[靈修筆記] Reflections on Genesis 5

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Short genealogical account runs throughout Genesis 5. But two figures stand out:

• Enoch

1. He is said to have « walked with God », and then « he was not, for God took him ». He is one of the only two persons in the biblical histories that were taken directly by God to heaven without dying bodily (the other one is Elijah).

2. Even though his earthly life seems relatively short in comparison to his contemporaries, he fathered a son that lives the longest life ever since humankind has existed on earth: Methuselah

3. He walks with God 365 days a year, 365 years a life. The number correspondence makes his ordinary faithfulness out-standing, in spite of the lack of any miraculous deed or feat. This is Enoch.

When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. 22 Enoch uwalked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. 24 Enoch uwalked with God, and he was not,for God took him.

• Lamech

The awareness that « Seven implies perfection in the biblical word » tells us how Lamech is esteemed in the primeval genealogy of the Hebrew people:

1. He is invincible in the competition:

If Cain‘s revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech’s is seventy-sevenfold.

2. He has a phenomenal son that lives a life filled with redemptive significance for all humankind. Then he completes his earthly sojourn with a perfect number.

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.” 30 Lamech lived after he fathered Noah 595 years and had other sons and daughters. 31 Thus all the days of Lamech were 777 years, and he died.

Related articles

• Genesis Chapter 5 (pofw.wordpress.com)