Discover the Divine Pitch for Noah's Ark: Unveiling God's Ultimate Plan

The Pitch for Noah's Ark

Introduction

Many geologists argue that Noah could not have built the ark as described in Genesis because pitch, which was used to make the ark waterproof, is typically derived from oil or coal. They claim that since coal did not form until the time of Noah's Flood, it would have been impossible for him to use pitch to cover the ark. However, this perspective overlooks the fact that pitch can also be extracted from wood through distillation or heating. In fact, prior to the rise of the petroleum and coal industries, pitch was commonly made from wood.

Pitch-Making Industry in Europe

For over a thousand years, Europe had a thriving pitch-making industry. This industry played a crucial role in constructing the great wooden sailing ships that held significant historical importance. Pitch-making was a skilled trade, and many European surnames bear witness to this fact today. For example, in Poland, the word for pitch or tar is 'smola', and surnames like Smola, Smolander, Smolen, Smolenski, and Smolarz indicate a connection to the pitch-making trade.

Similarly, in Germany, the word for pitch is 'Teer', which appears in names like Teer and Teerman. Even in England, there are families with names like Pitcher, Tarrier, or Tarmen that have ties to pitch-making. These surnames serve as evidence that manufacturing pitch was a common occupation throughout Europe.

Traditional Pitch-Making Process

Before the growth of petroleum and coal industries, pitch was made by following a specific process. The first step involved obtaining resin from pine trees that grew abundantly in European forests. The trunks of these trees were gouged with cuts in a herringbone pattern, allowing the resin to flow down into a pot placed at the base of the tree. This method of collecting pine resin is still practiced today in countries like Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Finland, and others with vast pine forests.

Once the resin stopped flowing, the trees would be felled, covered with soil or ash, and slowly burned. This process produced a lightweight black carbon known as charcoal. The final step in making pitch was adding powdered charcoal to the boiling pine resins. Different proportions of charcoal yielded pitch with varying properties. This pitch was then used to waterproof large wooden ships that sailed across oceans. Interestingly, it is worth noting that coal, from which pitch can be extracted today, often shows signs of having been formed from pine tree debris.

Noah's Potential Source of Pitch

While we cannot definitively say that Noah obtained pitch for the ark using the same process, it is reasonable to assume that he would have been aware of the use of tree resins. Considering the massive number of trees cut down by Noah and his helpers to construct an ocean-going ark, they likely discovered the potential of tree resins for waterproofing purposes. If Europeans had a well-known and widely used method of making pitch before the discovery of petroleum, it is plausible that Noah could have employed a similar technique to waterproof the ark with pitch.

Why This Matters

Understanding the availability and production of pitch from sources other than oil or coal is essential in addressing the argument that Noah could not have built the ark using pitch as described in Genesis. By acknowledging historical methods of making pitch from wood, we can recognize the viability of an alternative source for Noah's pitch. This perspective supports the biblical account of the ark's construction and reinforces the possibility of its seaworthiness.

Think About It

1. How does knowing that pitch can be made from wood challenge the argument against Noah's use of pitch in building the ark?
2. Consider how historical industries and practices can provide insights into ancient construction methods. How might this perspective influence your understanding of other biblical accounts?
3. Reflect on the significance of pitch-making as a skilled trade in European history. How does this historical context enhance your appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in constructing the ark?

Note: This article presents a Christian, Creationist perspective and aims to explore alternative explanations for the construction of Noah's ark. It does not provide scientific consensus but encourages critical thinking and engagement with Creationist ideas.