Genesis 5
I wonder about many of the stories behind the verses in this chapter. What was it like to live so long? What happened to Enoch when his child was born that caused him to start following God so closely that God took him away. Where did Enoch go? And if I could get away with what the ancient Israelites did and only put the important people in my family tree and leave out the rest (probably not, it’s not socially or intellectually acceptable today)? What was the deal with Methuselah’s name (man of the dart or judgment is coming) and why did he live so long? What was the deal with Noah bringing comfort concerning God’s curse? All good and interesting subjects but not what I am going to look at.
In the beginning of the chapter, we are reminded that God created male and female and called them Adam (Adam meaning earth, to be red, or to make). This showed an equality with men and women. It is also said that God made them (male and female) in his image. Could this be that even in a smaller form, a likeness, an image of God, that just one being could not contain what God truly is? I think maybe. However, the interesting thing is that the man and the woman were made in God’s image.
The problem comes later when Adam has children they are now in Adam’s image, not God’s. Something has happened, we know it as the fall, as sin entering into man. Sin changed Adam (and Eve) and now their children bear their fallen image not the image of God. Because of this image change, man doesn’t seek God naturally. The groundwork is laid for the next chapter.
The sad note is that our image is passed on to our children. Without a change, they will be just like us. However, that may not be a bad thing. Our children bearing our image may be a good thing if we reflect the image of God. We see Enoch changed and I can’t help but think the covenant God offers to Noah is a result of Enoch’s walk with God.
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