Noah’s Ark – Hermetically Sealed and Safe

In a previous blog (Noah’s Ark – A Fresh Look), we made the case for the notion that all the creatures on the Ark were in a Biblical “deep sleep.” As we continued our study of the Ark, we came across a very interesting couple of verses:

And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month: in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen.
And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made: (Genesis 8:5-6 KJV)

dreamstime_l_22493289_smallThese verses strongly imply that the one window (Genesis 6:16) on the Ark was closed during the voyage and not opened until near disembarkation (10 months + 40 days, i.e. approximately 340 days out of the approximate one year voyage of the Ark). Imagine tens of thousands of animals and eight humans living on the Ark with active metabolisms for nearly a year with the only window closed! Why wasn’t it open to get fresh air? So, knowing that the window was closed brings us to the likelihood that the Ark was hermetically sealed, i.e. no air/gases or liquids could enter or leave the Ark. Let us reason together and consider the possibility that the Ark was, in fact, hermetically sealed. Consider:

 

  1. The Bible states that the Ark was sealed inside and outside with pitch (Genesis 6:14). Sealing the Ark both outside and inside keeps air/gases or liquids from coming in or going out. The Hebrew word used for applying the pitch is “kaphar” which means to “cover,” the implication being that the Ark was completely covered, both above and below the water line, inside and out.
  2. During the flood, many creatures died outside the Ark causing health hazards such as gastroenteritis, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and cholera. These diseases could be transferred through the air, water, and/or insects. The passengers on the Ark would be vulnerable to these diseases and the result would be a colossal mess, if not death to all.
  3. Having the Ark hermetically sealed would also soundproof the Ark. This creates a comforting mental image of the Ark in the center of the greatest catastrophic event of all time with the passengers resting in a Biblical “deep sleep” peaceably and quietly. Don’t forget that the name “Noah” in Hebrew (Noach) means “rest” and “quiet.”
  4. The obvious question is: how could all of those on the Ark survive without oxygen? The answer is that there was plenty of oxygen in the Ark; it just had to be recycled. This is not a problem for God; even we humans can do it in the space station; and, those in the space station are awake with active metabolisms.

Studying the events of the early days of humanity is fascinating. Someday we will be with the Lord and it will be all revealed; but, until then we can use the Bible and our relationship with the Teacher (Holy Spirit) to see how close we can get to the truth. We at Genesis and Genetics want to go on record as stating that we believe the Ark was hermetically sealed. We always reserve the right to be wrong, but this is our stance. Please let us know if you have any evidence that either supports or refutes this notion.



Suggested Additional Reading:


Noah’s Wife and the Curse of Canaan

Noah’s Ark a Fresh Look

Where Does Neanderthal fit in the Bible


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5 thoughts on “Noah’s Ark – Hermetically Sealed and Safe

  1. Hi
    thank God for your rigorous explication about this theme.
    I can’t understand the logic of this sentence: “…During the flood, many creatures died outside the Ark causing health hazards such as gastroenteritis, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and cholera”.
    Are these diseases consequences of death bodies’ decomposition?
    I’m profane with this issues, I need some argument to linked.
    Thank you very much
    Maranatha!

    1. Yes

      ref: Morgan O. Infectious disease risks from dead bodies following natural disasters. Rev Panam Salud
      Publica. 2004;15(5):307–12.

  2. question: how did Noah see the tops of the mountains with the window closed..and then know when to open the window, could the window been see thru? Of course GOD could have told Noah when to open it. but it says “he” saw….thank you for your insight.

  3. in a hermetically sealed environment with the occupants (people and animals), any idea how waste matter was disposed?

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