FINALLY, OUT OF THE ARK
Gen. 8:13-22

In this lesson, we will see why Noah stayed in the ark 56 days after the earth was dry. We will also see the four seasons, the first altar built to God, the limitation on future curses and the true condition of man’s heart.

Time in the Ark

Seasons

Overlap: The Jewish months and Gentile months don’t overlap precisely because the Jewish calendar had 30-day months. For instance, Passover, this year, is Mar. 27th. This represents the 14th day of the 1st month. That means the 1st month would begin on Mar. 13th and end on Apr. 12th.

The 56 days in the Ark: So, the reason that Noah and the animals stayed in the Ark 56 days after the earth was completely dry (Gen. 8:13-14) is evident. Winter had just ended and the earth needed time to grow spring grass for the animals to graze.

First Altar

Noah built an altar to the Lord on which to sacrifice clean beasts and birds. The Lord accepted his sacrifices ("smelled a sweet savour"), which were like peace offerings, offered for thanksgiving (Lev. 7:11-12). Others who built altars to the Lord were: Abraham (Gen. 12:7-8; 13:18; 22:9), Jacob (Gen. 33:20; 35:1-7), Moses (Ex. 17:15), Bezaleel (Ex. 37:1,25; 38:1), and the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh (Jos. 22). Other altars, beside these, were built for false god worship and were patterned after Aaron’s altar that was built to the golden calf (Ex. 32:5).

Limitation on Future Curses of the Ground

After the flood, curses on the ground were added to those in Gen. 3:17-19. The temperature variations became more severe ("cold" and "heat"). Men and animals became carnivorous (Gen. 9:3; 1:29-30). When Christ returns, the animals will return to their former state before the flood (Is. 11:6-9). The atmosphere changed, causing food to rot (Gen. 9:20-21). Notice that the food in the ark lasted 377 days without spoiling.

While the ground will not be cursed again, the consequences of plagues and drought during the tribulation will intensify the curses that are already on the earth. Environmentalists will be helpless to do anything to remedy the problems. When God decides to remove the curses once and for all, He will melt the earth with a fervent heat and start over (2 Pet. 3:12-13).

The Evil Heart of Man

God makes a very negative statement about the true condition of the hearts of men, "for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth," (Gen. 8:21). This runs contrary to all of the world’s social programs and institutions. Consequently, the world’s view of man is exactly the opposite of God’s view. God’s view is that man’s heart is "desperately wicked," (Jer. 17:9-10; Mk. 7:21-23).

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