The Design of Noah’s Ark and Its Significance for Biblical Faith

Abstract

This article reexamines the design of Noah's ark based on a combination of biblical and Mesopotamian sources. Although the biblical description of Noah's ark is considered to be divinely inspired, it seems questionable whether it could have been built to the size and design that is popularly conceived. The Genesis account lacks detail about the method of construction, but since it shows evidence of a common source with ancient Mesopotamian versions, these can provide additional information to constrain our interpretation of the Bible. For example, the very large amounts of bitumen specified in the Mesopotamian sources suggest that this was used as a structural component, to reinforce a raft-like ark and create a smooth and durable platform for large numbers of animals. On this platform, a reed-built hut could have been securely fastened to provide a dry shelter for human habitation and food storage; that being the case, and using readily available materials, it was possible to construct a large and sea-worthy ark of the dimensions specified in Genesis, using primitive ancient tools.