13 And God said to Noah, "I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
14 Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch.
The wickedness of mankind had increased and become a very great wickedness. Because of this, God intended to wipe everything clear and to make a fresh start for the earth. Noah, remaining righteous despite the corrupt world in which he lived, was chosen by God to seed the human race again.
The ark was a giant boat in which animals and Noah's family were sheltered during the great flood which God brought upon the earth, to wash away the sin and corruption. Noah''s family and the animals were to re-populate the earth after the flood.
For forty days it rained, so that everything was covered and destroyed. Even the highest mountains were covered! The ark floated on the waters, protecting those within.