The answer is: God

Gen 7:16

When we delve into the story of Noah’s Ark in Genesis, one of the most captivating moments is when God Himself shuts the door to the ark. This act is not just practical but deeply symbolic. It illustrates a divine intervention that signifies the separation of Noah and his family from the chaos of a world in rebellion against God. By closing the door, a clear line is drawn; on one side is safety and covenant; on the other, judgment.

Interestingly, ancient Near Eastern literature has other flood stories, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, revealing that tales of divine intervention and salvation were common in the times surrounding biblical narratives. Yet, here, God shuts the door, emphasizing His active role in safeguarding the righteous amidst calamity—a theme echoed throughout scripture.

In Matthew 25, there's a parable about a wedding banquet where the door is closed, reflecting a similar concept of opportunity and decision-making in the final judgment. The ark’s closed door stands as a powerful metaphor: it represents not just physical safety but also spiritual obedience and trust in divine wisdom.

Moreover, as the floods came, what must it have been like inside the ark? Elephants, lions, and every kind of creeping thing contained in a floating sanctuary—quite an expansive living space! This moment in history teaches us about faith amidst uncertainty and trust in divine provision, as Noah and his family waited patiently for the floodwaters to subside, highlighted by the curious symbols of hope, like the rainbow that would eventually follow washed away despair.