עברית
Ask the Rabbi - General
How many years did Noah take to build the Ark?
Question
While we guide our understanding with Rashi's interpretation, it is difficult for me because according to the simple meaning, which describes the times quite in detail, it does not seem that it took Noah 120 years, but rather less. This is because the portion of Bereshit concludes with Noah at the age of 500 years, and he entered the Ark at the age of 600, along with his entire family. In Hashem's command to Noah, He tells him to bring his children and their wives, and as we remember, they were only born when he was 500 years old. Therefore, I would appreciate an explanation of how Rashi reached his conclusion. Thank you very much.
Answer
Shalom u'vrachah
There is no early or late in the Torah. The birth of Noah's sons was about 20 years after the command to build the Ark. After all, the Torah states that Hashem regretted creating man and said there would be 120 years, meaning that Hashem would extend His patience for another 120 years until the Flood came. Therefore, it is clear that the command to build the Ark was given 120 years before the Flood.
With blessings,
Benyamin Shmuali
