Noah’s Ark stands as a profound symbol of divine providence and salvation. According to this interpretation, Noah was a righteous man chosen by God to preserve life amid an impending flood sent to cleanse the earth of its wickedness. Noah, guided by divine instructions, meticulously constructed the Ark, a massive wooden vessel designed not only to endure the coming deluge but to safeguard pairs of every living creature. This preparation was not merely an act of obedience but a testament to Noah’s unwavering faith and the grace bestowed upon him by God.
As the floodwaters began their relentless rise, Noah and his family, along with the animals, embarked on the Ark, seeking refuge from the torrents that engulfed the world outside. The Coptic Orthodox narrative emphasizes the spiritual significance of this journey, portraying the Ark as a prefigurement of the Church—a sanctuary that offers salvation from the corruption of the world. Inside the Ark, the atmosphere was one of solemn anticipation, with Noah’s family and the creatures coexisting in harmony, their lives intertwined as they awaited the end of the flood.
When the waters finally receded, and the Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat, Noah’s faith and perseverance were rewarded. The Coptic Orthodox tradition highlights the release of the dove, which returned with an olive branch, symbolizing the restoration of peace and the renewal of God’s covenant with humanity. Noah’s offering of thanksgiving to God upon their emergence is seen as an act of reverence and gratitude, acknowledging divine mercy and the promise of a fresh beginning. In the Coptic Orthodox view, Noah’s Ark is not just a historical account but a profound allegory of redemption, illustrating the enduring relationship between God and humanity, and the promise of salvation for those who remain steadfast in faith.