Genesis 7:16

And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.

And they that went in {H935}, went in {H935} male {H2145} and female {H5347} of all flesh {H1320}, as God {H430} had commanded {H6680} him: and the LORD {H3068} shut him in {H5462}.

Those that entered went in, male and female, from every kind of living being, as God had ordered him; and Adonai shut him inside.

And they entered, the male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the LORD shut him in.

And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God commanded him: and Jehovah shut him in.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 7:16 is a pivotal moment in the biblical account of the Great Flood. It immediately follows the detailed description of all the animals, birds, and creeping things entering Noah's Ark, two by two, and seven by seven for clean animals, as instructed by God. This verse marks the completion of the preparations and the sealing of the Ark before the commencement of the global deluge. It underscores Noah's faithful obedience to God's precise instructions, which had been reiterated multiple times (e.g., Genesis 6:19-20, Genesis 7:2-3).

Key Themes

  • Divine Command and Human Obedience: The phrase "as God had commanded him" highlights Noah's unwavering obedience. His actions were not arbitrary but a direct response to God's specific instructions, demonstrating faith in the unseen.
  • God's Sovereignty and Protection: The powerful statement "and the LORD shut him in" reveals God's direct, sovereign involvement. It was not Noah who sealed the Ark, but God Himself. This act signifies divine protection for those inside and marks the beginning of judgment for those outside. It illustrates God's absolute control over creation and destiny.
  • Separation and Salvation: The shutting of the door created a clear separation between the saved and the condemned. The Ark became a sanctuary, a vessel of salvation from the impending destruction, foreshadowing a broader biblical theme of salvation through divine provision.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is YHWH (Yahweh), emphasizing God's personal, covenantal name. This choice of name highlights that it is the faithful, covenant-keeping God who is actively involved in preserving Noah and his family. The phrase "shut him in" (Hebrew: ืกึธื’ึทืจ - sagar) implies a complete and secure sealing. It conveys the idea that once God closes a door, it cannot be opened by human effort, signifying finality and divine authority.

Practical Application

Genesis 7:16 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Commands: Just as Noah obeyed without fully understanding the magnitude of the coming event, we are called to trust and obey God's word even when the path is unclear or challenging. Our obedience is an act of faith.
  • God's Unwavering Protection: This verse is a powerful reminder that when God protects, He does so completely. For those who are "in Christ," there is a spiritual security akin to Noah's physical security in the Ark. This divine sealing offers comfort and assurance in times of turmoil.
  • The Urgency of God's Call: The closing of the Ark's door signifies a point of no return. Similarly, the Bible speaks of a time when the door to salvation will be shut, emphasizing the urgency of responding to God's call for repentance and faith now. This act of divine judgment and salvation is echoed in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 24:37-39).
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Cross-References

  • Matthew 25:10 (8 votes)

    And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

  • Luke 13:25 (8 votes)

    When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

  • Psalms 91:1 (5 votes)

    ยถ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

  • Psalms 91:10 (5 votes)

    There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

  • Genesis 7:2 (4 votes)

    Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that [are] not clean by two, the male and his female.

  • Genesis 7:3 (4 votes)

    Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.

  • 2 Kings 4:4 (4 votes)

    And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.