Moment of Meditation: Gopher Wood (Genesis 6:14)

Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch. (Genesis 6:14) What is “gopher wood”? This is the only time the Hebrew word is used in the Old Testament. Most people consider it to be cypress. The main reason for this is Solomon’s construction of the outer doors of the Temple from cypress (1 Kings 6:34). Cypress is a very sturdy wood that is able to withstand the elements. The original cypress doors of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome stood for 1100 years before it was rebuilt in the 16th century. Salvation came to Noah through the wood of the Ark. Salvation comes to us through the wood of Jesus’ cross. It is no accident that Jesus died on a wooden cross. God brings salvation through wood. Amen.