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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 7:5–10.
Here is Noah's ready obedience to the commands that God gave him. Observe, 1. He went into the ark, upon notice that the flood would come after seven days, though probably as yet there appeared no visible sign of its approach, no cloud arising that threatened it, nothing done towards it, but all continued serene and clear; for, as he prepared the ark by faith in the warning given that the flood would come, so he went into it by faith in this warning that it would come quickly, though he did not see that the second causes had yet begun to work. In every step he took, he walked by faith, and not by sense. During these seven days, it is likely, he was settling himself and his family in the ark, and distributing the creatures into their several apartments. This was the conclusion of that visible sermon which he had long been preaching to his careless neighbours, and which, one would think, might have awakened them; but, not obtaining that desired end, it left their blood upon their own heads. 2. He took all his family along with him, his wife, to be his companion and comfort (though it should seem that, after this, he had no children by her), his sons, and his sons' wives, that by them not only his family, but the world of mankind, might be built up. Observe, Though men were to be reduced to so small a number, and it would be very desirable to have the world speedily repeopled, yet Noah's sons were each of them to have but one wife, which strengthens the argument against having many wives; for from the beginning of this new world it was not so: as, at first, God made, so now he kept alive, but one woman for one man. See Mat 19:4, Mat 19:8. 3. The brute creatures readily went in with him. The same hand that at first brought them to Adam to be named now brought them to Noah to be preserved. The ox now knew his owner, and the ass his protector's crib, nay, even the wildest creatures flocked to it; but man had become more brutish than the brutes themselves, and did not know, did not consider, Isa 1:3.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
God granted one hundred years while the ark was being made to that generation, and still they did not repent. God summoned beasts that they had never seen and still they showed no remorse. He established a state of peace between the predatory animals and those who are preyed upon, and still they had no awe. God delayed yet seven more days for them, even after Noah and every creature had entered the ark, leaving the gate of the ark open to them. This is a wondrous thing that no lion remembered its jungle and no species of beast or bird visited its customary haunt! Although those of that generation saw all that went on outside and inside the ark, they were still not persuaded to renounce their evil deeds.
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Summary
Genesis 7:5 serves as a pivotal declaration, succinctly confirming Noah's complete and unwavering obedience to every divine instruction regarding the construction of the ark and the intricate preparations for the impending global flood. This verse marks the culmination of decades of diligent labor and faithful adherence to God's precise commands, signifying Noah's readiness to enter the ark just as the moment of divine judgment was imminent upon a world steeped in corruption. It underscores the profound integrity of Noah's faith, demonstrated through his sustained and meticulous action.
Context
Literary Context
Genesis 7:5 is strategically placed at the climax of the narrative detailing the ark's construction and immediately preceding the deluge itself. It follows God's initial detailed commands for building the ark in Genesis 6:14-21 and the subsequent affirmation of Noah's righteousness and the covenant in Genesis 6:9-13. The preceding verse, Genesis 7:4, explicitly states God's intention to send rain in seven days, making Noah's obedience in verse 5 the final, crucial act of preparation before the judgment commences. This verse functions as a powerful summary statement, repeatedly affirming Noah's complete compliance, echoing earlier declarations like Genesis 6:22, thus emphasizing the consistent and total nature of his faithfulness leading up to the flood.
Historical & Cultural Context
The world before the flood, as depicted in Genesis 6, was characterized by pervasive wickedness and violence, where "every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). In such a morally degenerate society, Noah's decision to obey God's seemingly absurd command to build a massive ark in a land that had likely never experienced rain would have been met with ridicule, skepticism, and perhaps even hostility. The cultural norms of the time would have offered no precedent for such a catastrophic event, making Noah's faith-driven labor an extraordinary act of counter-cultural conviction. Geographically, the construction of the ark would have been a monumental undertaking, requiring immense resources, time, and sustained effort, all in anticipation of a global flood, an event entirely outside the known experience of humanity.
Key Themes
Genesis 7:5 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes within the Noahic narrative and the broader book of Genesis. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Judgment, as God's absolute authority to command and execute judgment upon a sinful world is clearly demonstrated. Noah's obedience highlights the theme of Righteousness by Faith, showing that true faith is not passive belief but active, sustained obedience to God's revealed will, as later expounded in Hebrews 11:7. This verse also contributes to the theme of Preservation and Salvation, as Noah's meticulous adherence to God's instructions is the means by which he, his family, and all land-dwelling life are preserved through the cataclysm. Finally, it underscores the theme of Covenant Fidelity, as Noah's obedience is a vital component of the unfolding covenant relationship between God and humanity, culminating in the post-flood covenant of Genesis 9.
Exposition and Analysis
Genesis 7:5 states, "¶ And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him." This concise declaration, appearing at a critical juncture, powerfully encapsulates Noah's faithful response to God's detailed instructions for building the ark and preparing for the deluge. The phrase "according unto all that the LORD commanded him" is paramount, emphasizing that Noah's obedience was not partial or selective, but total and unwavering, encompassing every single detail. This highlights a profound commitment to God's will, demonstrating a faith that was active and enduring, even in the face of immense societal opposition and the unprecedented nature of God's warning.
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "rest." This name, ironically, is associated with the one who brought "rest" through judgment and a new beginning. In this verse, Noah is presented as the obedient agent through whom God's plan for preservation and renewal is executed. His very name, "rest," points to the ultimate outcome of God's judgment and the new era of peace established after the flood.
A primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." This verb signifies not merely hearing or intending but the full and complete execution, performance, and accomplishment of a task. When applied to Noah, it emphasizes his active, diligent, and sustained effort over many years to fulfill God's complex and demanding instructions, transforming divine command into tangible reality.
A primitive root meaning "to constitute, enjoin; appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge." This word denotes a divine imperative, a direct and authoritative instruction from God. The use of "commanded" highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His right to issue directives, which Noah, in turn, completely honored, demonstrating the proper human response to divine authority.
Verse Breakdown
"And Noah did"
This opening phrase immediately establishes Noah as the subject of action. The verb "did" (Hebrew: ʻâsâh') implies not just a passive agreement but an active, diligent, and comprehensive execution of tasks. It signifies that Noah was fully engaged in the monumental work of building the ark and gathering the animals, transforming God's verbal commands into physical reality through sustained effort.
"according unto all that the LORD"
This crucial phrase underscores the absolute completeness and precision of Noah's obedience. The inclusion of "all" emphasizes that no detail, no instruction, no part of God's command was overlooked or neglected. It highlights a meticulous adherence to divine blueprint and purpose, demonstrating a faith that trusted God's wisdom in every particular, no matter how seemingly insignificant or challenging. The phrase "the LORD" (Hebrew: Yᵉhôvâh') identifies the divine source of the command as the covenant-keeping God, whose word is authoritative and reliable.
"commanded him"
This final segment reinforces the divine origin and authoritative nature of the instructions. Noah's actions were not self-initiated or based on human wisdom but were a direct, submissive response to God's explicit directives. This highlights the master-servant relationship, where the servant's duty is to perfectly carry out the master's will, validating God's sovereign right to command and judge.
Literary Devices
Genesis 7:5 employs several powerful literary devices. Repetition is a key technique, as the phrase "Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him" or similar variations (e.g., Genesis 6:22, Genesis 7:16) frequently appears in the Noahic narrative. This repetition serves to emphasize Noah's consistent and perfect obedience, making it a central theme and highlighting his unique righteousness in a corrupt world. The verse also functions as a form of Summary Statement, concisely wrapping up the long period of ark construction and preparation, signaling the immediate transition to the flood itself. Furthermore, there is an element of Foreshadowing and Typology at play; Noah's obedience, which leads to salvation through a vessel, foreshadows a greater salvation to come. The ark, built by obedience, becomes a symbol of deliverance through judgment, pointing to the ultimate salvation found in Christ.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 7:5 stands as a profound theological statement, affirming God's absolute sovereignty and the critical importance of human obedience as a demonstration of genuine faith. Noah's complete compliance underscores the truth that God's commands are not arbitrary but are expressions of His perfect will, designed for humanity's preservation and His glory. His obedience is presented not as a means to earn salvation, but as the fruit of a righteous standing before God, a faith that trusts God's word implicitly, even when it demands extraordinary effort and seems contrary to human reason. This verse highlights that true faith is always active, leading to a life characterized by diligent and sustained submission to divine authority, preparing the faithful for God's redemptive purposes amidst judgment.
Reflection and Application
Noah's unwavering obedience in Genesis 7:5 offers a timeless and profound challenge for believers today, prompting us to examine the depth and completeness of our own submission to God's commands. In a world that often prioritizes personal autonomy, instant gratification, and questions divine authority, Noah exemplifies the profound wisdom and blessing of total surrender to God's word, even over decades of unseen labor. His story encourages us to trust God's instructions fully, even when they seem difficult, illogical, or contrary to prevailing worldly wisdom, understanding that true faith is not passive intellectual assent but an active, enduring commitment that compels us to act on His teachings consistently in our daily lives. We are called to persevere in faithfulness, even when immediate benefits are not apparent, when facing opposition or ridicule, or when the task seems overwhelming. Ultimately, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God honors and preserves those who faithfully and completely obey His commands, preparing them for His divine purposes and delivering them through life's inevitable storms.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was Noah's obedience unique, or is it a model for all believers?
While Noah's specific task of building the ark was unique in its scale and context, his pattern of complete and sustained obedience to God's revealed will serves as a universal and enduring model for all believers. The Bible consistently calls for obedience as a fundamental demonstration of faith and love for God, as seen in passages like John 14:15 and 1 John 5:3. Noah's life illustrates that genuine faith is active and results in a life of submission to God's authority.
How could Noah obey "all" that the LORD commanded him if he didn't know when the flood would come?
Noah's obedience to "all that the LORD commanded him" refers specifically to the detailed instructions given for the ark's construction, its dimensions, the materials, the gathering of the animals, and the provisions, as outlined in Genesis 6:14-21. His obedience was in diligently completing the monumental task God set before him, trusting God for the timing and outcome of the flood itself. His faith was in God's word and His promise, not in his own understanding of the precise timeline. The final command to enter the ark came only seven days before the flood, as stated in Genesis 7:4, at which point Noah again obeyed perfectly.
Does Noah's obedience imply that humans can earn salvation through works?
No, Noah's obedience does not imply salvation by works. Rather, his obedience was a response to God's grace and a tangible demonstration of his faith, not a means of earning favor or salvation. Hebrews 11:7 explicitly states that "by faith Noah... prepared an ark to the saving of his house." His righteousness was imputed to him by faith, and his works were the fruit and evidence of that faith, not its root or cause. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that salvation is by grace through faith, as articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Noah's complete and unwavering obedience in Genesis 7:5 serves as a profound foreshadowing of the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all of God's commands and the righteous requirements of the law, not for His own salvation, but for ours (Matthew 5:17). Just as Noah's faithful obedience prepared the way for the physical salvation of humanity and the renewal of the earth through the ark, Christ's perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, secured eternal salvation and new creation for all who believe (Romans 5:19). The ark, meticulously built by Noah's faithful submission to God's word, serves as a powerful type of Christ, our ultimate ark of salvation, through whom we are delivered from the judgment of sin and brought into new life and communion with God (1 Peter 3:20-21). In Christ, we find not merely a temporary reprieve from physical judgment, but eternal deliverance and reconciliation with God, made possible by His perfect obedience on our behalf.