Scripture: This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man when they were created. When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. The days of Adam after he fathered Seth were 800 years; and he had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days that Adam lived were 930 years, and he died.
When Seth had lived 105 years, he fathered Enosh. Seth lived after he fathered Enosh 807 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Seth were 912 years, and he died.
When Enosh had lived 90 years, he fathered Kenan. Enosh lived after he fathered Kenan 815 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enosh were 905 years, and he died.
When Kenan had lived 70 years, he fathered Mahalalel. Kenan lived after he fathered Mahalalel 840 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Kenan were 910 years, and he died.
When Mahalalel had lived 65 years, he fathered Jared. Mahalalel lived after he fathered Jared 830 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Mahalalel were 895 years, and he died.
When Jared had lived 162 years, he fathered Enoch. Jared lived after he fathered Enoch 800 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Jared were 962 years, and he died.
When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.
When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he fathered Lamech. Methuselah lived after he fathered Lamech 782 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died.
When Lamech had lived 182 years, he fathered a son and called his name Noah, saying, “Out of the ground that the LORD has cursed, this one shall bring us relief from our work and from the painful toil of our hands.” Lamech lived after he fathered Noah 595 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Lamech were 777 years, and he died.
After Noah was 500 years old, Noah fathered Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Genesis 5:1-32 ESV [Click here to read the entire chapter.]
Observation: Recapping Yesterday’s Daily Focus, Moses tells us that Adam and Eve conceived another son, whom Eve appropriately named Seth (Hebrew šēṯ means “appointed”) since God “appointed” him to replace Abel, whom Cain murdered. Once an adult, Seth presumably married, and his wife bore him a son they named Enosh (Hebrew means “man”). Moses adds that during this time, people began to call on the name of the Lord (i.e., worship God).
Today’s passage covers the generations of humankind, from the creation of man to the days of Noah. In order, through the male lineage, they are:
- Adam (lived 930 years)
- Seth (lived 912 years)
- Enosh (lived 905 years)
- Kenan (lived 910 years)
- Mahalalel (lived 895 years)
- Jared (lived 962 years)
- Enoch (lived 365 years; walked with God and thus taken directly to heaven)
- Methuselah (lived 969 years; most extended life of any biblical character)
- Lamech (lived 777 years; same name as Cain’s heir)
- Noah (lived 950 years)
Moses further cites Noah’s sons:
- Shem (forefather of Israel)
- Ham (forefather of Cush, Egypt, Put, and Canaan)
- Japheth (forefather of Turks, Khazars, Chinese, Mongols, and Slavs)
Additionally, Moses quotes Lamech’s prophetic blessing through his son, Noah: “Out of the ground that the LORD has cursed, this one shall bring us relief from our work and from the painful toil of our hands” (v.29).
Takeaway: The above list has three implications beyond the genealogy of the generations before the flood. First, Moses wants his readers to grasp that God is more than the creator of life but the father of Adam and all his descendants—particularly those who call on his name and worship him (4:26; see yesterday’s Daily Focus).
The list of Adam’s progeny reveals the other two: Enoch’s ascension and Lamech’s prophecy. Regarding Enoch, Moses highlights him as the one exception to those who lived long but died: “Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him” (v.24). The Hebrew expression “walked with God” (wayyiṯhallēḵ ʾeṯ-hāʾelōhîm) appears here and later about Noah (6:9) and Abraham (17:1; 24:40) and Isaac (48:15)—all being a faithful servant of God. Thus, Enoch (along with these patriarchs) exhibited a faith in God marked by obedience to his will. God rewarded each of these men for their faith in different ways of blessing. Indeed, the faithful prophet Elijah also received the same blessing of rapture without the pains of death (2 Kings 2:11) as did Enoch. Moreover, both men point us to the ascended Christ, the Son of God in whom his Father was well pleased (Luke 25:51).
Regarding Lamech’s prophetic blessing spoken over his son Noah, his words reverse the curse provoked by the first man on the list (Adam). Also, similar to Enoch, God rescues Noah from certain death (from the flood) because he, too, “walked with God” (6:9). There is one more intriguing comparison regarding Lamech’s prophecy juxtaposed to Cain’s heir Lamech’s curse. Where one arrogantly speaks of violent revenge, the other humbly foretells God’s relief from the curse of one rebellious man (Adam).
Our takeaway? The expression “Walked with God” stands out in our passage. While all these men called on the Lord (worshiped him), only Enoch and Noah received special recognition for walking with God. Many people call on the name of the Lord, whether in Sunday worship or when in desperate need of help. Still, the question remains: Have we taken our faith to the next level, where we walk with the Lord? The Apostle John speaks much to this aspect of a maturing faith. In particular, he contrasts walking with God in the light versus the darkness (1 John 1:6-7). John adds that we must walk in the same way as Jesus—following in his footsteps (1 John 2:6). Lastly, John associates loving one another (per Christ’s command; John 13:34) with walking out our faith (2 John 1:6). So, if we want to take our faith to the next level, walking with God, then we must walk in the light of Christ’s righteousness, loving the Father and Son and others well according to the Father’s will and Son’s commands.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your Son, who always walked with you, rose from the grave, and ascended to his rightful heavenly throne. And we thank you for the Holy Spirit, who guides us in the footsteps of your Son, teaching and provoking us to love you, your Son, and others well. Still, we sometimes stray from the light into the darkness. So please help us to stay on track, following the direction of the Holy Spirit to align with your will and your Son’s commands. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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