Changes

Though some suggest that this was a reference to [[human longevity|human life expectancy]] post-Flood, others point out that the life expectancy of man did not decline abruptly, but gradually, over at least fifteen generations. So the 120 years might also refer to a prophetic warning given 120 years in advance of the [[Great Flood]]. So it can really only be said that it took a maximum of 120 years to construct the ark, from the time God had given him the command to when he actually finished and was in the ship.

Though some suggest that this was a reference to [[human longevity|human life expectancy]] post-Flood, others point out that the life expectancy of man did not decline abruptly, but gradually, over at least fifteen generations. So the 120 years might also refer to a prophetic warning given 120 years in advance of the [[Great Flood]]. So it can really only be said that it took a maximum of 120 years to construct the ark, from the time God had given him the command to when he actually finished and was in the ship.

We are told later that Noah was a "preacher of righteousness", so presumably did not work full time on the construction of the ark, but also spent time preaching.

We are told later that Noah was a "preacher of righteousness", so presumably did not work full-time on the construction of the ark, but also spent time preaching.

We also don't know whether or not he employed hired labour in its construction.

We also don't know whether or not he employed hired labour in its construction.

The ark may have been constructed in a much shorter time than the maximum 120 years.

The ark may have been constructed in a much shorter time than the maximum 120 years.