Genesis 5

We are reminded that mankind (male and female) was made in the likeness of God, but we also remember that sin has marred that image, which makes the phrase “in his own likeness, after his image” a sobering reminder. As a rule, each reference includes the name of a patriarch, his age at the birth of his first son, the length of his remaining life, and his age at death. The average length of life seems incredible to us (912 years) unless we allow for a different ecosystem in the early ancient world, which Genesis alludes to.

Genesis 2:6 “but a mist went up from the earth, and watered the whole surface of the ground” (WEB).

In truth, if we allow for a worldwide flood, we understand that there were drastic changes to the earth, which are reflected in the dwindling lifespans that occurred afterward.

There are two significant individuals in the list. The first is Enoch, who “walked with God, and he was not found, for God took him” (WEB). Notice that “took him” is markedly different than “he died,” and we find a parallel in 2 Kings 2 with Elijah. The second is Noah, who “will comfort us in our work and in the toil of our hands, caused by the ground which Yahweh has cursed.” Talk about foreshadowing!

Thought for the day: How can we walk with God and be pleasing to Him?

Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”