150 days. 150 days the waters prevailed upon the earth. Can you imagine? Can you imagine being stuck in the ark for what was likely more than 150 days, as they entered and then it began to rain and the waters began to flood. But, that seems that was just until the tops of the mountains could be seen. In Chapter 7 it says that the flood waters reached to heights to cover the mountains. How high the water rose! Can you imagine water reaching high enough to cover Mt. Everest? Now, what's interesting is that the Hebrew term for "prevail" (as in "the waters prevailed over the face of the earth") has the same root as when speaking of a mighty man (or warrior or arms bearer) having might or prevailing battle. This has suggested to many that the flood really did a number in churning up the earth as "the fountains of the deep burst forth" and perhaps even as it receded, and made the face of the earth completely over. So, was there a Mt. Everest before the flood? We may never know. Until we get to heaven.
But back to the original thought: 150 days the waters covered the earth. Then, it took an additional 150 days for the waters to recede. After that, an additional 77 days before the earth sufficiently dried out enough to set loose the ark. 377 days inside the ark. Now, I've been on a wonderful European cruise for a week, and at the end of it I thought I really could stay a bit longer. The bed was comfortable, the shower was nice, the food was good, it was huge, you walk all over. The pool, the hot tub, being some place new every day. What's not to love, right? But imagine being on that cruise ship for 377 days and not being able to get off. After awhile, Cruise Director Ron wouldn't be so funny anymore. The food would get old. Seeing the same people over and over and over could lead to some interrelational disputes. Noah and his family didn't have bowling alleys or gyms or climbing walls, probably not even deck-siding seating. More than a year inside the ark (the Hebrew there is boat or basket, interesting, huh?), taking care of the animals, disposing of waste, working and waiting, and I'd bet a lot of praying. Enforced family time and alone time with the Lord. And of course, when you get off the ark, it's still the same people. You have to wonder what this did for your relationships. Maybe it's no wonder at all that in the next chapter, Noah is so offended by Ham's actions.
Reading for tomorrow: Genesis 9:1-10:32
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