05.010. Chapter 5

Genesis 5:1-32 This chapter has been called “The Tolling of the Death Bells” because of the oft-repeated expression “and he died.” It records the bloodline of the Messiah from Adam to Noah’s son, Shem (compare Luke 3:36-38).

Adam was created in the likeness of God (Genesis 5:1). Seth was born in the image of Adam (Genesis 5:3). In between, the Fall took place and the image of God in man became marred by sin. Genesis 5:5 records the physical fulfillment of what God said would happen in Genesis 2:17; the spiritual fulfillment took place the day Adam sinned. The Enoch and Lamech mentioned in this chapter should not be confused with those in Genesis 4:1-26. By faith Enoch walked with God for 300 years and pleased the Lord (Hebrews 11:5). It seems that the birth of his son had a sanctifying, ennobling influence on his life (Genesis 5:22 a). It is good to start well, but it is even better to continue steadfastly to the end. The word walk implies a steady, progressive relationship and not just a casual acquaintance. To walk with God is the busi- ness of a lifetime, and not just the performance of an hour.

Enoch was translated to heaven prior to the flood just as the church will be raptured to heaven before the tribulation begins.

Methuselah lived longer than any other man (969 years). If, as Williams says, the name Methuselah means “it shall be sent,”5 it may be a prophecy, because the flood came in the year of his death. Perhaps Lamech’s prediction when he named Noah looked forward to the comfort that would come-to the world through Noah’s greater Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Genesis 5:29). Noah’s name means “rest.” As the years passed, man’s life expectancy decreased. Psalms 90:10 speaks of 70 years as normal.