You Shall Go Into the Ark

“And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you” (Genesis 6:17-18).

After Adam’s fall, God’s Holy Spirit strove with men, but sin multiplied until, a millennium and a half later, God purposed to end the corruption, violence and gross evil by destroying all flesh on earth with a world-wide flood.

But in grace God revealed His intention to Noah, the only righteous man in his generation, telling him to build “an ark for the saving of his household” (Hebrews 11:7).

All Noah’s ancestors would have died before the flood. Abel was the first man to die, followed by Adam at 930 years of age, followed by Enoch’s translation at age 365. Last of all was Methuselah, Noah’s grandfather, the longest living man (969 years). He was a walking prophecy, because his name means “when he dies it (presumably, the judgement) comes!” In seeming fulfilment of that prophecy God sent the flood the year of his death.

Men lived about 900 years then. When God spoke to Noah he was 500 years old, having three sons, Ham, Shem and Japheth.

The ark they would build would be a giant wooden vessel constructed according to God’s specifications. As a consequence it would be unsinkable. Being as large as an ocean liner it would also accommodate Noah’s family, pairs of animals of all sizes and species, and carry sufficient food for them all. Its purpose would also be to protect them from all earth’s massive upheavals during the deluge.

Noah’s obedience to God’s every command contrasts strongly with Adam’s disobedience. Building the ark in the face of events and factors not seen as yet, preaching and enduring the ridicule of scoffers, and putting in years of painstaking labor, shows how his faith contrasts markedly with Adam’s lack of faith—a simple command was given to Adam and yet he disobeyed in a matter of minutes!

“You shall go into the ark.” What a gracious promise. Noah and his family would be saved and delivered from a terrible judgement.

Adapted and modified excerpts from Day by Day: Bible Promises
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.