Mt. Ararat and the Tower of Babel
Where did Noah’s ark land?
Scripture says the ark landed in the mountains of Ararat in eastern Turkey. The largest mountain in that area is Mt. Ararat with a height of 16,854 feet. Below a relatively flat summit, its sides are steeply sloped for the first 4,000 to 6,000 feet below the summit. Even if the ark landed below the summit, it would be difficult and dangerous for Noah’s family to climb down the mountain. The ark probably landed on volcanic rocks near the 9,000 to 12,000-foot level, where the slope is about 35-45 degrees.
Although mountains in that area were uplifted by collision of the Arabian and Eurasian Plates during the flood, a debate whether Mt. Ararat erupted before the flood ended or one-hundred years or later afterward the Flood of Noah remains among researchers. Most believe it erupted during the flood. Among volcanic rock covering sides of the mountain, layers of limestone rock and sediments remain mixed with volcanic rock down to the valley floor. Wherever the ark landed, Noah’s family would walk down to flat or gently sloped land where crops could be successfully planted.
Mt. Ararat from the air
What Noah’s family did first after leaving the ark
Under God’s guidance, Noah and his family remained in the ark for twenty-six days after the ark landed and stood still. This allowed the terrain to become dry so humans and animals would not become bogged down in mud. Then large wooden ark door was opened. If the ark landed on the northeast side of Mt. Ararat they saw a large valley in the distance where present-day Artashat is located in Armenia today. Should they have landed on the south side there is a small, narrow valley near where Dogubayazit, Turkey is today. Within a hundred miles from there Lake Van, the Tigris River and Euphrates River stand. In either direction, they would see smoking volcanoes, sulfurous fumes, and violent quakes. The land below was covered with a mix of volcanic basalt and sedimentary rocks such as sandstone, limestone, shale and dolomite.
Noah’s sacrifice to God after leaving the ark
Noah gathered his family around a camp like fire. He prostrated himself to the ground, set up an altar and made a sacrifice to God. One by one he sacrificed a goat, sheep, ox, two turtledoves and two young pigeons as an offering. After this sacrifice Noah shared the instructions God had given him before departing the ark. Being the only humans on Earth, God desired each to show His glory going forward remembering and sharing with their descendants what had occurred. In God’s words he told them, “Be fruitful, increase in number and fill the earth.” For the first time in biblical history God allowed Noah and his descendants to eat the flesh of animals for food. The meat should be cooked, as God forbid the drinking of blood. After his family released the wild animals, they left the ark in pairs on their own just as God had them enter.
Genesis 8:20-21
Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. The Lord smelled the pleasant aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.” Among the clouds present at that time God made a rainbow. This was to remind them in the future of God’s covenant they had just made with Him.
Noah’s and his family had months of thought and discussion to prioritize their greatest needs once they left the ark. Having landed on a recently active volcano, the ground consisted of volcanic rock too hard and large for seeds to germinate. Down the mountain they went looking for more level ground searching for soil that resembled what they had before the flood came. Some in the group of eight feared of another flood returning and did not want to go down too low to be swept away. Once they found nearly flat, fertile land able to grow crops, they began planting seeds stored on the ark and planting orchards from seed or root stock. Noah had one-hundred years before the flood to select many various types of seeds, rhizomes, nuts to store. Each had different planting requirements. For cultivation, instruments like a plough, scythe, and hoe were brought on the ark. Planting before the flood was in a year-round tropical environment. A year after landing Noah’s family saw and felt the effects of the four seasons.
Frequent rain storms created wet and humid conditions. they began building a dwelling to stay dry. Nearby volcanic rocks and used straw covered with feces from the ark seemed to be the only available building materials. In searching for wood, deciduous forests in the valley below had just begun sprouting. Large trees would be years away for harvest. There was one more source, wood from the ark. Some only wanted to use wood on the inside of the ark as an intact ark was the only way of escape should another flood come. God had told them he would not destroy man and beast again by water, but doubt lingered in some.
With seed planting and making shelter, the other immediate need was to build fences. Not all animals leaving the ark were free to run way. Observations before the flood and while on the ark aided them to determine which animals were wild and which were domesticated. Using rocks and small boulders they stacked these materials into square pens to keep animals from escaping. With little grass available, time each day would include collecting emerging leaves and sprouting grass for animal food from seeds that germinated at the end of the flood or parts of roots or rhizomes that had spouted after being partially buried. There was always something to do. Repairing ripped clothing, leaking roofs, fixing broken agricultural implements, and preparing the soil for new plantings. Soon caring for babies would be added to that list.
During this time, many of the wild animals continued down the slopes looking for green areas with rooted sprouts or from seeds that were not destroyed while underwater or on vegetation mats. Some ducks can fly up to 332 miles in one day so seeds eaten while on the ark or feed soon before leaving it could be spread far away.
Noah spent time each day teaching his three sons the laws and commands from God emphasizing those about uncleanness and fortification that brought the flood to earth. Noah shared the strengths and weaknesses each son had. Shem and Ham had a problem with jealousy. He emphasized this personal issue so the brothers would not war against each other as done before the flood. Noah placed a curse on any brother who tried to take another’s land.
One ancient book tells that the elect angel Raziel gave Noah a book of instructions from God on what to do after the Flood. The writings included that each person be holy, humble, pure in thought, word and action. It gave instruction on how to live, dress and eat modestly. The book then tells how each person should be treated when they do not follow God’s word and ways of the earth and sky. Lastly, since many of the fallen angels would not be sent to Taurus, it told how to master the ways of demons. Noah was given a golden box to keep the book safe and its importance to God.
Noah's first settlement after leaving ark on Mt. Ararat
Life for the next ten years after Noah’s flood
Until the first harvest they lived on food remaining on the ark such as dried bread, vegetables and meat in the form of jerky. Preserving resources remained a high priority until newly planted fields and orchards could be harvested. Animals were safe for a while, as they needed enough time to multiply before being butchered. Fast reproducing rodents may have been one of the first fresh meats. If a lake was nearby, then fish may have been available. Some vegetables were harvested and eaten after the first season, but most remained on the vine to dry for further seeding. Each year more seeds and rhizomes would be needed to feed an increasing number of human and animal populations.
Why Noah and his sons decided to leave Mt. Ararat?
Ham’s and his family enjoyed exploring places below the mountain searching for locations to grow crops in warm, flat and fertile ground, when not working. They observed that some areas reseeded quickly as others remained barren. More plants emerged and grew faster the lower they descended. Another reason is that each year, after the flood, the air became cooler especially in winter. This limited year-round production of plants.
What routes did Noah’s family take after descending Mt. Ararat?
Before considering the likely route Noah’s family took, we need to consider where the ark landed on Mt. Ararat. Next, did they make their decision on where to go only from their vantage point at that place? Staying on the mountain’s shoulder for at least a few years the chances are strong that they walked around the mountain and see if other valleys are in the distant area. Some may still have held out hope that only part of the earth was flooded therefore the land they left was just over the next horizon. Scripture does on say how long they stayed on the mountain’s slope once they made an altar and dedicating it to God. In either case the families increased and larger land was needed.
The first route goes toward the northeast. Taking this route, they descended to the Aras River on the border of Armenia and Turkey. From there they may have settled on the wide Armenian Plateau between the Aras River and Sevan Lake before proceeding on to Mesopotamia. If descendants they decided to migrate northward they would come to the imposing ice capped peaks of the Lesser Caucasian Mountains as the early part of the ice age began. Scripture shows they went south afterwards toward Mesopotamia. Therefore, they would go south following the Aras River between two mountain ranges one on the eastern and western side of the river. Eventually they came to Lake Urmia with its grass and swamp land surrounding it. Lake Urmia lies in a somewhat oval valley surrounded by the Zagros Mountains in West Azerbaijan. Leaving Lake Urmia, several narrow rivers flow toward the southwest and become the Great or Little Zab Rivers that flow into the Tigris River. Following south along the Tigris River, they would come to a spot where the Tower of Babel would be built. Archeologic evidence shows some people may have developed towns before then where Nineveh and Assur are today. Scripture tells Nimrod had workers build the Tower of Babel where Babylon is located south of Bagdad.
If the ark landed on the southern side of Mt. Ararat they may have seen Lake Van to the far southwest. Should they go in that direction the average mountains in that area are about 6,000 feet high. After arriving at the 1,419-square mile Lake Van, the closest body of water to follow along is the Dicle River southwest of the lake. This river is a branch of the Tigris River. Going south, following the river’s edge, they would enter present day Iraq and the Mesopotamia valley. The nearest present town in this area is Mosul.
Division of lands on Earth among Noah’s three sons
Coming in either direction they would find fertile land. Ham’s mastery in the area of agriculture and building shortened the development time to develop a settlement here. Cultivating and seeding the rich loam, planting rooted cuttings for orchards, digging canals from the Tigris River, building human housing and animal enclosures became their first needs. A house became a home. A family of ten became hundreds.
During this time God instructed Noah, through His angel, how the land on Earth should be divided among his three sons. To the north and west where they lived would be Japheth’s land. To the south and east was Shem’s land. Near the Mediterranean Sea and into Africa would be Ham’s land. Each were also given a certain number of islands to inhabit.
How each son of Noah was different?
God had given each son a divinely apportioned characteristic reflected in the unique contribution each would render to mankind. Shem was given the gift of deep dedication and love in spiritual ways. Ham had the gift of technology whether in architecture, agriculture or making things from concept to a functional object or tool. Japheth was given intellectual ability to see things and ideas deeper.
Before Noah died, he gave a book to Shem about how to live a Godly life. He was closest to God and followed the heavenly instructions in the book better than his two brothers. It was passed down to Abraham, then to Moses, then to Joshua and finally to Solomon. After Ham sinned and left, Noah taught Shem. Japheth and Noah’s grandchildren God’s ways. About this time man’s life on earth became shortened. Researchers find that shortened life spans of humans occurred because genetic defects increased. They began with the Watchers and women spreading through the Nephilim. Although all eight people on the ark were of pure human blood, diseases from unclean animals were carried forward.
Why was Ham’s sin so great it condemned Canaan?
Noah became drunk in the earliest community known, all descendants of him. Noah being inebriated, returned to his tent and removed his clothes. His wife may have been there but scripture does not say. Ham entered the tent, then returned outside laughing and mocked Noah in front of others. He told them about the state of his father. Another ancient text wrote it was Canaan who alerted Ham about Noah’s nakedness and laughed at him first. A philosopher Philo of Alexandria living in the first century B.C. wrote that Canaan saw Noah naked, ran and told his father Ham, who then told his brothers visiting with other people in the street. Mocking in laughter this disrespected his father. Soon Noah put a curse on the lineage of Canaan. A man his age should know God’s laws.
Afterwards, Ham’s two brothers came into the tent. Shem began covering Noah first. Japheth soon joined in. For doing this caring work, Shem’s descendants were given a tallit garment to wear and Japheth a toga. The Lord also allowed the Shekinah glory to dwell in the first temple built by King Solomon in the lineage of Shem.
Ancient books say even more. Some tell that Ham tried to cut off Ham’s reproductive organ by cutting him with a sharp object. Ham was concerned Noah and Haykel would have more male children therefore he would receive less of an inheritance as it would be divided among more sons. But Biblical scripture only tells that Noah was angry at Ham after becoming sober about what they had done. He knew God had already made a covenant to protect Noah’s three sons so assumed he was safe. Knowing this, Noah placed a curse on Ham’s grandson Canaan. Ham was mad that Noah had put a curse on his son Canaan even though he knew it was wrong. Ham by this time had gained much influence for his abilities and knowledge. Ham knew he should have shown respect to his father by covering him when he was nude after becoming drunk from Noah’s teachings.
Ham embarrassed from his father and brother’s reaction took his children, gathered his herds and moved south away from the other family members going to the land God had assigned to him and his descendants. This included his four male children: Cush, Mizhaim, Put and Canaan. He may have settled in the area where Babylon has been located.
Place families moved to after Ham’s sin
Embarrassed to be around his brother and father and angry over Noah’s reaction, Ham’s family went south. Having collected many different kinds of animals the move would go slow. Not only did his clan need to pack up all movable possessions, they also needed to dig up, collect and store root stock, plants and seeds. If anyone of the three brothers could do this well is was Ham. Organized and determined they wanted to leave as soon as possible.
After a few months, they found a plain in Shinar where the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers met and settled there. Ham admired a number of different types of animals on the ark and against the recommendations of the others did not desire to let them run away. As his caravan of people and animals settled along the Tigris River he sent out search groups to locate and capture ones he desired that he had not brought.
Some of the descendants of Japheth and Shem over the years came in contact with Ham. Amazed of the cities and possessions Ham built and acquired, they wanted to be part of it. But to live there they needed to follow the laws and ordinances Ham and his sons had created. To be accepted by the Hamites, they also needed to become part of their religious culture. This meant worshipping the gods of the Watchers. Lively dancing, colorful clothing and wild parties following each weekly occult ritual enticed them to stay.
Noah grieved hearing the news of the lifestyle Ham and his descendants took. Most of Shem and Japheth’s descendants continued in their love of God. But each year more of their descendants left, settling in the area Ham lived. By now Japheth and many of his descendants had migrated north of the Mediterranean Sea. Envious of learning about Ham’s beautiful city, he built a city naming it after his wife Adataneses. Shem remained farming the fertile land by the Tigris River. Noah, Shem and his sons spent time daily in study and prayer sharing Noah’s teachings from his ancestors and God. Their godly knowledge increased through dreams and teachings from elect angels.
Rainy periods that had occurred part of the day since the ark landed slowed in this part of the world. A Mediterranean climate formed in much of Iraq several hundred years after the flood. Several centuries later the decreasing amount of rainfall, especially over the western part of Iraq, created the land’s first desert areas. Geologically the earth was unstable as the continental plates settled. Among volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, it took centuries to settle down.
Why did Nimrod build the Tower of Babel?
As Shem, Ham and Japheth aged they appointed princes to rule their land. The family of Ham became economically and politically dominant. Nimrod built four cities in the land of Shinar and four in Assyria. He began a movement to prevent further dispersal of people and to keep the descendants in each family in peace with each other. To bring the descendants of Noah together during the year Nimrod built a ziggurat shaped monument. This defied God’s order as Ham’s descendants made no attempt to spread out and fill the earth. As time went on the tower and grounds around it became a spiritual place to connect with ancient gods for wisdom, blessings and eternal life. They informed the people that the Tower of Babel would also be used to predict astronomical conditions that had caused the first flood and was needed to read signs from Heaven.
Workers made bricks using clay. After hardened by fire, they cemented the bricks together with asphalt obtained from the sea. Texts say people worked on it for 43 years and it was three hundred feet high at that time. On top of the flat summit, his workers built a sanctuary for all to worship but especially his wife and him. Workers used iron, copper, silver and gold for steps up to the top of his throne seat. A giant round gemstone laid below his golden chair reflecting light miles away.
Several Biblical scholars estimate the Tower of Babel was built when Noah was 940 years old. This is about 339 years after Noah’s family left the ark. The population at that time is estimated to be about 920,000 people. All people spoke one language. Many scholars show architectural evidence the tower was built in the land of Shinar between Nineveh and Calah. This is where the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers flowed close together eleven miles southwest of Bagdad by Borsippa, Iraq. Others believe it was built in Israel near Nimrod Fortress National Park on the road between Damascus to Banias.
Genesis 11:1-4
Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As men moved eastward they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.
They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.”
They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
At and around the tower people learned about the magical arts and powers recorded from Ham and Semiramis. To worship those fallen angels of renown people erected idols of wood and stone along the avenues and on the top of the tower. Hundreds of people in building the tower believed the gods would protect them and take the to the afterlife. As Nimrod’s kingdom increased he needed more workers to be able to finish the Tower and grounds around it. With his hate of God and enchantment in the occult, his army punished those not following his laws and rules. He continued the use of slavery used by the Nephilim before the flood. As the years passed Nimrod’s ambitious building desire increased with the goal for the tower to reach up to the gods in heaven.
The God of Noah and Heaven angry that the people disobeyed His instructions. Fire descended down from Heaven to the tower burning up one-third of the structure. The earth shook and swallowed up another third of the tower. One third of the structure remained as a remembrance of God’s work against evil at this site.
Nimrod worshipped at Tower of Babel
After the Tower of Babel
With only the tower and grounds surrounding it destroyed, almost all the people living in on earth were saved from harm. Those nearby and far away immediately noticed they could not understand many others nearby. Each moved toward those they understood or family members. If family members had a different language, then they would have to choose to remain with family members and learn their language or join those they understood and leave their family. Those trying to learn new or similar languages at times formed new dialects.
Those that had been slaves of Nimrod now had temporary freedom. They would want to leave or escape the area as soon as possible. People who had been living on the fringes of society having been rejected by most would also desire to leave the area too, especially if they had valuable possessions. Those with large pieces of developed land and had believed in the rule and religion of Nimrod and Semiramis would be the ones most likely to stay.
Each group whether two or a few hundred formed a plan where to go. Biblical scripture says people did depart and spreading out into Europe, Africa and Asia as God had directed them to do after leaving the ark.