Genesis 7:16 - Divine protection in flood's chaos.

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Hebrew Text

וְהַבָּאִים זָכָר וּנְקֵבָה מִכָּל־בָּשָׂר בָּאוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה אֹתוֹ אֱלֹהִים וַיִּסְגֹּר יְהוָה בַּעֲדוֹ׃

English Translation

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

Transliteration

Vehaba'im zakhar unekeva mikol basar ba'u ka'asher tziva oto Elohim vayisgor Adonai ba'ado.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַבָּאִ֗ים זָכָ֨ר וּנְקֵבָ֤ה מִכׇּל־בָּשָׂר֙ בָּ֔אוּ כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה אֹת֖וֹ אֱלֹהִ֑ים וַיִּסְגֹּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה בַּֽעֲדֽוֹ׃

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Bereishit 7:16) describes the entry of animals and humans into Noah's Ark before the flood. The phrase "male and female of all flesh" emphasizes the fulfillment of Hashem's command to preserve every species. Rashi explains that this repetition ("male and female") underscores that they entered in pairs for reproduction, as per Hashem's instruction (Bereishit 6:19). The phrase "as God had commanded him" highlights Noah's complete adherence to divine will, a theme praised in Midrash Tanchuma (Noach 5), which notes Noah's meticulous obedience.

The Significance of "Hashem Shut Him In"

The closing of the Ark by Hashem ("וַיִּסְגֹּר יְהוָה בַּעֲדוֹ") carries deep theological meaning. Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that this act demonstrated divine protection, ensuring the Ark's safety against the floodwaters. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) elaborates that Hashem's involvement signified a miraculous safeguarding, as the Ark's door would have been impossible to seal naturally against such forces. This reflects the principle of hashgacha pratit (divine providence) over the righteous.

Noah's Righteousness and Human Responsibility

Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (32:6) contrasts Noah's passive righteousness ("he walked with God," Bereishit 6:9) with Abraham's active outreach ("walk before Me," Bereishit 17:1). The phrase "as God had commanded him" here reinforces Noah's exact compliance but also invites discussion on the balance between obedience and proactive moral leadership. The Zohar (Noach 67a) suggests that the Ark's closure symbolizes the separation of the righteous from a corrupt world, a recurring theme in Jewish thought.

Lessons from the Animals' Entry

The orderly pairing ("male and female") teaches about the sanctity of creation's continuity. The Sforno notes that even animals followed divine will instinctively, while humans required explicit commands—a reminder of humanity's higher moral responsibility. The Malbim adds that the inclusion of "all flesh" (not just "animals") hints at the universal scope of the flood's judgment and renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that 'the Lord shut him in' in Genesis 7:16?
A: Rashi explains that this phrase means Hashem protected Noach and his family by closing the ark securely, ensuring they would be safe from the floodwaters. It shows Divine protection over those who follow Hashem's commandments.

Q: Why does the verse mention that the animals entered 'male and female'?
A: The Torah emphasizes this detail to show that Noach followed Hashem's command precisely (Genesis 6:19-20). The Midrash teaches that this demonstrates the importance of preserving all species and maintaining the natural order according to Hashem's will.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 7:16 about following commandments?
A: The verse teaches that Noach meticulously obeyed Hashem's instructions ('as God had commanded him'). The Rambam teaches that this sets an example for us to fulfill mitzvos with precision and trust in Hashem's wisdom, even when we don't understand the reasons.

Q: How does the concept of 'Hashem shutting the ark' apply to us today?
A: The Talmud (Pesachim 2a) derives from this that Hashem protects those who are engaged in mitzvos. Just as Noach was safeguarded while fulfilling Hashem's command, we too merit Divine protection when we properly observe Torah commandments.

Q: Why is this verse important in the story of Noach?
A: This verse marks the completion of Noach's preparation and the beginning of the flood. The Sforno notes that it shows the transition from human effort (Noach building the ark) to Divine intervention (Hashem sealing it), teaching that our actions must be accompanied by trust in Hashem.