One of the most famous pieces of Biblical history, Noah's Ark, has been found on Mount Ararat in Eastern Turkey according to researchers with the Noah's Ark Ministries International. A press conference was held on April 25, 2010, in Hong Kong to announce the discovery. The Chinese-Turkish team has been exploring the site since June 2008 and made the announcement after the wood in the structure underwent carbon dating, placing it around 4800 B.C..
Biblical Background to Noah's Ark
The events surrounding Noah's Ark are found in the Bible in the book of Genesis. In Genesis 6 the LORD declares that He will wipe mankind from the face of the earth because they have become so wicked. One man, Noah, found favor it the LORD's eyes because "Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God" (Genesis 6:8, NIV). In Genesis 6-9, Noah builds an ark according to the instructions given to him by God. He is told precisely how to build the boat and what to bring on board.
Noah, his wife, his three sons and their wives board the ark with two of every kind of creature and the food that will be needed. After Noah followed the LORD's directions, they entered the boat, God shut the door, and the flood came. After forty days and nights of flooding, Noah and his family remained on the boat until the appropriate time to leave. The boat came to rest on the mountains of Ararat (Genesis 8:4).
Wooden Compartments Part of Discovery of Noah's Ark
The researchers claim to have found seven compartments that would have held the animals on board the ark. Pictures released on the Noah's Ark Ministries International Website show areas that indicate there was more than two levels to the structure that include steps and doors in what appear to be ceilings. The structure itself is also shaped in a way consistent with the dimensions described in Genesis.
Other compelling aspects of this particular discovery include the Ark's location above 11,000 feet where no one has ever found any evidence of human settlements. The alleged ark itself is encased in ice and volcanic rock.
Yeung Wing-Cheung, a researcher from Noah's Ark Ministries International, has indicated that he believes there is a 99.9% chance that this is actually Noah's Ark. The site will undergo further investigation to determine if it is indeed the Noah's Ark written of in Genesis. If proven to be the actual ark, it will be certain to open up new dialogues as to the accuracy of the Bible as the factual accuracy of the story of Noah and the flood has often been dismissed for various reasons.
Sallie Schaaf Borrink - Sallie Borrink is a professional writer with extensive experience with business clients, the consumer market, and online destinations.
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