Genesis 5: 32 Commentary

Generations:
Gen 5:1-32
Adam had other sons & daughters and eventually expired at the age of 930. Scripture does not provide the reason for his death, but I assume it was old age. It is interesting to note that this chapter provides a listing of birth and deaths. Chapter 4 had some of Cain’s offspring, but it didn’t include the life spans. I think this chapter is making the point that even the righteous have to deal with the consequences of sin. The wages of sin is death. One final note on Adam: Although he was 930, he may have appeared to be about 960. Adam was an adult when he was created and probably appeared to be between 21-30. (But one you get past 100, the age you appear to be probably doesn’t make much difference. “You’re 900? You don’t look a day over 800!”)
Enoch deserves a mention because he “walked with God: and he was not; for God took him”. The Book does not define, at this point, what it means to walk with God. I assume that he obeyed God by following His commands, even though, at this point, we know of very few commands that have been revealed. This helps make the case that the truth is written on the heart. Because he was righteous, Enoch was raptured and instantly glorified. He is one of two in the Old Testament to escape death; the other being Elijah.
Two brief notes on two other men: Methuselah is said to be the oldest man at 969. (Also, the character appeared in a Star Trek episode when it was discovered that he faked his death and assumed different identities over the centuries.) Lamech is not the same guy descended from Cain. You’d think with so few people that parents could avoid having kids with the same name. Perhaps the two Lamechs help to create the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. It was revealed to him that his son Noah will offer comfort. Noah will get more attention in the next chapters.

By Terik Q (wrote 65 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 3/16/2009 15:51 pm