Genesis 7:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The phrase "as God commanded Noah" is included not without purpose; it serves to honor the just man, highlighting how he obeyed all the Lord's instructions and left nothing unaccomplished that was conveyed to him.

Noah serves as a foreshadowing of Christ, and the ark represents the entirety of the earth. The purpose of placing all the animals into the ark was to symbolize the various nations. God did not require these creatures to fashion anew every species of living being. When they were absent, did He not command the earth to bring forth life, and the earth complied? (See Gen. 1:24) Therefore, just as He formed them in the past, He can also create them now; as He brought them into existence through His word, so too would He recreate them by His word. By housing them in the ark, did He not unveil the mystery and fulfill the prophecy, presenting within the wood of the ark the representation of all nations, for on that wood was established the very essence of life for all peoples?

In moments of enchantment, until the arrival of further sorcerers, the men should remain with the men, while the women should stay with the women. Additionally, let us recall Noah's ark. Within it were Noah, his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives. Despite being alone and the door being closed, all was well inside. Even if the temple and all it contains are sealed, there must still be a distinction among you: men must remain with men, and women with women, so that what is meant for salvation does not lead to ruin. It is acceptable to be seated next to each other, but passions should be set aside.