God commanded Noah “You are to bring
into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive
with you” (Gen. 6:19).
Last month we considered evidence for the
global flood that is discussed in Genesis chapters 6-9, referenced by Jesus and
the Apostle Peter (Luke 17:27; 1 Pet. 3:20; 2 Pet. 3:5-6), recorded in
different people groups’ legends on every inhabited continent, and
scientifically verifiable through the fossil record. As a result of the flood
many of the dinosaurs became extinct. However, Noah was commanded to take two
of every kind of animal onto the ark, this would have included dinosaurs.
Several passages validate the existence of dinosaurs after the flood (Job
40-41; Psa. 44:19; Isa. 14:29; 30:6; Jer. 9:11; 14:6; 49:33; 51:34; Mic. 1:8).
This leaves us with several questions to consider.
First, how did Noah round up so many
animals including dinosaurs? In Genesis 6:20 God told Noah that the animals
would come to him. Thus, he did not have to round them up. Beyond that,
consider two different factors that would have assisted the animals. At that
time all of the continents were joined, creating, Pangaea; so all land animals
could have traveled there on foot (The land split apart during the flood). Another consideration is the amazing
migration ability that animals have. Thus, God drew them to the ark.
Second, how did all of the animals fit
onto the ark? There are multiple variables that address this question. First,
God said that only two of every kind would come to the ark; not every
variety. For example, only two dogs were needed to produce the variety of dogs
that exist today. Second, the only stipulation of the animals that came was
that they needed to be able to reproduce a year later when they came off the
ark. And even the largest of animals are not that big during infancy in
comparison. This meant that the average size of animal on the ark would have
been about the size of a sheep. And third, the ark was an enormous boat (450’
long, 75’ wide, and 45’ high), being able to hold over 500 railroad box cars,
each 8’ wide by 40’ long. Therefore, there was more than enough room.
Third, wouldn’t the predators have
devoured the other animals? The Bible teaches that every creature (man and
animal) was vegetarian until after coming off the ark (Gen. 1:30; 9:3). And it
is likely that God caused the animals to go into a hibernation state while on
the ark. This made everyone on board safe and sound.
The questions that we have briefly
addressed this month can be asked in a similar way to us. Jesus says that no
one can come to Him unless the Father draws them (John 6:44). So have you
responded to His invitation to come? There is more than enough room in the
Lord’s house, for He has prepared a place for all who will come (John
14:2). Thus, are you a follower of
Christ (John 14:6)? And are you resting in the security that is found only in
Him (John 10:27-29)?
In
His service,
Matt
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