Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 7:13-16

"In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah`s wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark; they, and every beast after its kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort. And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh wherein is the breath of life. And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God commanded him: and Jehovah shut him in." — Genesis 7:13-16 (ASV)

The ravenous creatures were made mild and manageable; yet, when this occasion was over, they were of the same kind as before, for the ark did not alter their natures. Hypocrites in the church, who outwardly conform to the laws of that ark, are still unchanged; and it will appear, sooner or later, what kind they truly are. God continued His care for Noah.

God shut the door to secure him and keep him safe in the ark, and also to keep all others out forever. In what manner this was done, God has not chosen to reveal. Much of our gospel duty and privilege can be seen in Noah's safety in the ark. The apostle makes it a type of Christian baptism (1 Peter 3:20–21). Observe then, it is our great duty, in obedience to the gospel call, by a living faith in Christ, to enter that way of salvation which God has provided for poor sinners.

Those who come into the ark should bring as many as they can with them, by good instruction, by persuasion, and by good example. There is room enough in Christ for all who come. God put Adam into Paradise but did not shut him in, so Adam threw himself out. But when God put Noah into the ark—and similarly, when He brings a soul to Christ—the salvation is sure: it is not in our own keeping, but in the Mediator's hand.

But the door of mercy will shortly be shut against those who now make light of it. Knock now, and it shall be opened (Luke 13:25).