the larger truth of God’s mercy and justice. God’s Word is clear on the essentials of faith, even if some details are left for us to explore with humility and unity.
Blessed with Revelation
We are blessed to have the account of Noah in Scripture, revealing God’s interaction with humanity, His judgment on sin, and His provision for those who walk in righteousness. Even though we may not know every detail about Noah’s timeline, we are given a wealth of knowledge about God’s character, His grace, and His faithfulness. As believers, we should be careful not to let tradition or hearsay overshadow what the Bible actually says. 2 Timothy 2:15 encourages us to “correctly handle the word of truth,” reminding us to be diligent in our study of Scripture and to prioritize God’s revelation over human traditions.
Noah’s story serves as a timeless reminder that, while we may not know everything, we know enough. God has revealed what we need to understand His purposes, and that knowledge is sufficient for our faith and obedience.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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