How long did Noah and his family spend in the Ark before the Lord asked them to come out and fill the earth?

 Noah and his family spent a significant duration aboard the Ark before the Lord instructed them to disembark and repopulate the earth. Let’s delve into the chronology:

1. Announcement of the Flood:

   • Seven days before the flood began, Noah received the divine announcement (on the 10th day of the second month in Noah’s 600th year).
   • This allowed time for Noah, his family, and the animals to prepare for the impending deluge.

2. Flood Begins and Ark Entry:

   • On the 17th day of the second month, the floodwaters commenced.
   • Noah, along with his family, entered the ark.

3. Duration Inside the Ark:

   • The flood lasted 40 days, during which the ark floated on the waters.
   • After the 40 days, the ark rested on the mountains of Ararat.
   • The total time spent inside the ark was 150 days.

4. Mountaintops Visible:

   • On the 150th day, the mountaintops became visible as the waters gradually receded.

5. Sending Out the Raven and Dove:

   • After 40 days of mountaintop visibility, Noah sent out a raven.
   • Later, he released a dove, which returned with an olive leaf after seven days.
   • The dove was sent out twice more, with the third flight resulting in no return.

6. End of the Flood:

   • The waters fully abated after a total of 150 days.
   • On the 27th day of the second month in Noah’s 601st year, Noah and his family left the ark.
   • The entire duration, including the seven days before the flood, adds up to one year and seventeen days.

In ancient times, a year consisted of twelve 30-day months (totaling 360 days), which differs from our current calendar system ¹²³. Noah’s journey within the ark encapsulated both anticipation and survival, ultimately leading to the renewal of life on Earth.