The ark was a vessel built by Noah to save himself, his family and animals from the flood sent by
God (Gen. 6:14-9:19). The ark was about 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high, with three
decks. Scholars have calculated that a vessel this size would hold more than 43,000 tons.
After almost a year on the water, the ark came to rest on Mount Ararat in what is now Turkey. Numerous
arrempts across the centuries to find the remains of the vessel have been futile. Shifting glaciers, avalanches, hidden crevices,
and sudden storms make mountain climbing in the area extremely dangerous.
The ark reveals both the judgment and mercy of God. His righteous judgment is seen in the destruction
of the wicked, but His mercy and care are demonstrated in His preservation of Noah, and, through him, of the human race. The
ark is a striking illustration of Christ, who preserves us from the flood of divine judgment through His grace.
From the ancient world there are several other flood stories that are remarkably similar to the biblical
account in many details. In the most famous of these, Utnapishti, the Babylonian "Noah", constructed a boat, which was about
180 feet long, 180 feet wide, and 180 feet high...hardly a seaworthy design. In stark contrast to these stories, the Book
of Genesis presents a holy and righteous God who sends the flood in judgment against sin and yet mercifully saves Noah and
his family because of their righteousness.
In the New Testament, Jesus spoke of the Flood and of Noah and the ark, comparing "the days of Noah"
with the time of "the coming of the Son of Man" (Matt. 24: 37,38 and Luke 17: 26, 27). Other references
to the Flood include Hebrews 11: 7; 1Peter 3: 20 and 2Peter 2:5.
