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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
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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During the actual exorcism, while waiting for the others, let men be with men and women with women. For now I need Noah’s ark that I may have Noah and his sons together, separate from his wife and his sons’ wives. For although the ark was one and the door was closed, yet decorum was observed. So now, though the church doors are barred and you are all inside, let distinctions be kept: men with men, women with women. Let not the principle of salvation be made a pretext for spiritual license. Keeping close together is a good rule, provided that passion is kept at a distance.
Christ was also represented in Noah, and the world, in that ark. For why were all living creatures shut up in that ark except to signify all the nations? For God did not lack the capability of creating anew every species of living things. For when no creatures were in existence, did he not say, "Let the earth bring forth" and the earth brought forth? So from the same source as he made them then, he could remake them. God made them by a word, so God could remake them by a word.
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Summary
Meticulously details the miraculous and divinely orchestrated entry of all animal kinds, specifically "two and two, the male and the female," into Noah's Ark, in precise fulfillment of God's explicit command. This pivotal verse underscores the absolute sovereignty of God over His creation, Noah's unwavering and meticulous obedience, and God's merciful yet just intent to preserve life amidst the impending global judgment, setting the stage for a new beginning.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the dramatic and somber narrative of the Great Flood, a cataclysmic event designed by God to cleanse the earth of its pervasive wickedness and violence, as detailed in Genesis 6:5-7. Following God's decision to destroy all living things, Noah, uniquely found righteous in a corrupt generation, was chosen to build an ark and preserve a remnant of life. Prior to this, God had given Noah remarkably detailed instructions regarding the ark's construction (Genesis 6:14-16) and the mandate to bring living creatures into it (Genesis 6:19-20). Genesis 7:9 serves as a crucial narrative pivot, confirming the precise execution of these commands just before the floodwaters begin, emphasizing the divine orchestration of the animals' arrival and Noah's complete faithfulness. The preceding verses in Genesis 7 describe the final preparations, including the specific numbers of clean and unclean animals (Genesis 7:2-3), culminating in the animals' entry.
Historical & Cultural Context
The ancient Near East (ANE) abounds with flood narratives, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Atrahasis Epic. However, the biblical account in Genesis 6, Genesis 7, Genesis 8, Genesis 9 stands apart in its monotheistic framework, moral emphasis, and the unique character of God. Unlike the capricious deities of ANE myths, the God of Israel acts with righteous judgment against human sin and violence, demonstrating both justice and mercy. The concept of a global flood was not alien to ancient peoples, but the biblical narrative presents it as a direct, purposeful act of the one true God. The societal context was one of profound moral decay, where "every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). Noah's obedience, therefore, stands in stark contrast to the prevailing rebellion, highlighting the importance of covenant faithfulness in a world steeped in idolatry and violence. The mention of "male and female" also reflects the fundamental understanding of biological reproduction necessary for the continuation of life, a concept universally understood in ancient cultures.
Key Themes
Genesis 7:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Providence, as God actively orchestrates the miraculous gathering of animals, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and His meticulous plan for preservation. Another key theme is Human Obedience as a Path to Salvation, exemplified by Noah's unwavering adherence to God's seemingly impossible commands, echoing the repeated affirmation that "Noah did everything just as God commanded him" (Genesis 6:22 and Genesis 7:5). This verse also highlights God's Care for All Creation, as He ensures the preservation of every animal kind, not just humanity, underscoring His intention for the continuation of life and the biodiversity of the earth. Finally, it reinforces the themes of Judgment and Preservation, where God's righteous judgment against sin is met with His merciful provision for a remnant, marking a new beginning for humanity and creation.
Exposition and Analysis
Genesis 7:9 describes the precise and miraculous moment when the diverse animal kingdom converged upon the Ark, a profound testament to both divine power and human faithfulness. The verse paints a vivid picture of an orderly procession, directly fulfilling God's prior instructions to Noah.
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H935) signifies a movement of entering or coming. In this context, it carries a strong implication of supernatural agency. The animals did not need to be hunted or gathered by Noah; rather, they "went in" themselves, implying a divine impulse or leading that drew them to the Ark. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over His creation, compelling even wild beasts to obey His will for the preservation of life.
Derived from a root meaning "remembered" or "noteworthy" (H2145), this term specifically denotes the male sex of humans or animals. Its inclusion here, paired with "female," emphasizes God's intention for the continuation of species after the Flood. The preservation of breeding pairs ensured the repopulation of the earth, demonstrating God's foresight and commitment to the future of His creation.
This term (H5347) specifically refers to the female sex, often derived from a root related to "piercing" or "form," indicating the sexual form. Its pairing with "male" in this verse underscores the biological necessity for reproduction and the comprehensive nature of God's preservation plan, ensuring that no "kind" would be lost.
This plural noun (H430), used with a singular verb, refers to the supreme God. Its presence here is crucial, identifying the ultimate authority and source of the command. It emphasizes that the entire event, from the command to the miraculous gathering of animals, was orchestrated by the divine, sovereign Creator.
This primitive root (H6680) means "to constitute" or "enjoin," signifying a forceful and authoritative directive. The use of this word underscores the imperative nature of God's instructions to Noah. It was not a suggestion but a divine decree, highlighting Noah's complete and faithful obedience to a direct, specific, and non-negotiable divine mandate.
Verse Breakdown
"There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark"
This phrase highlights the miraculous and divinely orchestrated nature of the event. The passive construction, "there went in," strongly suggests that the animals were not gathered by human effort but were supernaturally compelled or guided to the Ark. The repetition of "two and two" (Hebrew: shenayim shenayim) is a distributive plural, emphasizing the meticulous pairing of each kind of animal, underscoring the precise and orderly nature of their entry. This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over His creation, compelling even wild beasts to obey His will for the preservation of life.
"the male and the female"
This specification underscores God's intention for the continuation of species after the Flood. By preserving breeding pairs, God ensured the repopulation of the earth, demonstrating His foresight and commitment to the future of His creation. While Genesis 7:2 specifies seven pairs for clean animals and two for unclean, Genesis 7:9 provides a general summary, emphasizing the fundamental male-female pairing for all kinds as the biological basis for their survival and future propagation.
"as God had commanded Noah"
This concluding phrase is central to the verse's meaning and serves as a powerful affirmation of Noah's complete and faithful obedience. It echoes Genesis 6:22, which states, "Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he," and is reiterated throughout the flood narrative (e.g., Genesis 7:5). This repeated emphasis reinforces the theme that Noah's salvation, and the preservation of life, was directly contingent upon his unwavering adherence to divine instructions. His faithfulness was not merely in building the Ark, but in meticulously following every detail, including the miraculous gathering and pairing of animals.
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Repetition is evident in the recurring phrase "as God had commanded Noah" (or similar variations) throughout the flood narrative, emphasizing Noah's consistent and unwavering obedience, which is foundational to his role in God's redemptive plan. This repetition underscores the divine authority behind the instructions and the human faithfulness in their execution. The phrase "There went in" uses a Divine Passive, implying that the action was not initiated by Noah but by God Himself, who supernaturally guided the animals. This device highlights God's absolute Sovereignty over creation, demonstrating His power to compel nature to His will. Furthermore, the Ark itself functions as Symbolism, representing God's provision of salvation amidst judgment, a vessel of new creation and hope in the face of universal destruction.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 7:9 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in His creation, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and meticulous providence. The miraculous assembly of animals, without human intervention, underscores that God is not a distant deity but one who orchestrates the smallest details to accomplish His grand purposes. This verse also highlights the critical theological principle that salvation is often contingent upon obedient faith. Noah's unwavering adherence to God's specific and seemingly impossible commands, even in the face of widespread unbelief, serves as a powerful example of how obedience is a fundamental aspect of faith and the means by which God brings about His redemptive plan. Moreover, God's comprehensive care for all His creation is evident in the preservation of male and female pairs of every animal kind, revealing His intention for the continuation of life and the rich biodiversity of the earth.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 7:9 offers profound lessons for believers today, primarily emphasizing the vital importance of obedience to God's revealed will. Just as Noah meticulously followed every divine instruction, even when the task seemed overwhelming or the logic unclear, we are called to trust and obey God's Word in our lives, recognizing that His commands are always for our good and His glory. This verse also encourages us to trust in God's sovereign provision; the miraculous way the animals entered the Ark teaches us that God will accomplish His purposes, often in ways beyond our comprehension, and we can rest assured in His mighty hand to provide for His plans. Furthermore, God's deep care for all creation, evident in the preservation of every animal kind, reminds us of our own responsibility as stewards of the earth and its creatures, reflecting God's concern for the natural world and prompting us to participate in its care.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How did the animals "go in" to the ark without Noah gathering them?
The text states, "There went in," implying a supernatural or divinely orchestrated event. It is understood that God supernaturally compelled or guided the animals to the Ark, rather than Noah having to hunt, capture, or herd them. This highlights God's sovereign control over His creation and the miraculous nature of the event, demonstrating His power to bring about His will through extraordinary means. This divine intervention underscores that the preservation of life was entirely God's doing, not merely a human feat.
Why were the animals paired "two and two" if some were clean and others unclean?
Genesis 7:9 provides a general summary, emphasizing the fundamental pairing of "male and female" for the purpose of preservation and repopulation. Earlier in Genesis 7:2, God specified that Noah was to take seven pairs of clean animals and two pairs of unclean animals. The "two and two" in Genesis 7:9 serves as a general statement of the minimum requirement for all kinds to ensure their survival and continuation, while the more detailed instruction in Genesis 7:2 accounts for the need for clean animals for sacrifice and greater propagation after the Flood.
What is the significance of the phrase "as God had commanded Noah"?
This phrase is crucial as it underscores Noah's unwavering obedience and faithfulness to God's detailed instructions. It emphasizes that the entire event, including the gathering of the animals, was not a human endeavor but a direct fulfillment of divine command. It highlights Noah's exemplary trust in God and the precision with which God's will was carried out. This repeated affirmation throughout the flood narrative (e.g., Genesis 6:22 and Genesis 7:5) serves to establish Noah as a paradigm of righteous obedience, a key theme in the biblical narrative.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Genesis 7:9, with its depiction of the Ark as a divinely appointed vessel of salvation amidst global judgment, powerfully foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Ark provided the sole means of escape from the devastating flood, Jesus Christ is the exclusive means of salvation from God's righteous judgment against sin, as declared in Acts 4:12. Noah's perfect obedience, evidenced by his meticulous adherence to God's commands regarding the Ark and its inhabitants, prefigures the perfect obedience of Christ, who "became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8). The preservation of life through the Ark, ensuring a new beginning for creation, points to the new creation and eternal life offered to those who are "in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:17), where believers are saved from the wrath to come (Romans 5:9) and brought into a new covenant reality through His atoning sacrifice (Hebrews 8:6). The orderly entry of the animals, guided by God's unseen hand, also speaks to the divine orchestration of salvation, where God draws people to Himself through the Spirit (John 6:44).