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How many people were saved on the ark?

Answer: Eight.

The story of Noah’s Ark is one of the most well-known narratives in the Bible, recorded in the book of Genesis, chapters 6-9. This story tells of God’s decision to cleanse the earth of its wickedness by causing a great flood, and Noah, a righteous man, is chosen by God to build an ark that would save his family and representatives of every animal species. The question of how many people were saved on the ark is of great interest, and this study will delve into the biblical text and relevant historical context to provide a comprehensive answer.

I. The Genesis Account

In the book of Genesis, the number of people saved on the ark is explicitly stated. Genesis 7:7 states:

“And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.”

From this verse, it is clear that eight people were saved on the ark:

1. Noah
2. Noah’s wife
3. Shem, Noah’s son
4. Shem’s wife
5. Ham, Noah’s son
6. Ham’s wife
7. Japheth, Noah’s son
8. Japheth’s wife

II. The Importance of the Number Eight

The number eight in the Bible often symbolizes new beginnings, and in the context of Noah’s Ark, it signifies the restart of humanity after the flood. The eight people saved on the ark were the only survivors of the flood, and from them, the world was repopulated.

This symbolic meaning of the number eight is also seen in other parts of the Bible, such as the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which took place on the first day of the week, which can also be seen as the eighth day, following the seven-day week.

III. Extrabiblical Sources and Ancient Near Eastern Context

The story of Noah’s Ark shares similarities with other ancient Near Eastern flood narratives, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Atrahasis Epic. While these texts do not provide a direct answer to the number of people saved on the ark, they contribute to our understanding of the broader cultural context in which the biblical narrative was situated.

In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the hero Utnapishtim is tasked with building a boat to save his family and various species of animals from a devastating flood. The Atrahasis Epic, similarly, tells the story of Atrahasis, who is instructed by the god Enki to build an ark and save himself, his family, and a variety of animals.

While these texts differ in details and theological implications, they demonstrate that the theme of divine judgment and salvation through a great flood was a prevalent motif in ancient Near Eastern literature.

IV. Parallels of Baptism and Being Saved Through Water

The story of Noah’s Ark and the salvation of Noah and his family through water holds symbolic significance in the Christian understanding of baptism. The New Testament draws a parallel between the flood and the rite of baptism, emphasizing the spiritual cleansing and renewal that both events represent.

1. 1 Peter 3:20-21

The apostle Peter directly connects the story of Noah’s Ark with the concept of baptism in his first epistle:

“Who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:20-21, NIV)

In this passage, Peter emphasizes that the flood waters saved Noah and his family, and likens this to the way baptism saves believers in Christ. Baptism is not merely a physical cleansing, but a representation of the believer’s commitment to God and the spiritual renewal brought about by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

2. Romans 6:3-4

The apostle Paul also draws a connection between the immersion in water during baptism and the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection:

“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3-4, ESV)

In this passage, the submersion and emergence from water during baptism symbolize the believer’s union with Christ in his death and resurrection, leading to a transformed life.

3. Spiritual Significance

In both the story of Noah’s Ark and the rite of baptism, water serves as a symbol of spiritual cleansing and renewal. The flood waters washed away the wickedness of humanity, and Noah and his family emerged as the start of a new, righteous generation. Similarly, baptism represents the washing away of a believer’s sins and their entrance into a new life in Christ.

By examining the parallels between the story of Noah’s Ark and the concept of baptism, we can gain a deeper understanding of the theological significance of being saved through water in the Christian faith. Both events represent the transformative power of God’s grace and the promise of redemption for those who trust in Him.

V. Other Biblical Echoes of Noah’s Ark and the Flood

The story of Noah’s Ark and the great flood resonates throughout the Bible, with various passages alluding to or echoing themes from this narrative. These echoes serve to reinforce key theological concepts and connect different parts of Scripture, demonstrating the unity and continuity of God’s message.

1. The Creation Narrative (Genesis 1)

The Genesis account of creation and the flood narrative share similarities in structure and theme. Both stories involve the initial chaos of water, the separation of elements, and the establishment of order. After the flood, Noah and his family are given a new beginning, reminiscent of the original creation. God reaffirms the mandate to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 9:1), echoing the command given to Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:28). The parallel between these narratives highlights the idea of new beginnings and the renewal of the world.

2. The Exodus and Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14)

The story of the Exodus, where God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, features another instance of salvation through water. The parting of the Red Sea allows the Israelites to escape their Egyptian pursuers, while the subsequent return of the waters destroys the Egyptian army. This event, like the flood, represents God’s judgment on the wicked and the deliverance of the faithful. The crossing of the Red Sea prefigures the concept of baptism, as the Israelites are symbolically cleansed and reborn as a free people under God’s guidance.

3. The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11)

The story of the Tower of Babel follows the flood narrative and serves as a contrasting episode. In both accounts, humanity acts collectively, but with vastly different intentions. While the people in Noah’s time are judged for their wickedness and destroyed, the people in Babel are judged for their pride and ambition. God confuses their language and scatters them across the earth, once again demonstrating divine intervention in response to human behaviour. The contrast between these two stories underscores the importance of submitting to God’s authority and the consequences of straying from His will.

4. The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27)

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches the parable of the wise and foolish builders. The wise builder constructs his house on solid rock, while the foolish builder builds on sand. When a storm comes, the house built on rock stands firm, while the one built on sand collapses. This parable shares thematic elements with the story of Noah’s Ark, as it emphasizes the importance of heeding God’s word and acting upon it. In both stories, those who listen to and obey God are saved from destruction, while those who ignore His commands face devastating consequences.

These biblical echoes serve to reinforce the themes and messages found in the story of Noah’s Ark and the great flood, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God, the consequences of wickedness, and the hope for redemption and new beginnings. By recognizing these connections, we can better understand the unified narrative and theological framework of the Bible.