The answer is: Gopher wood

Gen 6:14 - There is no other mention of this type of wood in the Bible and it's identity is uncertain.

Gopher wood – quite a mystery! The Bible mentions it solely in the context of Noah’s Ark, leaving generations of scholars scratching their heads. What could it be? Some theories suggest it could have been a type of cypress or cedar, vital for its buoyancy and resistance to rot. Yet, the true identity of gopher wood is lost to history, adding an air of intrigue to the whole story.

Imagine the scene: Noah, with divine instruction, is tasked with crafting a colossal vessel that would save his family and pairs of every animal from impending doom. This ark was massive, estimated to be about the size of a football field! The design would often garner comparisons to ancient shipbuilding techniques, possibly highlighting humanity's long connection to nature and survival skills.

Interestingly, the number of floors in the ark (three) mirrors other historical buildings, like those built in ancient Mesopotamia, which also featured multi-storied designs. This lends credence to the idea that there’s a shared thread of survival among civilizations facing disaster through the ages.

And don’t forget the symbolism of the ark itself! It represents not just preservation but newfound beginnings—life emerging from chaos. As birds were sent to test the waters post-flood, it's a reminder that out of destruction comes hope, reflected later in sacred texts where rebirth and renewal are universal themes—much like how rain includes both tumult and the promise of rainbows. Isn’t that a lesson worth exploring?