How Old Was Noah When He Built the Ark?

The story of Noah is well-known. God chose him to build an ark. But many people wonder how old Noah was when he built the ark. The Bible provides clear details about Noah’s life and the building of the ark. To understand Noah’s age and the timeline of events, we must explore various biblical passages. This article answers the question, “How old was Noah when he built the ark?” while providing a deeper understanding of the story’s context.

Noah’s Calling by God

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Noah lived in a time of great wickedness. God was displeased with the corruption on earth. He decided to destroy mankind but chose Noah to preserve life. Genesis 6:9 describes Noah as “a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time.” This righteousness led God to select Noah to build the ark. Though many focus on Noah’s task, his age is an important detail.

How Old Was Noah When He Built the Ark?

According to Genesis 5:32, Noah was 500 years old when his three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, were born. Later, in Genesis 7:6, we learn that Noah was 600 years old when the floodwaters came upon the earth. This gives us a clearer idea of Noah’s age during the building of the ark.

Many scholars believe Noah started building the ark before he turned 600 years old. Though the Bible does not specify the exact year he began construction, Noah would have likely been in his 500s. The process of building such a massive vessel likely took several decades. Based on these scriptures, Noah was at least 500 years old when he started the project and 600 when he finished.

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A Lifespan in Ancient Times

Noah’s long life might seem unusual by today’s standards. People in ancient times, particularly before the flood, lived much longer. Genesis records that many patriarchs lived for centuries. For example, Methuselah, Noah’s grandfather, lived to be 969 years old, the longest recorded in the Bible. Noah’s father, Lamech, lived for 777 years. Noah’s life of 950 years was typical for his era.

Noah’s Obedience to God’s Command

When Noah received God’s command, he didn’t hesitate. Genesis 6:22 says, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” This includes the task of building the ark, gathering the animals, and preparing for the flood. Even at 500 or more years old, Noah worked tirelessly to obey God. His obedience and faithfulness are why the Bible remembers Noah as a great man of God.

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The Size and Scope of the Ark

The ark was enormous. According to Genesis 6:15, the ark was 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. In modern measurements, that’s about 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. This massive structure had to house Noah’s family and pairs of every kind of animal.

Building the ark was no small task. It took skill, time, and dedication. Noah worked with his sons to construct the vessel as God had instructed. Although the exact time it took to complete is not specified, it was likely a decades-long project.

Why Was Noah Chosen?

God’s decision to destroy humanity was because of widespread corruption. Genesis 6:5 states, “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become.” But Noah was different. Genesis 6:8 says, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” This favor was due to Noah’s righteousness. God saw in him a man of integrity and faith. His obedience to build the ark was a reflection of his trust in God.

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How Did Noah Gather the Animals?

Another incredible aspect of the story is how Noah gathered the animals. Genesis 7:9 explains that pairs of animals “came to Noah and entered the ark.” God commanded Noah to bring two of every kind, and miraculously, the animals came to him. Noah’s role was to make the ark ready for them, ensuring their survival through the flood.

The Purpose of the Flood

The flood was a divine judgment on the wickedness of mankind. But it also marked a new beginning. After the flood, Noah and his family were the only humans left to repopulate the earth. God made a covenant with Noah, symbolized by the rainbow, promising never to flood the earth again.

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The Impact of Noah’s Faith

Noah’s faith left a lasting legacy. Hebrews 11:7 mentions Noah in the “hall of faith.” It says, “By faith, Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.” Noah’s belief in God’s promise, even when he couldn’t see the outcome, made him a model of faith.

His unwavering trust in God’s plan is an example for future generations. Noah didn’t question God’s timing, despite the difficulty and the years spent building the ark. His obedience brought salvation to his family and the animals on the ark.

Lessons from Noah’s Story

There are many lessons we can learn from Noah’s story. First, obedience to God’s command is crucial, even when it seems impossible. Second, God honors faithfulness and righteousness. Lastly, age should never be an excuse for disobedience or lack of action. Whether young or old, God can use anyone willing to follow His will.

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Conclusion

How old was Noah when he built the ark? The Bible tells us that Noah was around 500 years old when he started building the ark and 600 when the flood came. His remarkable obedience and faith made him a key figure in biblical history. Despite his age, Noah trusted God’s plan and followed through with it. Today, his story reminds us of the power of faith and perseverance.