We continue our “Series in Genesis“
BEFORE READING GENESIS 5, I RECOMMEND READING JOHN GILL’S INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS
Chapter CONTEXT from MHCC: This chapter is the only authentic history extant of the first age of the world from the creation to the flood, containing (according to the verity of the Hebrew text) 1656 years, as may easily be computed by the ages of the patriarchs, before they begat that son through whom the line went down to Noah. This is one of those which the apostle calls “endless genealogies” (1 Tim. 1:4), for Christ, who was the end of the Old Testament law, was also the end of the Old Testament genealogies; towards him they looked, and in him they centered. The genealogy here recorded in inserted briefly in the pedigree of our Saviour (Lu. 3:36-38), and is of great use to show that Christ was the “seed of the woman” that was promised. We have here an account, I. Concerning Adam (v. 1-5). II. Seth (v. 6-8). III. Enos (v. 9-11). Cainan (v. 12-14). V. Mahalaleel (v. 15-17). VI. Jared (v. 18-20). VII. Enoch (v. 21-24). VIII. Methuselah (v. 25-27). IX. Lamech and his son Noah (v. 28-32). All scripture, being given by inspiration of God, is profitable, though not all alike profitable.
| Genesis chapter 5 Outline | |
| Ge 5:1-2. | Recapitulation {or retelling} of the creation of man. |
| Ge 5:3-21. | The genealogy, age, and death of the patriarchs from Adam to Noah. |
| Ge 5:22-24. | The godliness and translation of Enoch. |
| Ge 5:25-32. | The birth of Noah, etc. |
Chapter 5:1a (KJV) This is the book of the generations of Adam. The beginning words of chapter five leave no doubt as to its intent and context. Mosses wanted readers to be assured of certain facts and uses v.1-2, to take them back to the Garden.
The next verses .3-28 are a listing of the generations of Adam. MHCC says of these men: Concerning each of them, except Enoch, it is said, and he died. It is implied in the numbering of the years of their life that their life, when those years were numbered and finished, came to an end; and yet it is still repeated, and he died, to show that death passed upon all men without exception, and that it is good for us particularly to observe and improve the deaths of others for our own edification. Such a one was a strong healthful man, but he died; such a one was a great and rich man, but he died; such a one was a wise politic man, but he died; such a one was a very good man, perhaps a very useful man, but he died, etc.
As for Enoch, observe; he accounts here run on for several generations without anything remarkable, or any variation but of the names and numbers; but at length there comes in one that must not be passed over so, of whom special notice must be taken, and that is Enoch, the seventh from Adam: the rest, we may suppose, did virtuously, but he excelled them all, and was the brightest star of the patriarchal age. It is but little that is recorded concerning him; but this little is enough to make his name great, greater than the name of the other Enoch, who had a city called by his name. Here are two things concerning him:—
I. His gracious conversation in this world, which is twice spoken of: Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah (v. 22), and again, Enoch walked with God, v. 24. II. His glorious removal to a better world. As he did not live like the rest, so he did not die like the rest (v. 24): He was not, for God took him; that is, as it is explained (Heb. 11:5), He was translated that he should not see death, and was not found, because God had translated him.
Paul in his letter to the Philippians says (1:20-24/ Berean Standard Bible) I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. 23 I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. 24 But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.…
Paul obviously knew about Enoch, he knew Enoch was said to have walked with God and departed from the earth in a manner apart from mortal death. Paul also has a massive desire to walk with his Lord and Savior while at the same time recognizing that there is still much work to be done here on earth. Thus he is torn between the two, For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
The lesson here both in Enoch and Paul is to live each day for Christ. It is never about us it is always about the sovereign Triune God of the Universe. How magnificent it must be to wake up daily knowing you will walk with God Spiritually on Earth or Physically in Heaven, Glory.
Praying through Genesis 5:24
Thank You, Father, for the example of godly men who maintained a trusting, prayerful communion with You, like Enoch who trusted in You and walked by faith for the rest of his life. Thank You that You are the same, yesterday, today, and forever, and I pray that I may keep the eyes of my heart fixed on Jesus and that my daily walk may be pleasing to You. Help me to live as You would have me to live and to glorify my Father in heaven. In Jesus’ name, I pray, AMEN.
“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” (Genesis 5:24)
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