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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 7:13–16. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is repeated what was related before of Noah's entrance into the ark, with his family and creatures that were marked for preservation. Now,
I.It is thus repeated for the honour of Noah, whose faith and obedience herein shone so brightly, by which he obtained a good report, and who herein appeared so great a favourite of Heaven and so great a blessing to this earth.
II.Notice is here taken of the beasts going in each after his kind, according to the phrase used in the history of the creation (Gen 1:21-25), to intimate that just as many kinds as were created at first were saved now, and no more; and that this preservation was as a new creation: a life remarkably protected is, as it were, a new life.
III.Though all enmities and hostilities between the creatures ceased for the present, and ravenous creatures were not only so mild and manageable as that the wolf and the lamb lay down together, but so strangely altered as that the lion did eat straw like an ox (Isa 11:6, Isa 11:7), yet, when this occasion was over, the restraint was taken off, and they were still of the same kind as ever; for the ark did not alter their constitution. Hypocrites in the church, that externally conform to the laws of that ark, may yet be unchanged, and then it will appear, one time or other, what kind they are after.
IV.It is added (and the circumstance deserves our notice), The Lord shut him in, Gen 7:16.
As Noah continued his obedience to God, so God continued his care of Noah: and here it appeared to be a very distinguishing care; for the shutting of this door set up a partition wall between him and all the world besides. God shut the door,
1.To secure him, and keep him safe in the ark. The door must be shut very close, lest the waters should break in and sink the ark, and very fast, lest any without should break it down. Thus God made up Noah, as he makes up his jewels, Mal 3:17.
2.To exclude all others, and keep them for ever out. Hitherto the door of the ark stood open, and if any, even during the last seven days, had repented and believed, for aught I know they might have been welcomed into the ark; but now the door was shut, and they were cut off from all hopes of admittance: for God shutteth, and none can open.
V.There is much of our gospel duty and privilege to be seen in Noah's preservation in the ark.
The apostle makes it a type of our baptism, that is, our Christianity, Pe1 3:20, Pe1 3:21. Observe then,
1.It is our great duty, in obedience to the gospel call, by a lively faith in Christ, to come into that way of salvation which God has provided for poor sinners. When Noah came into the ark, he quitted his own house and lands; so must we quit our own righteousness and our worldly possessions, whenever they come into competition with Christ. Noah must, for a while, submit to the confinements and inconveniences of the ark, in order to his preservation for a new world; so those that come into Christ to be saved by him must deny themselves, both in sufferings and services.
2.Those that come into the ark themselves should bring as many as they can in with them, by good instructions, by persuasions, and by a good example. What knowest thou, O man, but thou mayest thus save thy wife (Co1 7:16), as Noah did his? There is room enough in Christ for all comers.
3.Those that by faith come into Christ, the ark, shall by the power of God be shut in, and kept as in a strong-hold by the power of God, Pe1 1:5. God put Adam into paradise, but he did not shut him in, and so he threw himself out; but when he put Noah into the ark he shut him in, and so when he brings a soul to Christ he ensures its salvation: it is not in our own keeping, but in the Mediator's hand.
4.The door of mercy will shortly be shut against those that now make light of it. Now, knock and it shall be opened; but the time will come when it shall not, Luk 13:25.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
When 'God shut Noah into the ark,' you must not imagine that the unbegotten God Himself came down or went up from any place. For the ineffable Father and Lord of all neither has come to any place, nor walks, nor sleeps, nor rises up, but remains in His own place, wherever that is, quick to behold and quick to hear, having neither eyes nor ears, but being of indescribable might; and He sees all things, and knows all things, and none of us escapes His observation; and He is not moved or confined to a spot in the whole world, for He existed before the world was made.
“The Lord shut the door before Noah,” lest those left behind come at the time of the floods and break down the gate of the ark. The deluge came and “God blotted out all flesh. Only Noah was left and those that were with him in the ark.” The springs of the abyss and the floodgates of heaven were open forty days and forty nights, and the “ark was afloat for one hundred fifty days.”
The text goes on, “The Lord God shut the ark from the outside.” Notice in this place too the considerateness in the expression “God shut the ark from the outside,” to teach us that he had ensured the good man’s complete safety. The reason for adding “from the outside” to “he shut” was that the good man might not be in the position of seeing the disaster occur and suffering even greater distress. I mean, if he brooded over that terrible flood and set indelibly in his mind the destruction of the human race, the complete annihilation of all brute beasts and the disappearance, as it were, of people, animals and the earth itself, he would have been disturbed and anguished.
[We see that] certain psalms are titled “for the octave.” This is the day on which the synagogue comes to an end and the church is born. This is the day in the number of which eight souls were preserved in the ark of Noah, and “its counterpart, the church,” says Peter, “now saves you.”
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Summary
Genesis 7:15 meticulously records the divinely orchestrated entry of all land-dwelling, air-breathing creatures into Noah's Ark, arriving in pairs. This pivotal moment signifies the precise fulfillment of God's command to preserve a remnant of life from the impending global judgment, highlighting His absolute sovereignty over creation and His meticulous provision for the continuity of life on earth.
Context
Literary Context
Genesis 7:15 is situated at the dramatic climax of the pre-Flood narrative, immediately preceding the commencement of the deluge itself. It follows God's explicit instructions to Noah regarding the construction of the Ark and the gathering of animals (as detailed in Genesis 6:13-22). This verse marks the fulfillment of those commands, serving as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereign control over creation and Noah's obedient response. The preceding verses (Genesis 7:1-14) describe God's final call to Noah to enter the Ark and the specific numbers of animals (seven pairs of clean animals and birds, two pairs of unclean animals), making verse 15 the culmination of this preparation phase before the floodwaters arrive. It sets the stage for the narrative of the flood's onset in Genesis 7:17-24.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Genesis flood narrative, while unique in its monotheistic and moral dimensions, resonates with broader ancient Near Eastern flood myths (e.g., the Epic of Gilgamesh, Atrahasis Epic). However, Genesis distinguishes itself by portraying a righteous God who judges human wickedness, not capricious deities. In this context, the meticulous entry of animals in pairs underscores the divine order and control, contrasting with the chaos and destruction that is about to engulf the world. The concept of "breath of life" (Hebrew: ruach chayyim) connects directly to the creation account in Genesis 2:7, emphasizing that life itself is a gift from God. The preservation of life in the Ark, therefore, is not merely a biological act but a theological statement about God's commitment to His creation, even in judgment, and His intention to establish a new beginning for humanity and the animal kingdom.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Divine Sovereignty, demonstrating God's absolute control over all creation, even compelling wild animals to obey His will without human intervention. Secondly, it underscores God's Faithfulness to His covenant promises and warnings, as He meticulously brings about what He declared would happen. Thirdly, the preservation of "all flesh, wherein is the breath of life" emphasizes the Sanctity of Life and God's intrinsic value for His creation, even amidst a global judgment. Finally, the Ark itself serves as a profound symbol of Salvation and Judgment, providing refuge for the righteous and a remnant of life while the world outside faces divine wrath, a theme echoed throughout the biblical narrative of redemption.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term refers to the physical body of living beings, encompassing humans and animals. In this context, "all flesh" signifies every living creature that has physical substance and is distinct from plant life or inanimate objects. Its use here emphasizes the universality of the preservation effort, covering all land-dwelling, air-breathing animals, underscoring the comprehensive nature of God's plan.
Derived from a root meaning "wind," this word denotes a sensible exhalation, like breath, but also extends figuratively to life, spirit, or even anger. In the phrase "breath of life," rûwach specifically refers to the vital force, the animating principle that sustains life, akin to the air drawn into the lungs. Its presence indicates a living, breathing creature, distinguishing it from those that would perish in the flood.
This word signifies being "alive" and encompasses various aspects of vitality, existence, and living things. When paired with rûwach ("breath"), it forms the crucial phrase "breath of life," which defines the category of creatures that possess vital animation and are thus subject to the flood's judgment or the Ark's preservation. It points to the intrinsic quality of being a living creature, endowed with the capacity for existence by God.
Verse Breakdown
"And they went in unto Noah into the ark,"
This clause describes the miraculous movement of the animals. The Hebrew verb "went in" (וַיָּבֹאוּ, vayyavo'u) is in the third person plural, active, but the context strongly implies a divine impetus rather than Noah's active herding. The animals are not captured or coerced; they arrive willingly and orderly, drawn by God's sovereign hand. This highlights God's absolute control over creation and His meticulous orchestration of events to fulfill His purposes. The phrase "unto Noah" signifies their arrival at Noah's designated place of refuge, acknowledging his role as the human agent in God's plan.
"two and two of all flesh,"
This specifies the precise manner and scope of the animals' entry. "Two and two" (שְׁנַיִם שְׁנַיִם, shnayim shnayim) indicates pairs, emphasizing the male and female for procreation, ensuring the continuation of species. While Genesis 7:2 clarifies that clean animals and birds entered in sevens, this general statement in verse 15 provides the overarching principle of preservation by pairs. "All flesh" refers to every kind of land-dwelling animal, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the preservation effort, demonstrating God's desire to maintain the diversity of His creation.
"wherein [is] the breath of life."
This crucial phrase defines the category of creatures being preserved. "Breath of life" (רוּחַ חַיִּים, ruach chayyim) is a direct echo of the language used in Genesis 2:7 regarding the creation of humanity. It signifies living beings that possess vital breath, distinguishing them from plants or inanimate objects. This theological marker emphasizes that the flood's judgment is specifically upon those creatures endowed with this animating principle, and only those within the Ark would retain it, highlighting the universality of the judgment and the exclusivity of the Ark as the means of survival.
Literary Devices
Genesis 7:15 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is Symbolism, where the Ark itself functions as a powerful symbol of divine salvation and refuge amidst judgment. It represents God's provision for those He chooses to preserve from destruction. The phrase "breath of life" acts as a recurring Motif, echoing its first appearance in the creation account. This repetition emphasizes the divine origin and preciousness of life, making the preservation of these breathing creatures a profound act of God's grace. Furthermore, the passive phrasing "they went in" (rather than "Noah gathered them") demonstrates Divine Agency, underscoring God's direct involvement and sovereign control over creation, a subtle yet powerful rhetorical choice that highlights His omnipotence.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 7:15 is a profound theological statement, illustrating God's meticulous care for His creation and His unwavering commitment to His divine plans, even in the midst of impending judgment. It powerfully demonstrates the efficacy of divine orchestration, showcasing how God sovereignly brings about His purposes without human intervention, compelling even the wild beasts to obey His will. This act of preservation underscores God's deep value for life and His intention to maintain a remnant, setting the stage for a new beginning and the establishment of the Noahic Covenant. It highlights that even in judgment, God's character is marked by grace and a commitment to the continuity of His created order.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 7:15 offers profound insights for contemporary reflection and application. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, assuring believers that His plans will always come to fruition, regardless of human circumstances or resistance. Just as the animals were supernaturally drawn to the Ark for salvation, so too are humanity drawn by divine grace to find refuge in God's appointed means of deliverance. This verse calls us to trust in God's providential care, even when the world around us seems to be in chaos or facing judgment. Furthermore, the meticulous preservation of "all flesh, wherein is the breath of life" reinforces the biblical truth of the sanctity of all life, prompting us to value and protect the lives of others, recognizing them as precious gifts from our Creator. It encourages us to live in faithful obedience, like Noah, knowing that God is faithful to those who respond to His call and prepare for His purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Did Noah have to actively gather all the animals, or did they come on their own?
The text states, "And they went in unto Noah into the ark," which strongly implies a divine impulse or supernatural drawing of the animals to the Ark, rather than Noah's strenuous efforts to capture or herd them. While Noah certainly prepared the Ark and facilitated their entry (e.g., building ramps, opening doors), the primary agency for their arrival was God's orchestration, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over creation and His ability to bring about His will without human intervention. This miraculous gathering highlights God's meticulous care for His creation and His precise execution of His plan, as also indicated in Genesis 6:20.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The Ark, as depicted in Genesis 7:15, stands as a profound prefigurement of Jesus Christ, our ultimate refuge and salvation from the world's judgment. Just as the animals were supernaturally drawn to the Ark for preservation from the flood, so too is humanity drawn by the Holy Spirit to Christ, who is the "door" through whom we must enter to find eternal life and escape the coming wrath (John 10:9). The Ark provided the sole means of salvation for all life "wherein is the breath of life," similarly, Christ is the exclusive means of salvation for all who believe, offering spiritual life and deliverance from the judgment of sin (Acts 4:12). The divine compulsion for the animals to enter the Ark foreshadows the gracious drawing of God that leads sinners to repentance and faith in Christ, for "no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44). In Christ, we find not just temporary preservation but eternal life, fulfilling the promise of a new creation and a lasting covenant, far surpassing the temporary deliverance offered by the Ark (2 Corinthians 5:17).