Comprehensive Guide to the Animals on Noah's Ark

Many people are curious about how many animals were on Noah's Ark and the significance of the number two for each species. However, the Old Testament sheds light on several aspects that are often misconceived. This article will explore the role of God, the number of animals, and the practicalities of carrying such a diverse array of species on a large, ancient boat.

God's Role in Gathering the Animals

Contrary to popular belief, it was not Noah who gathered the animals to the Ark. According to the Book of Jasher, specifically in passages 6:1–2 and 6:9, it was divine intervention that brought the animals to Noah. These passages state, 'behold I will gather to thee all the animals of the earth the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air and they shall all come and surround the ark.' Another verse mentions that only clean animals and fowls were to be brought in couples, while other animals were to be left behind.

The Old Testament is specific about the animals Noah brought onto the Ark. In Genesis 7:2, it is written that 'And thou shalt go into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.' Jasher 6:9 further specifies, 'Two and two came to Noah into the ark but from the clean animals and clean fowls he brought seven couples as God had commanded him.'

A Clear Understanding of the Count

It is crucial to understand that the count of two for each species refers to the number of animals of each "kind." A kind is a broader classification than a species, encompassing all variations within a categorization. For example, the dog kind includes all breeds of dogs, each of which would have been two in number on the Ark.

The Practicalities of the Ark's Sizable Capacity

The idea that Noah needed to save millions of species is entirely impractical for several reasons. First, an ark is not a planet; it is a large boat designed to carry a limited number of animals. The notion that Noah needed to bring millions of species would have swamped the Ark and exceeded its carrying capacity. Moreover, the flood itself, as described in Genesis, would have drastically altered the Earth's salinity and ecosystem, making it impossible for many species to survive.

Furthermore, the Ark's construction details are also noteworthy. The Bible mentions that the Ark was made of gopher wood, a term believed to be a type of strong, durable wood. While this wood would have been sufficient during that era, modern standards for structural integrity and survival in an extreme downpour would require materials like composite steel or advanced materials that were not available to Noah.

Conclusion

Understanding the number of animals on Noah's Ark requires a careful reading of the Bible and the contextual understanding of the times. While the Ark's capacity and the origin of the animals on it are subjects of much debate, the Old Testament provides clear indications that God played a significant role in the process. Noah and his family had the responsibility to care for the animals brought to the Ark until they could be released. The Ark, made of gopher wood, would have required advanced materials to withstand the conditions described, making the scenario both spiritually and practically complex.