Bible Question: How many times and where does it say in the bible that Noah asked or pleaded with the people to come with him into the ark? |
Bible Answer: To help answer your question I submit the following paragraph taken from an article in Reason and Revelation 1998, "In Defense of the Genesis Flood Part 1", by Bert Thompson,Ph.D. Because of Noah’s faithfulness, a “probationary period” of a maximum of 120 years was established by God (Genesis 6:3). During that time, Noah preached to the people of his generation (1 Peter 3:18-20), all the while carrying out the commands of God regarding the building of the ark (Genesis 6). After approximately 100 years, Noah’s work was completed (Genesis 5:32 indicates that Noah was 500 years old prior to the events of Genesis 6-8; Genesis 7:6 indicates that Noah was 600 years old when he entered the ark. It appears from a straightforward reading of the text that, of the probationary period of 120 years imposed by God, Noah used 100 years or less). However, for all his preaching Noah’s only “converts” were members of his own family group. People no doubt grew accustomed to the large hulk of the great ark, and at the same time grew apathetic to Noah’s message of salvation from impending doom. Sin continued as the probationary period drew to a close. The decree had been made; the grace of God had been extended; the time for action was at hand. Mankind’s sin now would result in God sending a worldwide Flood. Also, I might add to this that Matt. 24:38 says "For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,". So basically even though Noah obviously tried to warn them they just dismissed all that he said and probably thought of him as the village idiot. I hope this has helped answer your question. Raven |