Like when Noah is safely tucked away in the ark, the Torah tells us, "And the Lord shut him in, closing the doors of the ark" (Genesis 7:16). Okay, so God closed the door. Makes sense, right? But why mention it at all?

The rabbis of old weren't ones to let a seemingly minor detail pass without investigation. They believed every word, every letter, held layers of meaning. And so, they asked: What’s the significance of this extra little phrase?

One fascinating answer comes from The Midrash of Philo, a collection of interpretations attributed to the famous Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria. Now, it's worth noting that scholars debate the actual authorship and origins of this midrash, but that doesn't diminish the insight it offers.

So, what does The Midrash of Philo suggest? The question posed is simple: "What is the meaning of the expression, "And the Lord shut him in, closing the doors of the ark?" (Genesis 7:16)."

The rabbis see in this verse a profound act of divine protection and encompassing love. It wasn't just about keeping the flood out. It was about drawing Noah and his family in.

Think about it. The flood was a time of unimaginable chaos, of destruction on a scale never seen before. The outside world was literally dissolving. By personally closing the door, God wasn't just sealing the ark. He was offering a tangible embrace, a promise of safety within that wooden vessel.

It's like a parent tucking a child into bed, pulling the covers up tight. The gesture itself is a comfort, a reassurance that "you are safe here, under my care." The image of God Himself closing the door speaks volumes.

Perhaps it's a reminder that even in the midst of global catastrophe, God is present in the details. In the small act of closing a door. In the promise of refuge.

And isn't that something we can all take to heart, especially in our own turbulent times? To look for those small, quiet acts of divine care, those moments when we feel "shut in" by a loving presence, safe from the storms raging outside. To recognize, even in the midst of difficulty, that we are held.