Genesis 7:9 - Pairs fulfill divine command.

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Hebrew Text

שְׁנַיִם שְׁנַיִם בָּאוּ אֶל־נֹחַ אֶל־הַתֵּבָה זָכָר וּנְקֵבָה כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה אֱלֹהִים אֶת־נֹחַ׃

English Translation

there went in two and two to Noaĥ into the ark, male and female, as God had commanded Noaĥ.

Transliteration

Shnayim shnayim ba'u el-noach el-hateiva zachar unekeiva ka'asher tziva Elohim et-Noach.

Hebrew Leining Text

שְׁנַ֨יִם שְׁנַ֜יִם בָּ֧אוּ אֶל־נֹ֛חַ אֶל־הַתֵּבָ֖ה זָכָ֣ר וּנְקֵבָ֑ה כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת־נֹֽחַ׃

Parasha Commentary

The Command and Its Fulfillment

The verse states that the animals entered the ark "two and two... male and female, as God had commanded Noah." Rashi (Bereshit 6:19) explains that this demonstrates Noah's complete adherence to Hashem's command. Even though gathering and caring for all these animals was a monumental task, Noah meticulously followed the divine instruction without deviation.

The Significance of "Two and Two"

The phrasing "שְׁנַיִם שְׁנַיִם" (two and two) emphasizes the orderly and deliberate manner in which the animals entered. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 32:8) notes that the animals came of their own accord, guided by divine providence, rather than Noah having to gather them himself. This highlights the miraculous nature of the event.

Male and Female Pairs

The Torah specifies that the animals entered as "זָכָר וּנְקֵבָה" (male and female). Ramban (Bereshit 6:19) comments that this was essential for the preservation of each species after the flood. The inclusion of both genders ensured the continuation of life on earth, fulfilling Hashem's plan for the world's repopulation.

Noah's Righteousness in Fulfilling the Command

The concluding phrase, "as God had commanded Noah," is interpreted by the Sforno as underscoring Noah's righteousness. Unlike the generation of the flood, who acted according to their own desires, Noah subordinated his will entirely to Hashem's command, thereby meriting salvation.

Rashi: Highlights Noah's exact fulfillment of the command.
Midrash: Stresses the miraculous aspect of the animals' arrival.
Ramban: Explains the necessity of male and female pairs for species survival.
Sforno: Contrasts Noah's obedience with the corruption of his generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the animals enter the ark in pairs?
A: According to Rashi, the animals entered the ark in male and female pairs to ensure the continuation of their species after the flood. This was in direct fulfillment of Hashem's command to Noach (Genesis 6:19-20) to preserve all life.

Q: What can we learn from how the animals entered the ark?
A: The Midrash teaches that the orderly pairing of the animals demonstrates how all of creation follows Hashem's will perfectly. Unlike humans who sometimes disobey, the animals entered 'as God had commanded Noach' without hesitation, showing complete obedience to divine instruction.

Q: Were all animals required to come in pairs?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) explains that while most animals came in male-female pairs, some kosher animals that Noach would later offer as sacrifices came in seven pairs (based on Genesis 7:2). This shows the importance of having extra kosher animals available for divine service.

Q: How does this verse show Noach's righteousness?
A: Rambam teaches that this verse highlights Noach's complete faithfulness in carrying out Hashem's commands exactly as instructed. Despite the enormous task, Noach meticulously ensured every species arrived in the proper numbers, demonstrating his righteousness through precise obedience.

Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'as God had commanded Noach'?
A: Sforno explains that this phrase emphasizes that the animals' entry wasn't random natural behavior, but a miraculous fulfillment of divine will. The repetition of this idea throughout the flood narrative underscores that every detail occurred through Hashem's precise providence.