Many years passed since Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden. Humanity grew and multiplied upon the earth, but over time, people turned away from God.

Men began to do evil continually. Violence and wickedness filled the earth. God looked upon the earth and saw that the wickedness of mankind was great, and that all the thoughts of their hearts were turned toward evil every day.

The Lord regretted having created mankind upon the earth, and His heart was deeply grieved.

But there was one man who was different. The Lord said:

Noah, however, found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Noah was a righteous and blameless man among his contemporaries, and he walked with God. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

The earth was corrupt before God and full of violence. God saw that the earth was corrupt, because every creature had corrupted their way upon the earth.

God said to Noah:

God gave Noah very specific instructions on how to build the ark:

God continued: "Behold, I am going to send the flood, that is, waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh that has the breath of life under heaven. Everything that exists upon the earth shall perish."

"But with you I will establish My covenant. You shall enter the ark, you and your sons, your wife and your sons' wives. From all that lives, from each species of animals, you shall bring two of each species into the ark, that they may live with you: they shall be male and female. From the various species of birds, from the various species of domestic animals, and from all species of reptiles of the earth, one pair of each species shall come to you so that you may preserve their life."

"Provide all food that can be eaten, and store it with you, that it may serve as sustenance for you and for them."

Noah did everything that God had commanded him. Although the people around him laughed and mocked him, Noah obeyed God with faith.

Building the ark was an enormous task. It was a gigantic construction!

Noah, his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, worked day after day, cutting cypress wood, building the compartments, coating everything with pitch so the ark would be waterproof.

While they worked, people passed by and laughed at Noah. "Why are you building a boat in the middle of dry land?" they mocked. "You're crazy, Noah!"

But Noah did not give up. He continued working, trusting in God. He preached to the people, warning them about the coming flood, but no one wanted to listen. Only his family believed him and helped him.

Noah divided the ark into three levels, as God had commanded. On the first level, he prepared places for the larger animals. On the second, for medium-sized animals. On the third, for the birds and smaller animals.

He made separate compartments for each type of animal, ensuring everyone would have their space. He also prepared large areas to store food: grains for the birds, hay for the herbivores, and provisions for his family.

The ark also had a large window at the top to allow light and air to enter. The door was on one side, large enough for the biggest animals to enter.

Years passed. Noah was six hundred years old when the ark was finally ready. During all this time, he warned people about the coming judgment, but no one repented of their wickedness.

When the ark was complete, the Lord said to Noah:

Noah did everything that the Lord had commanded him.

Then something marvelous happened. From all parts of the earth, animals began to come. Two by two, or seven by seven of the clean species, they walked toward the ark.

The majestic lions and swift leopards came. The immense elephants and tiny ants came. The long-necked giraffes and heavy hippopotamuses came. The high-flying eagles and small birds came. The crawling snakes and hopping rabbits came.

It was as if God Himself was guiding them. The animals, which would normally be enemies of each other, walked peacefully side by side. The lion did not attack the gazelle. The wolf did not chase the lamb. All proceeded orderly to the ark.

Noah stood at the door of the ark, watching in wonder as each animal found its place. God had placed in each creature the instinct to come and to know where to stay.

The larger animals entered first and went to the lower level. Then came the medium-sized animals. Lastly, the birds and small animals climbed to the upper level.

When all the animals were inside, Noah entered the ark with his wife, his three sons — Shem, Ham, and Japheth — and his three daughters-in-law. Eight people in all.

The people passing by still laughed and mocked. The sky was blue and clear. There was no sign of rain. "Noah is crazy!" they said. "It will never rain! What a waste of time building that huge boat!"

But Noah had faith. He had faithfully obeyed God during all those years. Now he would wait, inside the ark, for the fulfillment of God's word.

The Lord shut the door behind Noah. Now it was no longer possible to enter or leave. The ark was sealed, protected by God's own hand.

Inside the ark, Noah and his family waited. The animals were calm in their places. There were sufficient provisions for a long journey. Everything was prepared.

Outside, people continued with their lives, never imagining that judgment was about to come.