The answer is: God

Gen 7:16

The moment the rain began, a spectacular era of survival and divine intervention was set in motion, all tied to the closing of that massive ark door. Imagine Noah, diligently working on this colossal project with shaky hands and pounding heart, perhaps wondering about the exact moment he would have to step inside and what might come next! When it was finally time, the text shows a dramatic and powerful direction: God was the one who sealed that door shut.

This act isn’t merely a closure; it’s a profound symbol of divine protection. It emphasizes trust and the unique covenant God held with Noah amidst the chaos of a destructed world. Think about it: as the floodwaters rose, those inside had to outlast not only isolation but perhaps also a sense of creeping despair. That shut door stood as a testament to the safety inside when everything outside was perilous.

Furthermore, echoes of the flood narrative can be found in various cultures, like the Epic of Gilgamesh, showcasing a shared human fascination with catastrophes and rebirth. Noah's Ark transcends its biblical parameters; it speaks to themes of hope, resilience, and the need for grace amid calamity. Just like the rhythmic promise of change and new beginnings can mirror seasons in our own lives, Noah’s journey resonates, guiding us on what our doors might mean in moments of turbulence. Whether shut or open, they symbolize the choices we navigate in life's storms.