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Did the calendar between the Flood and the Exodus?
The Flood began on the 17th day of the second month in Noach’s 600th year (Gn 7:11). The ark rested on Ararat mountains on the first day of the seventh month of that year, and the tops of the mountains became visible on the first day of the 1oth month (Gen. 8:4-5). The ground was visible on the first day of the first month of Noach’s 601st year, and the ground was completely dry on the 27th day of the second month (Gen. 8:13-14).
While we may say that we know specifically what months are referenced here, many over the centuries have wondered why the LORD had to say this specifically amid the instructions for the first Pesach (Passover):
“This month shall be the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year to you.”
Exodus 12:2 NASB 1995 (This month is called Aviv/Abib in Exodus 34:18.)
Below are the names, established during Israel’s Babylonian exile, of the Hebrew calendar months and their approximate Gregorian equivalents:
- Nisan (March-April)
- Iyar (April-May)
- Sivan (May-June)
- Tammuz (June-July)
- Av (July-August)
- Elul (August-September)
- Tishrei (September-October)
- Cheshvan (October-November)
- Kislev (November-December)
- Tevet (December-January)
- Shevat (January-February)
- Adar (February-March)
In leap years, an additional month, Adar II, is added after Adar. These months align with the lunar cycle and are adjusted periodically to remain in sync with the solar year through leap years.
Several ancient calendars marked the start of the year in the fall, aligning with the agricultural cycle.1 The Hebrew calendar is one example, where Tishrei, though it is the seventh month, is traditionally celebrated as the New Year (Rosh Hashanah) in early fall.2 Similarly, the Babylonian calendar sometimes aligned its New Year with the autumn equinox, based on agricultural and religious considerations. The ancient Egyptian calendar, though primarily linked to the Nile’s flood cycle, also influenced later systems with autumnal markers.
Yeshua, the ultimate Ark of God
While it is speculation and tradition3 that the first, second, seventh and 10th months mentioned in Genesis 6–9 were based on a fall starting time in Noach’s time, it could be interesting that the start of the Flood could have corresponded with the 17th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. That would place it three days into the festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles).
And that might corresponded to the “midst of the feast” (John 7:14 NASB 1995) when Yeshua (Jesus) went up to the Temple to teach during one Sukkot.
Bible writers and scholars often draw typological parallels between Yeshua and Noah’s ark, emphasizing Yeshua as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption and safety:
Ark as a refuge from judgment: Just as the ark saved Noah and his family from the flood, Yeshua offers salvation from God’s ultimate judgment. The ark symbolizes God’s provision of a way to escape destruction (1Peter 3:20-21).
Baptism and the Flood: Peter connects the floodwaters to baptism, which symbolizes cleansing and a new life in Yeshua. Baptism represents entering into safety through faith in Him (1Peter 3:21).
Messianic deliverance: Noah’s ark prefigures Yeshua’s role as a Savior, providing a secure path to eternal life, akin to how the ark provided a way to survive physical destruction (Matthew 24:37-39).
Check back later this week for further notes on this study.
Footnotes
- The Paian Project. “The Ancient Athenian Calendar Explained.” Accessed December 1, 2024.
Smiti Nathan. “Ancient Calendars From Around The World.” Habits of a Traveling Archaeologist. January 17, 2024. Accessed December 1, 2024. ↩︎ - Amit Naor. “How Tishrei Became the First Month of the Hebrew Calendar.” The National Library of Israel. September 15, 2020. Accessed December 1, 2024. ↩︎
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