INTRODUCTION: In Genesis 4, we were given a record of Cain and his descendents. In Genesis 5, the emphasis changes to Seth and his progeny. As none of Cain's seed survived the Flood we are all descended from Seth through Noah and his sons.I. THE CHAPTER INTRODUCTION - verses 1-2.
In vs. 1-2, we have an explanation of the contents of chapter 5 and a short review of man's creation. Two things are worthy of note:A. Only here and in Matthew 1:1, is the phrase "book of the generations" used in the Bible. Interestingly it is used in Genesis of Adam and in Matthew of Jesus Christ, the last Adam.
B. Notice that in verse 2, both the man and the woman are called Adam. The word Adam is simply the generic Hebrew word for "man," though it was also the first man's personal name. This knowledge casts light upon Christ's title as the "last Adam" [I Corinthians 15:45]. As Adam was the representative of his descendents, so Christ came as the "last man" to represent His people at Calvary.
II. A GENEALOGY OF SETH - verses 3-20.
The notable thing here is the longevity of these ancient men.* There is no reason to understand these years to beIII. ENOCH - verses 21-27.
Here we meet one of the most interesting men in Scripture. Of Enoch we know several things:A. Enoch was the seventh from Adam through Seth [Jude 14-15]. It is interesting to note that Lamech was the seventh from Adam through Cain [Genesis 4:18-24]. Enoch was a godly man, while Lamech was a rebel. This casts light upon the influence of Cain and Seth on their families.
B. Enoch walked with God - verse 24.
C. Enoch preached to his wicked generation [Jude 14-15].
D. Enoch pleased God [Hebrews 11:5].
E. Enoch was translated into God's presence so that he never saw death [verse 24; Hebrews 11:5]. This brings us to the interesting question as to what caused Enoch's conversion. In verses 21 & 22, we see that he came to walk with God after the birth of Methuselah at age sixty-five. Methuselah's name was prophetic and referred to the coming of the flood. In essence Enoch was told that at Methuselah's death the flood would come. Doubtless this produced his conversion and his fiery preaching. (Is it noteworthy that the man whose life-span was the length of time until God sent the flood, longer than any other man? Does this not illustrate the longsuffering of God?)
IV. DESCENDANTS OF LAMECH - verses 28-32.
Lamech (not to be confused with Cain's descendant) was the father of Noah. Noah's name meant "rest" or "comfort." In some way Lamech looked upon Noah as one given to comfort him as he labored on a sin-cursed earth. Notice that Noah had many brothers and sisters. Sadly, none of them repented and entered the Ark. Noah truly stood alone for Christ. The chapter ends by giving the names of Noah's three sons. Through these men the earth was re-populated after the flood.__________________
* The longevity of men in early times must have greatly aided the passing on of history and traditions. There was only 126 years between Adam's death and Noah's birth. The depravity of man is also exposed in man's rebellion in the face of knowledge. Consider, for instance, that Shem who was on the Ark was still alive when the tower of Babel was built (See addenda). anything other than normal solar years. Many reasons for this extended life-span have been suggested. Perhaps sin had not yet produced its full damage to the genetic and physical makeup of man. Some have thought that perhaps the earth's climate and environment were quite different before the flood. All of this is, of course, mere theory. We are satisfied to know God permitted it. Sadly, however, long life did not promote godliness [Genesis 6:5].
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