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Question

 

Gramps,

I know this has probably been asked and answered before but I am in an online discussion with a skeptic who doesn’t believe in the global flood and he counters my assertions by wanting to know how all the animals fit on the ark and even how did the kangaroos hop down to Australia since that is the only place on earth they are found.

Robert

 

Answer

 

Robert,

Let’s start with the kangaroos.

According to the scriptures, particularly the Book of Genesis, Noah was commanded by God to gather pairs of every kind of animal into the ark before the flood (Genesis 6:19-20). After the floodwaters receded, these animals would have needed to repopulate the earth. Latter-day Saints believe that the earth was one landmass before the division mentioned in Genesis 10:25, which occurred during the time of Peleg (approximately 2247 BC). This division may have facilitated the movement of species, including kangaroos, to their respective habitats.

From a scientific standpoint, kangaroos are believed to have evolved in Australia and are part of a group of marsupials that have been present on the continent for millions of years. The Great Flood, as described in religious texts, is not supported by mainstream science, which holds that the earth has undergone extensive geological changes over millions of years. The current understanding of kangaroo migration includes theories that suggest their ancestors migrated from Gondwana, a supercontinent that included present-day Australia, Africa, South America, Antarctica, and India, before its fragmentation around 180 million years ago.

There are several theories regarding how kangaroos might have reached Australia:

1. Land Bridges: It is believed that during lower sea levels, land bridges may have existed between continents, allowing animals to migrate. For example, a submerged landmass known as Sahul connected Australia with New Guinea and Tasmania. This theory is supported by fossil records that show a variety of marsupial species once existed in areas now separated by oceans.

2. Flotation on Debris: Some theories suggest that animals could have floated on debris or vegetation to reach isolated landmasses. This idea, while speculative, illustrates the possible means of survival and migration for species in a post-catastrophic environment.

3. Divine Assistance: From a faith-based perspective, it is posited that God could have directed animals to their necessary habitats post-flood. This belief aligns with the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding God’s guidance in the natural world and His plan for creation.

The Church teaches that God has a plan for all creation and that He is aware of the needs and movements of all His creatures. The account of Noah’s Ark emphasizes God’s command to preserve life and suggests that the repopulation of the earth was part of His divine plan.

1. Creation and Preservation of Life: The Church emphasizes that all creatures are part of God’s creation, including the belief that God has a plan for the earth and its inhabitants, which may extend to migrations as part of that divine design (Genesis 1-2).

2. Faith in Divine Directives: The Church teaches that God can direct the movements of His creations, which can include both miraculous and natural means. This belief supports the idea that the movement of kangaroos to Australia after the flood could be part of God’s plan.

3. Scriptural Accounts of Migration: The Book of Mormon and other scriptures contain accounts of migrations and the preservation of species during catastrophic events, which parallels the discussions on the migration of kangaroos post-flood.

The arrival of kangaroos in Australia can be understood through both scientific hypotheses and faith-based perspectives. While science provides theories on migration patterns and ecological restoration, the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offer a framework of divine purpose and guidance in the natural order of life following such a significant event. The interplay between these perspectives enriches the discussion, providing a holistic view of the origins of kangaroos in the context of both natural history and spiritual belief.

Fitting the animals on the Ark

One of the most compelling interpretations regarding how Noah gathered the animals is the belief in divine assistance. According to teachings within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is understood that the Lord played a crucial role in directing the animals to the Ark. This divine intervention suggests that Noah was not left to gather every creature on his own; instead, he was supported by God’s will.

Additionally, the biblical narrative mentions that the flood occurred before the earth was divided, meaning there were no oceans for animals to cross. This geographical context implies that animals could have traveled to the Ark without the barriers that would exist in the present day, further facilitating their gathering.

Another significant aspect of this story is the instruction Noah received regarding the animals. In Genesis 6:19-20, God commanded Noah to bring “two of every kind of animal” into the Ark. This phrase, “every kind,” is crucial for understanding the logistics of the Ark. Many interpretations suggest that Noah was not required to bring every individual species of animal but rather representatives of each “kind” or family of animals.

This interpretation markedly reduces the number of animals Noah needed to accommodate. For example, rather than gathering every breed of dog, Noah would only need to bring two representatives of the canine family. This broader classification allows for a more manageable number of animals to fit on the Ark, making the task feasible.

The dimensions of Noah’s Ark, as outlined in Genesis 6:15, provide insight into its capacity. The Ark was described as being 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. This translates to approximately 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. Various estimates suggest that the Ark could hold thousands of animals, depending on how one interprets the size and classification of the animals.

For instance, some experts propose that the Ark could accommodate up to 125,000 animals if we assume a conservative estimate of the space each animal requires. This considerable size would provide ample space for the animals, their food, and even room for movement.

The dynamics of animal behavior during the time they spent on the Ark have also sparked various interpretations. Some modern portrayals, including films and literature, suggest that animals may have entered a state of dormancy or hibernation during the voyage. While this idea is speculative, it offers a potential explanation for how such a diverse range of animals could coexist without conflict within the confines of the Ark.

The narrative emphasizes Noah’s faith and obedience, which extends to how the animals behaved under divine influence. As noted by Ask Gramps, animals, like humans, are part of God’s creation, and their behavior during this miraculous event would also reflect God’s orchestration.

The story of Noah’s Ark is imbued with miraculous elements that further enhance its significance. One such feature is the tzohar, which is described as a window in the Ark (Genesis 6:16). Some interpretations suggest that this was not merely a window but possibly a shining stone that provided light, similar to the shining stones used by the Brother of Jared in the Book of Mormon.

These miraculous elements emphasize the belief that God was actively involved in the Ark’s construction and operation, ensuring that it fulfilled its purpose of preserving life during the flood.

The story of Noah’s Ark serves as a profound testament to faith, obedience, and divine orchestration. Through understanding the principles of divine assistance, the classification of animals by kinds, and the size and miraculous features of the Ark, we can appreciate how Noah could fulfill God’s commands amidst seemingly insurmountable challenges.

By reflecting on these teachings and interpretations, we are reminded of the sacred relationship between humanity and all of God’s creations. The story encourages us to recognize the importance of faith and trust in divine guidance, not only in historical narratives but in our own lives as well.

 

Gramps

 

 

 

 

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