Lesson 14
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THE GENERATIONS OF ADAM
THIS TITLE introduces the third great division of the book of Genesis. Note how the subject-matter is continually being narrowed. First, the book speaks of the generations of the heavens and the earth, now of the generations of Adam. Chapter five presents the genealogy of Seth. It is quite probable that these genealogies are not intended to be complete, but only representative. Nowhere in the Scripture are they made the basis of chronology.
It is common in the Old Testament to omit names in genealogies. Thus, for example, in I Chronicles 9:12 three names are omitted which are given in Nehemiah 11:12. As in Chapter four, so here; we cannot definitely tell what the meaning of each of these proper names is. In reading this Chapter, note the phrase, "and he died." In Genesis three Satan had said, "NOT shall ye die." It is said of each man except Enoch that he died.
"Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him." This phrase, "to walk with God," means more than to lead an upright life. It occurs only three times: here, in describing Noah, and in Malachi 2:6. It probably means that Enoch had supernatural intercourse with God. The translation of Enoch is an illustration of the fact that when true communion with God has been restored, then deliverance from death follows. Study Hebrews 11:5 in this light and compare Jude 14.
Verse Twenty-nine. Contrast this with the words of the Lamech in Chapter four. This Lamech feels the terrible effects of the curse and the burden under which the whole world lieth.
CHAPTER SIX
Verse Two [Gen. 6:2]. We are not certain just what the phrase, "sons of God," means. Some say that it means the angels, and others that it means noble and distinguished men. It is quite probable that it refers to the line of Seth, the chosen line; possibly the phrase, "the daughters of men," means the Cainites. Thus there would be an intermixture of the Cainites and the Sethites by marriage. But while this is possibly the meaning, we cannot assert it too dogmatically.
Verse Three [Gen. 6:3]. This verse is perhaps best translated, "My spirit shall not always abide or rule over man."
Verse Five [Gen. 6:5]. Contrast this verse with Genesis 1:31, and note the awful havoc that sin wrought. Verse Six [Gen. 6:6]. This verse is simply stated from man's point of view. Of course, God does not do something, and then repent and change His mind. Sin in no wise frustrated or changed the plans of God. But this verse shows how much our sin grieved God, for He is a loving God, Who does not want His creatures to perish.
Verses Seven and Eight [Gen. 6:7-8]. God's plan of redemption is not thwarted, for He preserves Noah, through whom He will carry out His plan. Note that the flood is sent because of the sinfulness of man. There is here an ethical emphasis that is lacking in the polytheistic Babylonian accounts of the flood. The purpose of the flood is to destroy mankind. But note also that God decides to save a remnant. These facts will be discussed in detail later.
EXERCISES
- Are the genealogies of Genesis four and five necessarily intended to be complete?
- Are these genealogies ever made the basis of a chronology in Scripture?
- Can we definitely say what the meaning of these proper names is?
- What does the phrase "to walk with God" mean?
- Did Enoch please God? Cf. Hebrews 11:5.
- Write down every statement that is made about Enoch in Genesis four; next write down everything that is said about the Enoch in Genesis five. From what the Scripture says, do yon think that these two Enochs are intended to be the same person?
- Do the same thine with the Lamech of each chapter. Do you think that there is any warrant for saying that these are the same man?
- What does the phrase "sons of God" in Genesis 6:1 probably mean ?
- How is Genesis 6:3 best translated?
- From whose point of view is verse six written?
- Does God really feel sorry for what He has done and repent? Cf. I Samuel 15:29.
- Did a remnant find grace in the eyes of the Lord, through whom God would carry out His promise of redemption?
HYMNS FOR STUDY
No. 309: "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."
No. 75: "Beneath The Cross Of Jesus."