Today’s passage: Genesis 5:1-32
Helpful thoughts:
- Today, we read the genealogy from Adam to Noah, through Adam’s son, Seth.
- Not every child is named, as is stated in the text. Many other children were born. These names are the specific men who bring us to the narrative of Noah.
- Some have attempted to argue these long life spans are only symbolic and literary. But, there are no convincing arguments against a literal interpretation. Furthermore, God specifically mentions the need to shorten lifespans in the next chapter of Genesis (6:3)! Psalm 90:10 gives the typical life expectancy which is still true today.
- “Enoch walked with God, and he was not.” There are two men in scripture who did not die like every other person. Enoch and Elijah (2 Kings 2:1-12).
Questions to consider:
- This chapter begins with a reminder that Adam was made after the image of God. What words are used to describe Seth? What would be the implications of this description for Seth (And every other child born)? In what way is the image of God passed down to children? In what way is the image of the father (Or mother) passed down to children? How might this help us better define what it means to be “after the image and likeness?”
- Contrast the seventh in line from Adam and from Cain, Lamech (4:19-24) and Enoch (5:21-24). What picture is being portrayed concerning God’s blessing of this line?
- As much as we might like to live 900 years, why was it a mercy from God to shorten the span of our lives? What would happen in the world if sinful man could live over ten time longer than we do? Why are 800 years in Heaven with Christ a major upgrade over 800 more years on earth?